Zoo Rules and FAQ

I lost an item at the Zoo. Or, I found a lost item.
What do I do?

Visit the Guest Relations office located just outside the main entrance – that’s where our Lost and Found is located. We can take down your information and contact you if your lost item is found. If you or your child has accidentally dropped an item in an animal exhibit, notify a Zoo Ranger (in uniform with a red shirt) or call 713-533-6501 to report the loss immediately.

Tips to Make Your Trip More Enjoyable

Parking Alert: The zoo has become a popular place to visit, and free parking in Hermann Park is limited. Our Hours & Directions webpage has the latest information on your parking options.

Be weather smart: When it’s very hot, cold, or raining, we have many indoor exhibits to explore – don’t let the weather keep you away! Check the weather forecast before you arrive, and bring umbrellas, raincoats, jackets and other outerwear as needed.

Be optically prepared: Bring binoculars the next time you visit the Zoo, so you can get a REALLY close look at our beautiful animals. And don’t forget your camera!

Water Play Park: Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes for the little ones. Kids love splashing around the water park on a hot day!

Be safe: To ensure the security of our animals and our guests, please observe the following safety precautions.

• Zoo animals are wild. Please stay on the visitor paths, observe posted signs and do not reach into or climb on exhibits.
• Please do not throw things at the animals.
• Please do not feed or touch the animals.
• Making loud noises may startle the animals.
• Please do not pick flowers or plants, climb trees or walk through the flower beds.

Plan Your Day Kiosk

The Zoo is a big exciting place. There’s so much to see and do that’s it’s often hard to decide on what to do first. Check out the Plan Your Day kiosk located just inside the gates to find everything happening the day you visit, including meet the keeper talks, news, and other special happenings.

Download Our Zoo App

Our digital tour guide to the zoo.
Get our app and take the zoo with you.

Free Wi-Fi in Select Areas

At the Zoo, you can find free wi-fi in the front entrance plaza, Medical Center Gate entrance plaza, Cypress Circle concessions area and in the Brown Education Center.

Stroller and Scooter Rentals

We offer six items for rent to help you get around the zoo:

• Single strollers – $10
• Double strollers – $13
• Wagons – $13
• Manual Push Wheelchairs – $10
• Motorized Scooters – $29
• Motorized Scooters with Sunshade – $39

Stroller and wagon prices include a $1.00 deposit that is refundable when you return them with your rental receipt to the rental location at least 1 hour before the Zoo closes for the day. For wheelchair and motorized scooter rentals, your photo ID will be held at the rental location until the items are returned. All stroller rentals can be paid by cash, traveler’s check or major credit card.

Zoo Map

Pick up your Houston Zoo Map at the entrance or open one now: Download the PDF of the Map and print it out and bring it with you.