Guest Services

Special amenities are available to guests every day to help make your visit more enjoyable.

Emergency and Security Services

Members of the Zoo’s Security staff are trained as First Responders for emergency medical situations.

Should you have an emergency while on Zoo grounds, please go to the Entry Plaza, the first aid station located near the Carousel or ask any staff member for help. In case of dangerous weather, the Zoo’s indoor exhibit buildings are designated safe areas.

Services for People with Disabilities

The Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens are fully ADA accessible.

Access services include:

• All animal exhibits and buildings have available ramps.
• Handicap parking is available for both cars and vans in front of the Admissions building.
• Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent.
• Service animals are welcome.
  • The aviaries are restricted with respect to service animals; staff members are available to assist a guest in visiting the aviaries or to watch the service animal while the guest is in the aviaries.
• All public restrooms are handicap accessible. A family restroom is available.
• All buildings have at least one entrance and exit with automatic doors. An elevator is available in the Hilbert Conservatory for access to the second level mezzanine.
• Wheelchair seating is available in the St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion. Please check with an attendant if you need assistance.
• The Playground presented by Peyton Manning’s Children’s Hospital Ascension St. Vincent is wheelchair accessible.
• Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) are admitted free of charge with a paying guest. The PCA can accompany the guest on rides free of charge.
• Ride accessibility:
  • The Carousel and Skyline are wheelchair accessible.
  • Guests must be able to transfer from chair to seat to ride the Kōmbo Family Coaster and White River Junction Train presented by Damar Services
  • One or more of the guests must be able to physically assist the pass holder on and off the ride.
  • Only one ride time can be obtained at a time.
• Tables with wheelchair access area available at the various food venues.
• Assistive hearing devices are available for the dolphin presentation.
• Scripts for the animal chats are available.
• ASL interpreters are available with advance notice.

Rentals

Rental equipment is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The rental counter is located across from the oceans building in the Entry Plaza.

Nursing Moms Nest

The Nursing Moms Nest presented by Riley Children’s at Indiana University Health offers a quiet place for moms to care for and breastfeed their babies in privacy. Tucked away in Flights of Fancy, this beautifully designed space includes three comfortable nursing rooms, a changing station and wash area, and an activity area where older children can sit and play while mom is breastfeeding nearby.

Art at the Zoo

Enhance your Zoo visit with art created especially for you by Kaman’s Art Shoppes, Inc., the Zoo’s official art concessionaire. Whether you want to bring out the animal or take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir, Kaman’s artists will create the perfect artistic expression! With multiple kiosks located throughout the Zoo, guests can choose from a variety of services:

• Photography
• Handimals
• Face painting
• Caricatures
• Airbrush and glitter tattoos

Photography at the Zoo

Guests are encouraged to take photos and videos for private use.

When photographing, please be courteous and allow other guests to enjoy exhibits as well. Tripods, lighting equipment and other items that might obstruct access or view of exhibits are prohibited. The Zoo and Gardens are available for private photography sessions for engagement and wedding, senior class portraits, prom and other special occasions. Sessions must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance and professional photographers must adhere to the Zoo’s photography guidelines. For more information or to schedule a private session please visit our weddings and receptions page.