Alerts

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

• ROUTE CHANGE: Starting in early November, guests will use a new entrance and road to drive to the Shrine of the Sun. Please watch for signage that will direct you to the new entrance archway in the southwest corner of the Zoo’s parking lot. (Once the change is made, you will no longer drive in through the gate next to Zoo Admissions.) Proof of Zoo daytime admission is still required to drive up to the Shrine. View details and map of new vehicle entrance
• We’re embarking on the expansion of African Rift Valley. Throughout progress, we’re committed to giving guests access to all of the animals they love by updating pathways. Guests and members can watch for signs on how to navigate through African Rift Valley to feed the giraffe herd and see Red River hogs, and visit lions, colobus monkeys and meerkats. CMZoo fans can learn more about the giraffe herd’s future home and consider supporting it at cmzoo.org/giraffeproject.

EXCEPTIONS TO NORMAL HOURS

• The Zoo will be hosting Dog Days at the Zoo on the following dates:
  – 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on: Wednesday, Dec. 11 and Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
  – All day on: Friday, Jan. 10 and Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2025.
  – For these special dates, the Zoo is open for regular admission, but you can also bring your well-behaved dog to the Zoo with you (dog tickets are limited).
  – Simply purchase a dog ticket along with your family’s human tickets, and Fido can experience many of the sights, sounds and smells that make the Zoo so special.
  – A limited number of dog tickets are available throughout each day, and can be purchased at cmzoo.org/dogdays.

• On Electric Safari dates, December 6-23, 25 – Jan 1, 2025:
  – Zoo daytime hours are 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (except holidays Dec. 24, 25, 31, Jan. 1, Zoo closes at 3 p.m.)
  – Last timed tickets 1:30-2 p.m.
  – Last Sky Ride (if open) 1:30 p.m.
  – Shrine closes at 2 p.m., last car up at 1 p.m. (closed Dec. 25-Jan. 1, 2025).
  – The Zoo will reopen for Electric Safari 4 to 5 p.m. for Zoo members and their paying guests only, and 5 p.m. for the general public.
  – Electric Safari closes at 8:30 p.m.
  – A separate admission fee is required for Electric Safari for non-members.
  – Zoo members attend for free with complimentary advance reservations.
  – Advance tickets are required for all attending Electric Safari.
  – Note: Electric Safari is NOT open on Christmas Eve, December 24.

Zoo Holiday Hours: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• Christmas Eve: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., last timed tickets 1 p.m., last Sky Ride (if open) 1:30 p.m., Shrine closes at 2 p.m. (last car up at 1 p.m.), ELECTRIC SAFARI CLOSED.
• Christmas Day: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., last timed tickets 1 p.m., last Sky Ride (if open) 1:30 p.m., Shrine closed, Electric Safari 5 – 8:30 p.m. (exclusive early entry for Zoo members and their paying guests at 4 p.m.)
• New Year’s Eve: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., llast timed tickets 1 p.m., last Sky Ride (if open) 1:30 p.m., Shrine closed, Electric Safari 5 – 8:30 p.m. (exclusive early entry for Zoo members and their paying guests at 4 p.m.)
• New Year’s Day 2025: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., last timed tickets 1 p.m., last Sky Ride (if open) 1:30 p.m., Shrine closed, Electric Safari 5 – 8:30 p.m. (exclusive early entry for Zoo members and their paying guests at 4 p.m.)
• Note: Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun has additional holiday hours -see complete details.