Zoo Ticketing Policies
General Ticketing, Refund, and Admission Policy
Updated November 8, 2023. Ticketing policies are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Guests visiting the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium will experience a living park with live animals in a primarily outdoor setting, subject to all weather conditions. Due to changing conditions including health, safety, operational, or weather concerns, certain animals may be unavailable for viewing, and areas of the park may close unexpectedly.
The Zoo is a rain-or-shine facility. Provided the Zoo is able to open and maintain basic operation, the Pittsburgh Zoo adheres to a no-refund, no-credit, no-substitution, no-rain check policy.
The Zoo retains the right to close for general admission or cancel an event. Guests with pre-purchased tickets for admission on this day or for a specific event will be offered a reschedule or refund opportunity, at the discretion of the Zoo.
All rescheduling requests are evaluated at the discretion of the Pittsburgh Zoo. Rescheduling requests are not guaranteed, as they depend on availability and are likely to incur additional fees, as outlined below or for specific events.
Only tickets obtained from the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium or parties authorized by the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium to sell/distribute tickets will be honored. To verify authenticity, contact the Zoo at 412-665-3640, ext. 0.
Zoo tickets purchased and not used will not be refunded.
By purchasing tickets, you agree to the Zoo’s visitation polices.
Daytime Admission Reschedule Policy
Expanding on the above general policy, “General Daytime Admission” includes daytime entry to the Zoo between the approximate hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. (seasonally dependent, with additional hours available during peak season) and any self-guided experiences during your visit.
Daytime Admission tickets include valid use details directly on the ticket. Tickets may include a valid date, expiration date, or other limitations. Admission tickets may only be used in manners listed on the ticket.
Flex tickets, or any tickets received as part of a sponsorship, contest, donation, gift, or media trade are subject to limitations and expiration dates listed on the ticket and cannot be rescheduled.
General Daytime Admission Plan-Ahead Tickets must be used on the date listed on the ticket. Learn more about Plan-Ahead tickets here.
Guests wishing to reschedule their pre-purchased general admission Plan-Ahead tickets to an alternate available date may call the Zoo’s main line at 412-665-3640 or email visitorservices@pittsburghzoo.org 48 hours in advance to request a reschedule for $5 per ticket. As a rain-or-shine facility, requests to reschedule Zoo tickets due to weather conditions will be denied.
Daytime Admission Group Policy
Single online daytime admission Plan-Ahead purchases that include 15 or more general admission tickets of any age range automatically receive a $18 flat rate (effective January 1, 2024) on daytime admission tickets in their shopping cart. Prices subject to change. Group discount only applies to Plan-Ahead general daytime admission tickets.
The single QR code on the bulk ticket receipt is valid for all admission tickets purchased on the existing bulk order. The number of attendees arriving from the group will be recorded each time the code is scanned at gates. The order receipt and QR code can be printed/forwarded to all members of the group and the same QR code will be scanned to record the appropriate number of guest arrivals as they arrive.
The Zoo is unable to add additional tickets to existing discounted orders. The Zoo will not maintain a list of uniquely identifiable attendees, so please be sure your QR code is only offered to your approved group attendees. Additional guests beyond the original discounted order will need to purchase tickets at the going admission gate rate.
Per above general policy, tickets purchased but not used by group attendees will not be refunded.
Schools, colleges, daycares, scouts, camps, and other educational institutions can apply to receive additional discounts and options for additional classes here.
Event Refund/Reschedule Policy
Expanding on the above general policy, “Events” include a variety of ticketed activities offered beyond a general daytime visit to the Zoo. This includes educational classes, on-grounds ticketed meals, evening experiences, behind-the-scenes tours, and more.
Unless otherwise specified for a specific event, all cancelations must be made at least two (2) weeks prior to the start of your event. In the event of a cancelation or change, the Zoo will retain a transaction fee and processing fee.
There are no refunds for any cancelations made less than two (2) weeks prior to the start of your scheduled event.
Note that contracted Private Events are subject to terms and conditions listed on the contract.
For educational programs, please refer to the policy that is specific to your class.
Please contact Visitor Services at 412-665-3640 with any questions.