Q:  How can I join the Zoo?
A:  You can join the Zoo through any of the following methods:

• Call the direct line for the Membership Department at 419-724-5915
• Sign up or renew online by clicking here.
• Visit the Membership Sales window located in the Anthony Wayne Trail Entry Complex.

Q:  What type of memberships are available and how much do they cost?
A: We offer several categories of memberships ranging from a single person to various family categories with different benefits. We also offer President's Circle memberships with separate levels of additional benefits. Residents of Lucas County receive a discount on the purchase of Zoo memberships due to their ongoing support of the Zoo through the county levy. Membership categories and rates are listed below.

Q: If I am purchasing a gift membership, is the price based upon what county I live in, or what county my gift recipient lives in?
A: Membership price is based upon where the person purchasing the membership lives. The Zoo’s differential pricing structure is meant to give a financial discount to residents living in Lucas County since they are supporting us through the county levy; therefore, if the gift purchaser lives in Lucas County, then they will receive the discount reserved for Lucas County residents.

Q:  How long is my membership valid?
A:  Memberships are valid for one year. They begin on the day of purchase and end the following year at the end of the month of purchase.  For example, if you purchase a membership on 11/15/09 it would be valid until 12/01/10. It would still be honored on 12/01/10.

Q:  Can my babysitter/nanny/caregiver bring my children to the Zoo?
A:  Yes. Simply send your caregiver with your membership card and a note granting permission to use your card to bring your children to the Zoo. Please note that only one caregiver is granted free admission and only your children. This policy is only applicable to Individual Plus Memberships, and Family Level and above. Caregiver will be asked to present identification.

Q:  Can a membership be shared between two households?
A:  No. Zoo Memberships can only be used by one household. Members will be asked to present a second form of ID showing their name and current address for verification. The membership cardholder must be present whenever the membership or guest privileges are used.

Q:  Can I give my membership to someone else to use?
A:  No. Zoo Memberships are non-transferable and non-refundable. A second form of identification is requested at the admission gate when presenting your membership card. The membership cardholder must be present whenever the membership or guest privileges are used.

Q: I am a Senior Grandparent member and I am unable to visit the Zoo; can I send my membership card and a note with my adult child or grandchild, so that they can receive free admission?
A: With a Senior Grandparent membership, it is our policy that both members listed on the card be grandparents and one grandparent must always be present when the card is used; therefore the membership card cannot be given to an adult child or the grandchild to use.  If only one grandparent is present, they may bring another adult with them for free admission.

Q:  If a mother and adult daughter with children living in the same household want to purchase a membership, what category should they purchase?
A:  A Family Membership would need to be purchased. A Senior Grandparent membership could not be purchased because this category requires the grandparent always to be present to use the membership.

Q:  Can my children under the age of 21 use my membership card without me being present?
A: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult 16 or older. Children age 12 to 20 years old living in the member household may use the card with a note from their parent. Children can not use the card to bring guests outside of the family. For SUPPORTING FAMILY, CONTRIBUTOR or PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE MEMBERSHIPS, the cardholder must be present whenever guest privileges are used and the guest privileges will be marked accordingly.

Q:  Does my Family Membership allow guests?
A:  No.  A Family Membership admits two adults, children under the age of 21 living at home, and your unmarried grandchildren under the age of 21. One of the cardholders must be present for the card to be used. If one spouse does not visit, another person may be admitted in their place.

Q:  Can I use my membership at other zoos and aquariums?
A:  Yes, you may use your Toledo Zoo membership at over 125 other zoos and aquariums for free or discounted admission.  Click here for the list of reciprocal zoos.  We strongly recommend calling the other institution in advance as each zoo or aquarium has its own admission policy. Beginning January 1, 2012 our reciprocity policy will be 50% discounted admission with all other participating AZA zoos and aquariums.

Q:  What if I want to visit another zoo and I do not have my membership card?
A:  If you would like to visit another zoo and you do not have your membership card, you will need to contact The Toledo Zoo's Membership Department at (419) 724-5915 and we can call ahead and clear you at the reciprocal zoo's admission gate. Other institutions do not have access to our membership informations and will not call to verfiy if you are a member!

Q:  Does my membership allow free admission to The Lights Before Christmas?
A:  Yes, Single, Individual Plus, Senior Grandparent, Family, Supporting Family and Contributor members receive one free membership visit the Lights Before Christmas and your card will be stamped to mark your visit. Please note that your family members must attend together. President's Circle members receive unlimited Lights admission.

Q:  What if I have lost my membership card?
A:  Replacement membership cards may be purchased for a nominal fee of $8.00. Click here for a list of options you can use to purchase a replacement card, including purchasing a replacement card online. Replacement cards can only be requested for memberships that are current.

Q:  Why do I need to show a second form of identification when I use my Zoo membership card?
A:  As a nonprofit, we depend upon membership and attendance revenue for support.  In order to prevent misuse of Zoo membership benefits, and to protect our members in case their card has been lost or stolen, we ask for a second form of photo identification.

Q:  Where is free parking available with my Zoo membership?
A:  The Toledo Zoo grants free parking for one vehicle in the Anthony Wayne Trail parking lot. Parking is subject to availability. The parking lot located on Broadway Street across from the Aquarium is owned and operated by the City of Toledo and is not affiliated with The Toledo Zoo. Please note that you must be a current member to receive free parking.

Q: If I visit the Zoo as a non-member, and decide to join as a member that day, will I receive a refund for my parking?

No, only visitors who are current Zoo members receive free parking for one vehicle in the Anthony Wayne Trail parking lot.  Once you become a Zoo member, your parking will be free from that point on.

Q:  Can I bring a guest if I have a Single membership?
A:  You cannot bring a guest if you have a Single membership. If you would like to bring a guest with you each time you visit the Zoo you would need an Individual Plus membership.

Q:  If I renew my membership prior to the expiration date, will I lose time on my membership?
A:  No, you will not lose any time if you renew your membership prior to your expiration date; your membership expiration date will simply be extended for one additional year. As a conservation organization the Zoo encourages members to renew early and to renew online if possible to decrease the need for paper renewal notices to be printed and mailed.

Q:  If I have an Individual Plus membership can I bring a guest with me each time I visit, or just once.
A:  You may bring one guest with you each time you visit.

Q:  If I have a Supporting Family, Contributor or President's Circle membership, can I use my guest privileges for The Lights Before Christmas?
A:  Yes, if you have guest privileges available, they may be used for The Lights Before Christmas. Please note: Membership cardholder must be present whenever guest privileges are used.

Q:  Are the guest privileges you receive with the Supporting Family, Contributor and President's Circle memberships to be used throughout the year, or each time you visit?
A:  Supporting Family memberships receive a total of 5 guest privileges to use throughout the year, Contributor members receive a total of 10 and Circle members receive a total of 20. Once these privileges have been used, you cannot continue to bring guests. For example, if you are a Supporting Family member and you bring three guests on your first visit, you would only have two guest privileges remaining. Guest privileges are located on the back of your membership card and are marked off as they are used.
Please note: Membership cardholder must be present whenever guest privileges are used.

Q:  If I have a membership at a different zoo, can it be transferred to The Toledo Zoo?
A:  No, the purchase of a zoo membership remains at the host zoo and funds cannot be transferred from one zoo to another.

Q:  If I have a Toledo Zoo membership and I am moving out of town can I get a refund or transfer my membership to another family?
A:  No. Toledo Zoo memberships are not transferable and non-refundable. Due to our extensive reciprocal zoo list you will be able to use your membership at other zoos in your new location for reduced admission.

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