Membership

Membership gift certificates allow you to purchase a membership without entering any contact or existing account information for the recipient. Our gift certificates are perfect for auctions/event prizes, gifts for employees, holiday gifts and more. A PDF of your gift certificate is attached to your receipt for convenient presentation. Since certificates may be redeemed online up to six months from the date of purchase, the recipient’s year of membership begins when they chose to redeem their certificate.

Promotional or renewal discount codes cannot be applied to gift membership certificate purchases. Certificates are non-refundable. Certificates must be redeemed by the date shown.

Purchase a Membership Gift Certificate

To redeem, select the membership level shown on your certificate from the choices above and click “Join Now.” Your certificate number will serve as the discount code to be entered during checkout. Memberships are valid for one year from the date of redemption.

• Certificates must be redeemed by the expiration date shown.
• Certificates must be redeemed online only.

This depends on how many people you plan to take with you. We have several different levels to accommodate you and your guests. Please contact the membership department at 713-533-6535 to speak with a representative.

Members enjoy discounts on gift shop purchases, additional admission tickets for guests, wildlife carousel rides, TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights tickets, special events, education programming and more. You must be logged in to apply your discount to purchases made online.

You may use your membership every day during normal Zoo hours. The Zoo may have different hours if it is being closed early due to special or private events. After hours events (such as Zoo Lights and Feast with the Beasts) are not covered by your membership, but you may receive a discount. Be sure to check the calendar for event information.

Yes! The Zoo is open one hour early at 8:00 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month for Members only! Enjoy cooler weather and see keepers prepare animal areas. (Please note that in the month of November, Member Morning is held on the first Sunday.)

Please visit our Discounts at Other Zoos webpage for a list of participating zoos and aquariums around the country.

Your membership is valid until the end of the month one year from the date of purchase. For example, if you purchase a membership in June, it will be valid until June 30 the following year.

Did you know you may be able to double or even triple your membership contribution at no cost to you? Many employers will match your current membership contribution. The matching gift does not change your membership level, but the additional gift is a huge help to the Zoo.

Contact your Human Resources Department to find out if your employer has a matching gifts program.

Employers typically have webpages where you can enter your new membership information. Feel great knowing you helped your Zoo even more!

Yes! Estimated Fair Market Value of Benefits: All costs may be considered a contribution to the Houston Zoo, Inc., a Section 501(c)(3) charity. The Internal Revenue Service has issued guidelines that affect the charitable contribution portion of memberships. Under those guidelines, Members may claim the amount of their membership fee, less the fair market value of benefits received. For Individual Plus, Family, Senior 65+ and Family Plus Members, the fair market value of benefits received is not substantial. The estimated fair market value of benefits received for other categories are: Family & Friends Premium $12; Conservator $12.

As a courtesy, we are able to perform a one-time change to the additional names adults on your membership account.

By requiring photo ID, we are better able to protect the integrity your membership and offer more benefits to our participating Members.

Membership cards are mailed within 3 to 4 weeks of purchase of the membership. You may use your membership before your cards arrive by presenting a photo ID at the Membership Services window and obtaining your membership pass.

If you purchase a membership at the Zoo, you will be issued a pass that will allow access to the Zoo until you receive membership cards in the mail. You may also visit by presenting your receipt from your online purchase along with your photo ID at the Member Entrance. If the membership is purchased by phone or mail, please present a valid photo ID at the membership services window to obtain a pass. Please allow 2-3 weeks processing for memberships purchased by mail. Call ahead to verify that the membership is active. Reciprocal facilities may not accept temporary passes; please call ahead to their organization to verify their policies.

Yes, please present your photo ID at the membership window to receive a membership pass. This pass is valid for the duration of your membership.

No. Your membership card and associated privileges are not transferable to any other individual or family. You will be asked to present a valid photo ID for the named Members listed on your membership at the time of your visit.

With the Family Premium level, you receive the Kid Keeper/Nanny benefit. This enables one adult not listed on the account to accompany up to 6 children without any of the named adults being present. This individual must present a Family Premium level membership card at the Member Entrance and declare themselves the Kid Keeper to gain admittance. Additional individuals visiting with the Kid Keeper must purchase tickets.

Present your photo ID at the Membership Services window to obtain your membership pass.