Alexandria Zoo strives to make the zoo accessible to all visitors regardless of economic status or other limiting factors.
Please see the resources below for information to make your visit as fun and comfortable as possible.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Alexandria Zoo values and supports diversity of nature, our organization, and our community. In our goal to be a diverse and inclusive organization, we will continuously strive to make everyone feel welcome at the Alexandria Zoo and that they have a role to fill in pro-conservation action.
If you have questions about a specific area of accessibility, please feel free to get in touch via “contact us” at the bottom of the page.
WHEELCHAIRS
All major facilities are wheelchair accessible. Mobility tools, i.e. wheelchairs and walkers are permitted within the Aussie Aviary, a walkthrough bird experience. We ask the wheelchair user, or their aide, to be extra vigilant for the potential of birds landing on the ground near the wheels of the mobility tool.
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.
SERVICE ANIMALS
While pets are not allowed at the zoo, we welcome Service Animals 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.
Because we are subject to strict regulations regarding the protection and well-being of our Zoo animals, service animals are not permitted in the Aussie Aviary experience.
RIDE ACESSIBLITY
Alexandria Zoo has a miniature train for visitors’ enjoyment. Hours of operation vary seasonally and for maintenance.
The train takes visitors on a trip along the outer loop of the zoo; providing opportunities to see habitats from a unique view. The train ride starts at the Train Station, just past the entrance to Land of the Jaguar, and takes a single loop around the Zoo, ending in the same place. 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. This is a ticketed experience and tickets can be purchased at the ticket window or through the Zootique.
The train has an accessible train car that can accommodate 1 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.
RESTROOM AMENITIES
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.
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.
The food team, at the Palm Café, are careful as possible when alerted to allergy needs; there is still a possibility of cross contamination.
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.
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.
SOCIAL STORY
Visit Aussie Aviary Train Ride
SNAP/EBT PROGRAM
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.
ZOO MEMBERSHIP LOAN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH 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 a premium 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.
ZOO PASS DONATION PROGRAM
Alexandria Zoo looks to support our community in a variety of ways; including donated Zoo Passes. If your organization or fundraiser is looking to receive zoo passes to enhance your event, please submit a request including the following information:
Please drop of your request at the Zoo c/o Education Team or email zoo.education@cityofalex.com
Please note: Alexandria Zoo receives many requests for community donations throughout the year and we cannot honor every request. When considering requests, we are looking for opportunities that have the potential to provide the greatest impact for the Rapides Parish community, under-resourced communities, and/or people experiencing poverty. It may take up to a month, from receiving the request, for the evaluation team to review your letter.
