Frequently Asked Questions

Sunset Zoo is open year-round, including the winter. During the colder months, some birds will not be viewable or on exhibit. Most of the animals enjoy the cold and snow and will always have access to behind the scenes dens with access to warm spots, food, and water.

Sunset Zoo’s daily hours align with standard work schedules to ensure the best care for our animals and staff. While we close at 5:00pm, we offer a variety of special events and programs throughout the year that provide opportunities to enjoy the Zoo after hours.

Sunset Zoo's gift shop is open April to October 9:30am to 5:00pm daily and November to March 12:00pm to 5:00pm daily. Visit the Guest Services page for up to date Expedition Café concession business hours.

We do not offer military discounts on daily admission to the Zoo; however, the Friends of Sunset Zoo offers a $5 off discount on select annual memberships. Additionally, we host Military Appreciation Day each November on Veterans Day, offering free admission to active military, retired military, military reserves, gold-star members, and their families.

We do not offer senior discounts on daily admission to the Zoo, however we do offer senior level Friends of Sunset Zoo Memberships.

Wheelchairs are available to rent until supplies last. We do not have electric wheelchairs. Zoo guests are encouraged to bring their own wheelchairs and electric wheelchairs to the park.

Service animals are welcome at Sunset Zoo. Visitors with service animals should notify the presence of a service animal at the time of arrival. Advance notice is appreciated but not required. The care and supervision of service animals on zoo grounds is solely the responsibility of the handler. Other outside animals and pets are not allowed into the zoo or any other city facility. 

Patrons are not allowed to bring the following items onto Sunset Zoo grounds: 

• Bicycles
• Skateboards
• Scooter
• Inline skates
• Sports equipment
• Balloons
• Radio/music devices
• Glass containers
• Hoverboards
• Drones
• Street licensed/gas powered mobility devices
• Pets
• Grills
• Alcohol

Other items may apply. 

Please do not feed Sunset Zoo's animal residents. All the zoo animals are on high-quality diets to ensure a happy, long, healthy life. Feeding opportunities are available, visit Animal Feedings page for details, booking, and pricing.

Guests are welcome to bring outside food and drinks to Sunset Zoo. However, for the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, guests cannot bring glass containers, alcohol, and grills onto Zoo grounds. Picnic tables are available at the Historic Limestone Pavilion and near the Expedition Café concession stand, including accessible seating options. Guests are also welcome to relax on the limestone seating at the Chautauqua Amphitheater.

Sunset Zoo offers push wagons, single strollers, and double strollers for rent. Visit the Guest Services page for pricing and details. 

See Something, Say Something! Sunset Zoo staff are present daily throughout the park during regular business hours, but may not see everything you see or hear. If you notice a distressed animal or a guest(s) exhibiting inappropriate behavior towards an animal resident, property, or other guest(s), REPORT IT by calling guest services at 785-587-2737.

Shirts and shoes are required at all times. Guest are required to wear appropriate clothing. Children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Smoking of any tobacco product, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices are not allowed anywhere on zoo grounds.

Yes, Sunset Zoo has a Caregiver's Room in the Wild Wonders Room located in the Nature Exploration Center. If this room is occupied or unavailable and you need another comfortable space call Sunset Zoo Guest Services at 785-587-2737. 

Sunset Zoo offers group rates for 20 people or more, as well as School and Non-Profit group visit rates with 2-week advance notice required. Visit the Group and School Admission page for details.

Yes, the Sunset Zoo Education Department offers a variety of classes and programs to provide groups, families, and individual an in-person and virtual experience of the natural world. Visit the Education Page for more details. 

All fences, barriers, and gates are for safety and must not be crossed.

Guests may only touch animals in authorized areas during zoo education programs with trained zoo staff present.

Threating or offensive behavior towards animals, guests, or staff, as well as profanity, illegal substances or suggestive clothing and comments are prohibited.

Contact zoo guest services at 785-587-2737 with further questions or comments.