AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program

One of the benefits of becoming a member of your local AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium is free or discounted admission to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums that participate in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program.

Here's the recently updated List of participating zoos and aquariums (PDF) for 2023-2024. 

PLEASE NOTE – Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is at the discretion of the participating zoo or aquarium, as to whether they will honor entrance benefits during this time. Please call ahead for the latest information about this program.

Be sure to read the program rules and information before visiting the zoos and aquarium on this list. Please note that participating institutions located in close geographic proximity to each other are not required to offer free or discounted admission to each other's members in order to participate in the Reciprocal Admissions Programs, although they may offer an alternative discount. It is always a good idea to call ahead.

HOW DO I READ THE RECIPROCITY CHART? 

  • First, find the zoo or aquarium where you are a member on the 2023 Chart.
  •  Locate the number in the Reciprocity column.
  • Find the zoo or aquarium you would like to visit and locate the number in the Reciprocity column.

Refer to the table below to determine the available discount.

Home Facility Reciprocity

Reciprocity of the Facility I want to visit

Available Discount

50%

50%

50% discount

100%

50% discount

Free to the Public

Other benefits, such as gift shop discounts

100%

50%

50% discount

100%

Free admission

Free to the Public

Other benefits, such as gift shop discounts

Free to the Public

50%

50% discount

100%

Free admission

Free to the Public

Other benefits, such as gift shop discounts

 

 

  • If your HOME zoo/aquarium says 50% in red, then you will receive a 50% discount at all of the zoos and aquariums on this list, except those in green that are "Free."
  • If your HOME zoo/aquarium says 100% blue, then you will receive 100% discount at other zoos/aquariums on this list that are also 100% OR 50% discount at all of the zoos/aquariums in red that are 50% reciprocity.
  • If your HOME zoo/aquarium says Free to the Public, then you will receive 100% discount at other zoos/aquariums on this list that list 100% OR 50% discount at all of the zoos/aquariums in red that are 50% reciprocity.
 

Call the listed zoo/aquarium phone number in advance of your visit to confirm the latest details and restrictions.

Program Rules

View the 2023 Chart and locate your home zoo or aquarium where you are a member to see if they participate in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program. 

Zoos and aquariums listed on the 2023 Reciprocal Admissions List have agreed to participate from March 2022 to March 2023.

Occasionally, zoos and aquariums are added to this list during the year. Please check the AZA Web site for the most current list.

PLEASE NOTE – Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, it is at the discretion of the participating zoo or aquarium as to whether they will be able to honor entrance benefits during this time.

  • Members will be required to show proof of zoo or aquarium membership.
  • Reciprocity applies to admission to the main facility during normal operating days and hours.
  • Reciprocity may exclude special exhibits or events requiring an additional fee. 
  • Reciprocity does not limit the number of visits to any particular zoo or aquarium.
  • The number of visitors admitted with a family membership may vary depending on the zoo or aquarium visited

AZA is not responsible for changes to participating zoos and aquariums' policies. 

AZA cannot mediate reciprocity disputes between participating zoos and aquariums.

Please call each individual zoo or aquarium BEFORE your visit to confirm the latest details and restrictions! 
Become a Member of Your Local Zoo/Aquarium

Becoming a member is a great way to support your local accredited zoo or aquarium. You can learn more about your local zoo or aquarium’s membership program on their website or by contacting them directly.

Please note that AZA does not offer memberships to the public that provide discounts to any zoos or aquariums.

 If you are an AZA Individual Member looking for the AZA Member Discounted Admissions Program for professional exchange among zoo and aquarium employees, please click here.

Why is my zoo/aquarium not on the list?

Not every AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium participates in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions program.

Some AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums that do not participate in the program may have individual reciprocal agreements with other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.

 Contact your local zoo or aquarium to find out about any special discount arrangements.

Can I Visit Other Local Zoos/Aquariums?

The zoos and aquariums on the 2023 Reciprocal Admissions List that are located in close geographic proximity to each other are not required to offer free or discounted admission to each other's members, although they may offer an alternative discount. "Close geographic proximity" is determined by each institution.

Should you have any questions about an institution's participation due to geographic proximity, please contact the zoo or aquarium directly using the phone number listed on the 2023 Chart.
Free and Discounted Admissions - AZA Professional Members

Please note that the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program is not the same as the AZA Free and Discounted Admissions Program for AZA Members, which applies ONLY to members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is intended to facilitate professional exchange among zoo and aquarium employees.

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