Welcome!

Online tickets purchased in advance are currently required for ALL guests, including Santa Barbara Zoo Members (member tickets are free of charge).  No tickets required for children under 2.

Buy/Reserve Tickets

Not a Santa Barbara Zoo member? Join today!

Safety
Measures
Detailed
Information
Frequently Asked Questions

New Safety Policy effective June 15

  • Guests are not required to wear a mask or socially distance in outdoor areas
  • Unvaccinated guests (including children) are encouraged to wear a mask in indoor spaces
  • Masks required for giraffe feeding and other animal encounters with mammals
  • No proof of vaccination status is required when entering the Zoo
  • Most indoor exhibits and public spaces are reopening as available
  • Advance ticketing still required 

Advance Ticketing

Advance ticketing remains in effect; this provides for a better guest experience in the park and allows the Zoo to slowly increase capacity safely as California reopens.

Pick a day and time to visit, and you will receive an electronic ticket that can be scanned by one of our team members when you arrive.

Some Areas Remain Closed

Eeeww!, Tropical Aviary, and the Barnyard feeding area will remain closed due to construction and other operational needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are advance tickets required?

  • Advance tickets are required for both Santa Barbara Zoo Members and non-members. Member tickets are free of charge.
  • General admission and membership reservations are limited each day. First come, first served.
  • Purchases are limited to 6 tickets.
  • Members will need their photo ID and reservation confirmation.
  • Bring your reservation confirmation (printed or on phone) to check in.
  • Guests must arrive at their reserved time slot to ensure capacity is not exceeded. The final time slot is 4 PM.

Is a face mask required to visit the Zoo?

updated 6/15/21: Local public health code requires unvaccinated guests (including children) to wear masks when entering indoor areas where they will be in close contact with others. While there is no requirement for providing proof of vaccination status when entering the Zoo, we encourage unvaccinated guests to follow this guidance in indoor spaces.

Is the Zoo Train running?

The Zoo Train is running on a modified basis. Reserved tickets are required and can be purchased here. 

I have a membership at a different zoo/aquarium. Can I use the reciprocal discount?

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are currently unable to honor any admission discounts at this time, including free or discounted reciprocal membership from other zoos and aquariums.

Can I use a coupon/other discount on my ticket purchase?

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are currently unable to honor any admission discounts at this time.

Can I still see all of the animals?

While some exhibits and attractions may be closed, guests will still see many of their favorite animals, including leopards, penguins, and giraffes!

Can I book a birthday party or private event?

Group gatherings have not yet been permitted as per County and State regulations. We are tentatively booking events on a case-by-case basis. Please email the Events department for more information.

Can I book a wedding?

Yes, please contact Events by Rincon, the Zoo’s exclusive catering partner, for more information.

Member Questions

I'm a member, do I still need a reservation?

Yes, all Santa Barbara Zoo Members require a timed ticket and will need to show their photo ID and reservation confirmation. If you have questions, please contact our membership team.

Can reservations be canceled/changed?

Please contact member services so we can update your reservation. 

Do I need to make a reservation for kids under 2 years old?

No, guests under 2 years old do not need a reservation.

Help! I am having trouble logging in/making my online reservations, what do I do?

Oh no! We are so sorry you are having trouble, our reservation system can be tricky to navigate. Please contact member services for support.

How can I redeem a membership gift certificate?

If you’d like to redeem a gift certificate for SB Zoo membership, please contact the membership team by phone (805) 679-8479 or email.