Advantages of Becoming a Zoo or Aquarium Member
AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums offer an exciting up-close and personal experience with some of nature’s most stunning species. In addition to the opportunity to see a variety of flora and fauna guests might not see in the wild, zoos and aquariums also offer a fun experience for families and educational opportunities for local schools and homeschoolers.
When you become a member of your local zoo or aquarium, you can enjoy a variety of perks you won’t have access to as a guest with general admission. Here are five reasons to consider becoming a member of your local zoo or aquarium.
1. Discounts at Your Local Zoo
By far one of the best perks of membership with an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium is the multitude of members-only discounts you can take advantage of. The type of discounts offered to members of AZA zoos and aquariums vary among individual locations but include:
Admission Discounts
Memberships with AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums often include free or discounted admission for members and their children or significant others. Pricing and packages vary, but most programs offer free admission or at least 50% off admission for members on each visit. Contact your local AZA-accredited facility to learn more about membership benefits and to find out whether or not admission discounts are included in the perks of membership!
Gift Shop Discounts
Zoo and aquarium memberships also commonly offer discounts on merchandise found in their gift shops. Gift shops are also a great way to get holiday shopping done!
Concessions Discounts
For families and individuals who visit their local zoo or aquarium often, membership programs can truly save hundreds when you account for the cost of admission, gift shop purchases, and food. Many membership programs offer discounts on concessions and snacks.
Special Event Discounts
Many zoos and aquariums offer special events to members throughout the year. From haunted Halloween events to holiday festivities, there’s plenty to do throughout the year at your local zoo or aquarium even if you’ve already seen every exhibit! As a member, you may also have access to early ticket sales and free or discounted admission for special events.
Admission to Members Only Events
Along with free or discounted general admission, zoo and aquarium members also enjoy the opportunity to participate in members-only events, such as meet and greets with zookeepers or seasonal festivities. Members may also have the opportunity to participate in advanced ticket sales of events.
Free Parking
For parents of young children or those who prefer convenient access to parking, your zoo or aquarium may offer free or discounted parking or even special admission to designated members-only parking locations.
FIND YOUR LOCAL ZOO →
2. Discounted Admission to Some Other AZA-Member Facilities
If your local zoo or aquarium is a member of AZA, becoming a member can save you money while you’re traveling too! Some AZA zoos and aquariums participate in AZA’s voluntary reciprocity program and might offer discounts on admission to members of other AZA-member zoos and aquariums.
Some locations even offer free admission in addition to gift shop discounts for members of other AZA zoos and aquariums. And you can rest assured that like your local facility, the AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums you visit provide the best in animal care and support conservation. Find out if your local accredited facility participates in AZA’s voluntary reciprocity program.
AZA ZOO + AQUARIUM RECIPROCITY CHART →
3. Free or Discounted Admission for Guests
In addition to free and discounted admission for members, many AZA-accredited zoo and aquarium membership packages also include the opportunity to bring guests along for the ride. Some may offer free guest admission at each visit, while others may offer a certain number of guest passes each season. Regardless, grandparents and parents can take advantage of the opportunity to bring family and friends along for a visit to the zoo.
Singles may also consider zoo and aquarium memberships for individuals with guest passes which offer a unique opportunity for dates and adventures with friends. Many zoos and aquariums also offer discounts on membership packages for students and educators. Check with your local zoo to learn more about membership discounts and programs for students and teachers!
4. Access to Exclusive Member Content
Many zoo and aquarium memberships also include access to newsletters, magazines, and other content exclusively available to members. From the latest news in the animal world to an inside peek at new animals and exhibits, member publications offer an opportunity to stay connected with your local zoo or aquarium and be the first to know about exciting happenings.
5. Contribution to Animal Conservation and Research
When you support your local zoo or aquarium through membership programs, you’re also supporting the work they do to protect endangered species and awareness of the importance of animal conservation efforts.
HOW ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS PROTECT ENDANGERED SPECIES →
Woodland Park Zoo’s Quarters for Conservation
At Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington, $2.50 of every membership purchase contributes directly to their Quarters for Conservation program which funds field conservation projects around the world. Members can even select which conservation program they’d like to contribute to, including the following:
WOODLAND PARK ZOO’S QUARTERS FOR CONSERVATION →
Zoo New England’s Quarters for Conservation
At the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston and the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Massachusetts, $2.50 of every membership directly contributes to Zoo New England’s Quarters for Conservation program which funds a variety of species survival programs, including:
ZOO NEW ENGLAND’S QUARTERS FOR CONSERVATION →
Did you know you can also be a member of AZA even if you don’t work in a zoo or aquarium?
If you’re passionate about animals and wildlife conservation initiatives, you can also take advantage of AZA’s Friend Membership to help us support rescue efforts and conservation programs around the world. The Friend of Zoos and Aquariums membership is available to individuals who support the conservation mission of the AZA but are not working at a zoo or aquarium. As a Friend of Zoos & Aquariums with AZA, you have access to:
- AZA’s quarterly newsletter which features the latest news on AZA facility births and conservation success stories
- Yearly calendar featuring stunning photos from our accredited zoos and aquariums
- A special gift of thanks for your support
You can also add on a subscription to our magazine, Connect, and keep up to date on all of the zoo and aquarium news!
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