Access For All

guests walking along zoo path with Mexican petunia

Alexandria Zoo strives to make the zoo accessible to all visitors regardless of economic status or other limiting factors.

Wheelchairs

All major facilities are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available for rent in the Zootique and are free of charge. A photo I.D. is required for rental. Limited availability on a first come, first serve basis. Motorized wheelchairs or scooters are unavailable for rent.

Service Animals

While pets are not allowed at the zoo, we welcome Service Dogs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act’s regulations.
 
While your service animal has been prepared for most public settings, touring a zoo can be an unusual experience. We ask that service animal handlers be observant of their animal’s behavior and the behaviors of zoo animals, and adjust your time at exhibits accordingly for the well-being of zoo residents.
 
Per the ADA, service animals may be excluded if their presence alters the nature of the Zoo’s services or if the animal is out of the owner’s control. If a service animal is excluded, the owner will be able to visit without the service animal.

Train Ride

The seating benches are 42” wide, and are 28” deep from the backrest-to-backrest. Boarding the train requires visitors to step up 21” and to clear a 14”w x 51”h entry into the car. Guests under 42 inches in height must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
 
The train has an accessible train car that can accommodate one wheelchair at a time. The accessible car is 58″ long and 42″ wide. Boarding the train using our accessible ramp requires visitors to clear a 32”w x 51”h entry into the car. To use the accessible train car, speak to an employee who will assist you in boarding the car up a ramp and securing the wheelchair using wheel locks.
 
Note: the train produces artificial chugging noises, an artificial train whistle sound, and will sound a bell at every train crossing. In addition, the train may produce loud grinding noises against the tracks. Guests with sensitivity to loud noises may become uncomfortable during the train ride.

Restrooms

Baby changing stations can be found in both restrooms at the zoo entrance, all family restrooms in Land of the Jaguar, or the women’s restroom at the playground.
 
Visitors who prefer not to use a gendered bathroom are welcome to use the single-room family restrooms which are found in the Land of the Jaguar.

First Aid

The main office at the Zoo Entrance, along with other locations throughout the Zoo, are equipped with first aid supplies. In the event of injury please alert a zoo staff member for assistance.

Dietary & Medication Needs

Visitors are welcome to bring their own food, beverages, and coolers into the Zoo. Glass, single-use plastic straws, and outside alcohol are prohibited.
 
At the Palm Café, our food team takes great care when preparing meals for guests with allergy needs. While we implement strict protocols to minimize risk, please be aware that there's always a possibility of cross-contamination in our kitchen.
 
Water fountains, and water bottle refilling stations, are available throughout the Zoo.
 
The Zoo is unable to provide refrigeration of any kind for any items that may need to be kept cool. If you require certain items (food or medicine) to be kept chilled, we encourage you to bring a cooler with you.

SNAP/EBT Days

Rapides Parish residents can show their food assistance card - SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) - to receive free entry after 2 PM on the first Thursday of each month.

Rapides Parish Library

Residents of Rapides Parish, with a current library card, can check out Zoo Memberships from their local library to be borrowed for two weeks at a time. During this time, 2 adults and up to 4 children can enter the zoo during regular daytime hours at no cost to them.
 
Presenting a Rapides Parish Library membership card allows for a discounted fee for participation in our monthly Stroller Safari experience for children birth to 5 years old and their caregivers. This event requires registration and is an additional $5 per a family (2 adults and 1 child) plus an extra $2 for each additional child with a Zoo Membership.

Sensory Bags

We strive to support individuals with diverse backgrounds and learning abilities, including autism. We provide sensory bags containing noise-reduction headphones, compression vest, fidget toy, and liquid motion timer to guests who may feel overwhelmed. These resources are available for checkout at the Zootique.