If you really want to have a literally wild time in Atlanta, there’s only one place to visit: Zoo Atlanta. Keep reading to find out why it’s one of the most fun activities and places to go in Georgia’s largest city.
The zoo was launched in 1889 when a businessman was given some circus animals. It steadily built up its reputation and became what we know and love today.
Zoo Atlanta: What You Need To Know Before You Visit
Conservation and education is a big part of the Zoo Atlanta experience. That’s why the Great Ape Heart Project is headquartered there. The zoo also is the hosting institution and partner of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.
The zoo’s staff is well-known in state academic circles. Many of the zoo’s scientific staff hold faculty appointments at Georgia State University, Georgia Tech, and the University of Georgia.
Much of their research has been published in prominent scientific journals on a national level.
Click the links: What to know about Zoo Atlanta
Here are some things to know before you visit Zoo Atlanta.
Is The Atlanta Zoo Free?
No, Zoo Atlanta is not free for general admission. However, it is free to some people.
All active-duty, reserves, veterans, and retired members of the U.S. military get in free with valid identification. But you may be thinking how much does it cost to get into Zoo Atlanta.
How Much Does Zoo Atlanta Cost?
Zoo Atlanta now has a policy of “timed ticketing,” which means the price varies based on the time of year. For the hotter months, here’s what you’ll typically pay:
| Ages | Price Of Entry |
|---|---|
| Adults (Ages 12+) | $24.20--$30.45 |
| Child (Ages 3-11) | $19.45--$24.45 |
| Senior (65+) | $22.45--$28.45 |
| College Student (Student ID Required) | $22.45--$28.45 |
You can also buy a membership for $109 a year.
Do You Have To Pay For Parking At Zoo Atlanta?
You don’t have to pay for parking there, but you also have to watch where you park.
If you can’t park on-site, you have to get a space in the adjoining neighborhoods. Once the zoo parking lot fills up, most people just park off of Cherokee Avenue.
What Are Zoo Atlanta’s Hours?
Zoo Atlanta’s hours are generally 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day, although the facility allows you to schedule your itinerary to see the animal attractions at specific times. Zoo Atlanta is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
During the warmer months, be sure to come early to beat the heat and the crowds.
What Kinds Of Animals Does Zoo Atlanta Have?
There are all types of animals there. Favorites include the regular African elephants, African lions as well as some tigers and bears you’d expect at a major metropolitan zoo, but they also have some pretty prestigious giant pandas.
Now, let’s get into some of the animals you’ll see and no doubt become familiar with when you visit Zoo Atlanta.
Pandas
One of the main attractions are the zoo’s giant pandas. One of the most famous ones, Yang Yang, is 22 years old.
Pandas are notoriously difficult to keep alive in a regulated habitat. The zoo is one of the only places outside of Asia to continuously raise pandas successfully.
It’s no small feat. The world’s giant panda population is estimated to be around 2,000.
How To Watch The Panda Cam
Panda Cam is a popular online attraction that the zoo provides. The camera offers people a closer, behind-the-scenes look at the giant pandas devoid of much human interaction.
In this way, Panda Cam provides something very authentic.
African elephants
Kelly, Tara and Msholo are the zoo’s famed African elephants. Their habitat is just what you’d see in the Motherland: a pond, waterfalls and multiple opportunities to create mud wallows like they would in the new African Savanna.
Silverback gorillas
Zoo fans have grown accustomed to Lulu, but now little Anaka has made the gorilla group a cradle of joy. The zoo also has some famous primates there, like Pelari the orangutan and many more.
Giraffes
The zoo’s giraffes Abu, Etana and Isooba are running neck and neck (get it?) in their competition of visitor favorite. Watch the video below to see how they get along.
Here’s a great close-up look at Etana exploring his habitat in the new African Savanna and checking out whatever this weird Nest cam thing is. The giraffes are still getting acclimated to the habitat, but Abu, Etana and Isooba are making great progress! #OnlyZooATL pic.twitter.com/kdUa1R8rlF
— ZooATL (@ZooATL) August 28, 2019
Can You Host Events At Zoo Atlanta?
Yes, you can! Whether you want to have a safari-like wedding in the grand ballroom of the majestic Savanna Hall or host a twilight dinner on the Takamenda Gorilla Deck surrounded by gorillas, it can happen.
Your company can even to a Zoo buyout for an unforgettable evening with the colleagues.
How To Visit Zoo Atlanta For Free
One of the best ways to save money at Zoo Atlanta is to visit when they have a special event. They have several free events throughout the year as well.
- Go when it’s free: Zoo Atlanta has free admission for Military members (proof required) and children under 3.
- Join the Library Pass Program: Courtesy of the Georgia Public Library Service, Georgia residents can check out the Zoo Atlanta Library Pass for free admission for a family of three.
Zoo Atlanta is a great place to unwind after a long work week. One of its most popular things to do there is to ride the Zoo Train.
The train is a replica of the 1863 locomotive and can carry up to 100 adults or 140 children. If you go to Zoo Atlanta, you’ve got to ride the train!
Final Word
Eat before you visit: The snack prices at Zoo Atlanta are on the expensive side. Make sure you grab a bite before you arrive or else you may bust your budget at the snack counter.
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown or Midtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are.
Want to get out of the house during the day? Why not get some shopping in the city by patronizing local vendors with handmade goods, arts, crafts, candles, soaps, vintage and more.
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