Rules

Zoo Atlanta Rules

Zoo Atlanta is a family-friendly environment where everyone deserves to have a great experience. To make the most of your visit, and to ensure the same experience for others, please keep a few rules in mind as you enjoy the Zoo. 

Specific rules may apply to individual rides, attractions or activities in the Zoo.

  • Proper attire, including shirts and shoes, must be worn at all times while on Zoo property. 
    • Zoo Atlanta reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the safe, family-friendly experience of other guests. Attire that is not appropriate includes but is not limited to:
      • Costume masks worn by guests 12years of age or older
      • Clothing and/or exposed tattoos with obscene language or graphics
      • Clothing which exposes excessive portions of the body that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment
      • Guests 12 years of age or older must wear shirts and shorts/pants while in the Splash Fountain.
  • Safety is the law: Attempting to enter animal enclosures, crossing established habitat barriers, and harassing animals are actions now punishable by law pursuant to Georgia state law O.C.G.A §16-7-21.2, Criminal Trespass Involving a Wild Animal, and may result in felony charges.
  • Show common courtesy for other guests and staff by not using profanity or engaging in disruptive or offensive behavior.
  • Pets are not permitted in the Zoo with the exception of service animals. Zoo Atlanta’s Service Animal Admittance Policy meets the requirements defined by law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Zoo Atlanta’s Service Animal Admittance Policy defines service animals as dogs or miniature horses who are trained to perform a specific task for an individual with a disability. Emotional support animals and other animals are not permitted on Zoo grounds. Due to the nature of some Zoo areas, service animals may not be permitted in some areas.
  • Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
  • If you see items or behaviors on grounds that you think are questionable, please speak up! Alert any Zoo staff member or call Security at 404-624-5670.

Prohibited items

  • Alcoholic beverages brought from outside the Zoo
  • Balloons
  • Balls (footballs, soccer balls, baseballs or other recreational balls)
  • Drones
  • Fireworks or explosives
  • Frisbees
  • Glass containers
  • Lawn chairs and folding chairs
  • Non-motorized scooters, bicycles/tricycles, skateboards, skates or shoes with built-in wheels
  • Spray paint and aerosol cans
  • Straws and lids
  • Weapons, except as permitted by law

Prohibited activities

  • Violation of any City, County, State or Federal law.
    Possession, use, or selling of illegal drugs. Zoo Atlanta is a drug-free environment.
  • Soliciting on Zoo property.
  • Engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may result in injury to self or others or impede the operations of the Zoo. 
  • Engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may result in injury to self or others or impede the operations of the Zoo
  • Smoking of any kind, including e-cigarettes and other products that produce a vapor or smoke; these are prohibited on Zoo grounds and public parking lots by Zoo Atlanta and a City of Atlanta Ordinance.
  • Operation or use of any unmanned aerial vehicle on, from, or above Zoo Atlanta’s premises without specific written consent; this includes all UAVs, also commonly known as drones, regardless of their size, weight or purpose.
  • Amplified music is prohibited without written authorization from Zoo Atlanta. As a courtesy to others, guests must use headphones, ear buds, etc., when listening to music.

Animal safety

For the safety of the animals and our guests, the following actions are prohibited:

  • Intentionally aggravate or endanger animals in any way, including tapping on habitat glass or shouting at or around animals.
  • Feed animals unless on an authorized Zoo Atlanta program or experience which permits feeding.
  • Throw items at animals or into animal habitats.
  • Injure Zoo animals or native wildlife on Zoo property.
  • Enter any animal habitat or non-public area unless on an authorized Zoo Atlanta program or experience.
  • Cross any animal exhibit barrier for any reason.
  • Enter any non-public area unless authorized by Zoo Atlanta.
  • Should you accidentally drop a personal item into an animal area, please alert the nearest Zoo staff member or Volunteer, or visit our Security Operations Office for assistance. Do not attempt to retrieve any items yourself or assist others in retrieving items.

Zoo Atlanta rights

For the security and safety of Zoo Atlanta’s team members, guests, animals and property, Zoo Atlanta has video and audio recording in progress 24 hours a day.

  • Zoo Atlanta is following all governmental and public health guidelines and is implementing additional measures and protocols to promote a safe environment as it relates to COVID-19. These protocols do not, however, constitute a guarantee. All visitors are expected to adhere to current public guidelines for self-care and social distancing at all times throughout the Zoo visit.
  • The Zoo reserves the right to use guests’ images, likeness, and/or sound recordings for the purpose of whatsoever into perpetuity.
  • Zoo Atlanta reserves the right to search/inspect any person, container, purse, bag, cooler, or item entering Zoo Atlanta.
  • The Zoo reserves the right to deny admission, or require a person already admitted to leave Zoo grounds, without refund, liability or compensation if we consider that the circumstances so require.
  • Zoo Atlanta reserves the right under Georgia Code 44-1-33 to tow any improperly parked or abandoned vehicle on Zoo Atlanta property.