Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Zoo and Gardens accessible for persons with disabilities?
Both the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens are wheelchair accessible.  Look for ramps inside the Zoo grounds by the overlook at the Plains yard, for giraffe feeding, and leading into the Dolphin Pavilion.  At the Gardens, look for the ramp into the Schaefer Rotunda entrance, the ramp from the Rotunda up to the main floor, and the elevator near the steps to the Hulman Riverhouse that takes visitors up to the mezzanine level in the Hilbert Conservatory. 

Click here for information on wheelchair rental.

Do you rent umbrellas?
We do not, but the gift shop sells rain ponchos.
 
The Zoo is all indoors, right?
We do have some indoor buildings, but the Zoo is primarily an outdoor venue subject to weather conditions.
 
Is it going to rain?  What is the weather forecast?
We tell all our guests that if we could control the weather it would be nice year around.  Unfortunately, we can’t control the weather, so we recommend you check the weather forecast from the local television, radio and newspaper.  In addition, our web site is linked to a weather service.  Just click here for today’s forecast!
 
Is the Christmas at the Zoo holiday show a drive through event?
It is not, but you can take the train ride inside the Zoo to see some of the lights.
 
Do you rent golf carts?
No, but we do have wheelchairs and electric carts available to rent.
 
Why does the lion sleep all day?
Well, the lions and the tigers do sleep a lot.  Like all cats, big or small, they rest or sleep up to 16 hours per day!  For best viewing of our big cats, we recommend seeing them in the morning, especially right after opening time of 9am, and on cooler days.  Just like humans, they really take it easy on hot days.
 
Where and what is White River Gardens?
White River Gardens is a botanic garden that is part of the Indianapolis Zoo.  It is located adjacent to the Zoo and shares the same entrance and parking lot.  The Gardens features four annual shows in its Conservatory, and contains over two acres of beautiful outdoor gardens to both enjoy and inspire gardeners with ideas.

May I send my kids babysitter/nanny with them to the Zoo, using our family membership?
Yes, but the babysitter/nanny must purchase a regular admission price ticket, while the children may use the Family/Grandparent/Gift Club membership admission.  NOTE: An adult cardholder must accompany all guests.  Otherwise, the non-member adult must pay the regular admission price.

Is that poison ivy I see all over Zoo grounds?
No, it’s Virginia Creeper.  People sometimes confuse Virginia creeper with poison ivy. Both have palmate compound leaves, but Virginia creeper has five leaflets, while poison ivy has only three. Hence the old adage: leaflets three, let it be!

May we bring our dog with us to the Zoo?
No, for health and safety reasons for the animals in our collection, pets are NOT allowed on Zoo grounds.  Service animals accepted.