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Zoo Accessibility

At the Santa Barbara Zoo, everyone is welcome, and we strive to make every guest’s visit as fun and educational as possible. Please use the information below to help make your Zoo visit a safe, enjoyable, and memorable one.

Accessible Map

Wheelchair/stroller-friendly paths and quieter spaces are marked on the Zoo’s map: download here.

Dining

The Zoo’s two restaurants offer gluten-free and dairy-free selections. The Ridley-Tree House Restaurant serves delicious grilled items, sandwiches, salads, and other tasty delights. At the Wave, you’ll enjoy sandwiches, kid-friendly meals, light snacks, and frozen treats along with sweeping ocean and mountain views on the Zoo’s hilltop cafe. Hot food is served until 4:30 p.m., and beer and wine are available.

Seasonal carts with snacks and beverages and vending machines are found throughout the Zoo.

Low-Cost Admission Program

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a proud participant in the Museums for All program, offering discounted pricing on general daytime admission ($3 per admission for up to four people) for guests presenting an EBT card, SNAP benefits, and a valid form of photo ID. Zoo parking not included.

Parking

Accessible parking spaces are available in the Zoo’s parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wheelchair/ECV rental

Wheelchairs are available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis at the main gift store near the Zoo’s entrance.

Electric convenience vehicles (ECV) are available to rent for the day. Supplies are limited, so please rent your ECV online when you make your reservation to visit the Zoo.

  • Wheelchair: $7/day, $6/day for SB Zoo Members
  • ECV: $40*/day, $35/day for SB Zoo Members. ECV rentals require a $10 deposit.

Service Animals

Service animals are allowed if they meet ADA’s definition as “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.” Pets, emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not allowed in the Zoo. Read more information about the AZA’s service animal policy here.

Social Narrative

Make your visit a little easier with this visual story. Landmarks, quiet spaces, and other helpful information can be found in the social narrative, Let’s Visit the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Sensory Backpack

Sensory backpacks are available for rent at the admissions window on a first-come, first-served basis. Each kit includes a number of items that may be helpful for visiting the Zoo with a child who is sensory sensitive.

Backpack inventory:

  • Zoo car
  • Fidget cube
  • Noise-canceling headphones
  • Squeeze balls
  • Scavenger hunt
  • Animal squeeze toy

Use of sensory backpacks is free. Guests who would like to check out a bag just need to leave their ID with Zoo staff until they return the backpack. Call (805) 962-5339 to reserve.

SANTA BARBARA ZOO
500 Ninos Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93103