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.

We encourage individuals and families with special needs to reach out to us in advance so we can help you prepare for our visit.

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 consistent with applicable laws and regulations are welcome. Therapy or emotional support animals are not permitted in the Zoo. For the health and safety of our visitors, staff, volunteers, Zoo animals and visiting service animals, please adhere to the following guidelines:
  • Service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered.
  • The care and supervision of the service animal is the sole responsibility of the owner.
  • Any service animal whose behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others can be asked to leave the Zoo.
  • The owner is responsible for the removal of any animal waste.
  • If a Zoo animal shows aggression or fear toward a service animal, creating a direct threat to the health or safety of others, the service animal will be removed from the immediate area.
  • An animal whose behavior (e.g. barking) fundamentally alters or disrupts presentations will be removed from the immediate area.
  • 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.
• Licensed 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.
• An online Visual Resource Guide is available to help individuals and families experience the Zoo before their visit.

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 — New Location

The new Nursing Moms Nest offers privacy for new moms who are pumping or breastfeeding. Now in a new location inside the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, the Mamava Lactation Suite includes comfortable seating, a fold-down table and outlets for your convenience. The code to open the door is located on the outside of the Mamava and the door locks from the inside for privacy. Moms can also open the door through the Mamava App.

Download the Mamava App for additional features.

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.