Membership FAQs

If you purchase your membership onsite you will receive your permanent cards, membership coupons and tax acknowledgement letter at the time of purchase (letter is emailed to the email address on the member account). If you purchase your membership online and choose the Will Call delivery method, you will receive all your membership materials at the time of pickup. If you choose the Mail delivery method for online purchases, membership packets generally arrive within 4-6 weeks. If you would like to visit the Zoo before receiving your cards, simply bring your photo ID to our Membership Office for a one-time-use pass that provides access to all your benefits for the day.

If you never received your cards, please contact us immediately! You may visit us at the Zoo’s Membership Services Office, email us at [email protected] or call us at 415-753-7097. Even without your cards, you can still take full advantage of your membership benefits. Simply bring your Photo ID to our Membership Services Office before entering the Zoo to receive a one-time-use day pass.

In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, our membership cards aren’t printed with expiration dates. As long as you stay active as a member at the same level, you can use the same card year after year. We can also reactivate your old cards (should your membership lapse between renewals) or provide you a day pass should you forget your card on the day of your visit. In the future, we plan to offer the option of digital membership cards!

Named cards are not transferable for any membership level. Cards designated as “Guest of” cards may be used by anyone, but they only provide entrance for one adult and the number of children covered by your membership. Additional adults either need their own card or much purchase an admission ticket, regardless of the number of adults your membership covers.

A named member does not need to accompany a guest using their “Guest of” card. Please remember that “Guest of” cards only provide entrance for one adult and the number of children covered by your membership. Additional adults either need their own card or much purchase a ticket, regardless of the number of adults your membership covers.

Individual Plus memberships are non-transferable; the card cannot be designated as a “Guest of” card. The named cardholder must be present for entrance, and a Photo ID is required for verification. However, you may bring any one guest with you with either level.

To prevent misuse of membership cards, we require that a named adult cardholder present a photo ID upon entering the Zoo. As a non-profit organization, we rely on membership dues for much of our support. We also want to protect our members should their cards be lost or stolen.

Family level memberships and above come with two membership cards. You may select the names on the cards, so you’re welcome to name a friend, caregiver, grandparent, etc. to be named on the second card. You may also designate the card as a “Guest of” card, allowing access to any adult you provide it to.

Should you need to replace a lost or stolen card, or make a name change, a $10 processing fee will be assessed. To request new cards, or make name changes, please visit us at the Zoo’s Membership Services Office, email us at [email protected] or call us at 415-753-7097.

You can check in at our Membership Services Office before entering the Zoo to receive a one-time-use pass that provides you full access to your benefits for the day. You will need to provide a valid ID.

Your membership is good for 12 months, through the last day of the month in which it was purchased or activated.

When purchasing tickets online, you have automatic access to all Member discounts and promotions. Once you select your desired tickets at the non-member rate, you’ll sign into your account; your discounted member prices will then be reflected in your cart. You can also purchase certain tickets (ones not requiring advance sign up) onsite at our Membership Services Office and receive your discounted rate.

Please click here for a full list of membership benefits, levels and prices.

Click here for a list of reciprocal institutions. Always call an institution before visiting to confirm reciprocity and any requirements, as benefits can change at any time.

To receive discounted admission when visiting reciprocal zoos and aquariums, you will need your current San Francisco Zoo membership card and a photo ID. *Please note that the terms and conditions of reciprocal admission may vary between institutions. We suggest calling ahead of your visit to verify their requirements.

Simply email [email protected] or call 415-753-7097. We will happily provide you email documentation stating you have a current, active membership with us.

When upgrading, you pay only the difference between your current and new membership level, and your expiration date remains the same. If your renewal date is approaching, you may choose to renew and upgrade early, which will extend your expiration date for one full year. Once your upgrade is complete, your upgraded membership benefits will be effective immediately.

Members who provide us with a valid e-mail address will automatically receive our monthly e-newsletter, Animail, or you can subscribe here.

Yes, there is a 10% discount for Members at all of our shops, carts and cafes. All Guardian level memberships receive 20% off at our shops, carts and cafes.

The San Francisco Zoological Society reserves the right to terminate or deny membership at any time by advising the Member or prospective Member and returning a prorated share of any dues paid – this policy applies to ‘Guest of’ as well as secondary card holders. Cause for termination can include showing disrespectful behavior towards the animals, staff or guests of the Zoo; inappropriate conduct, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent; or for failing to comply with membership terms and conditions or abusing its privileges.

In addition, if an individual or individuals have had their membership revoked, they are no longer eligible to use benefits associated with Zoo membership including admission discounts, event or education class discounts, admission coupons or admission passes.

Membership cards and benefits are not transferrable, unless otherwise stated in that membership level’s benefits. Membership duration is 12 months, unless otherwise stated, and must be renewed to continue receipt of benefits. There is a $10 processing fee for reprinting membership cards, including changing the names on any membership cards. Guest, ride and parking passes are not replaceable if lost. Memberships and membership gift vouchers are not refundable; all sales are final.

You can purchase any level of membership online , over the phone (call us at 415-753-7097), or in person at our Membership Services Office in the Main Entry Village.

Yes! We are happy to apply the value of your applicable tickets towards the cost of a membership during the same day you visit. Please visit our Membership Services Office for assistance.

The San Francisco Zoological Society is a non-profit institution (EIN # 94-1429538) that supports the San Francisco Zoo. A Zoo membership is a donation and is partially tax deductible. When you receive your Thank You letter, retain it, along with your payment receipt or credit card statement for your tax records. The San Francisco Zoo recommends you consult a tax advisor with any specific questions about your charitable contributions.

Now! If you chose the Print at Home delivery method, your PDF member card is in your email inbox, waiting to be used. Simply pull it up on your phone and present it at the Gatehouse for entrance, along with a matching photo ID. If you chose the Will Call delivery method, stop by our Membership Services Office to pick up your cards and passes. If you chose the Mail option, don’t fret! Stop by Membership Services and request that your card be printed; you’ll collect your entire Member packet right then and nothing further will be mailed to you.

Yes! Simply choose the Print at Home (emailed PDF member card) or Will Call (printed plastic card) delivery method and you can visit the minute you hit “purchase”!

Easy! Simply buy them a Gift Voucher for the membership level you want to gift them. Not sure which level will suit them best? Buy them a general Zoo Gift Voucher, which gives them the freedom to redeem it for the level that’s right for them!

The membership does not begin until the Voucher is redeemed, making it the perfect way to give the gift of a San Francisco Zoo membership! This allows your gift recipient to start their membership when it’s most convenient for them and prevents them from losing any time.

A gift membership is good for 12 months, through the last day of the month in which the Gift Voucher was redeemed.

A Gift Voucher will be emailed as a PDF attachment to the person purchasing it. You can then either print it out and provide it to the recipient or simply forward their email onto them.

You may email us at [email protected], call us at 415-753-7097 or visit our Membership Services Office to have your voucher resent to you.

A Gift Voucher can be redeemed in person at our Membership Services Office or online. On our website, simply add the membership you desire to your cart then type in the voucher number on the payment screen.

You can sign-in to your online account to view your membership’s expiration date. You can also email the Membership Department at [email protected], call us at 415-753-7097, or visit the Membership Services Office during your next visit to get that information.

Click here to log into your online account, where you can update your contact information, view your membership expiration date, update your contact preferences or take advantage of exclusive member discounts. You can also email the Membership Department at [email protected], call us at 415-753-7097 or visit our Membership Services Office during your next visit. Maintaining up-to-date contact information ensures that you will always be informed of the latest member offers and discounts.

Yes! To make any purchases on our website, you will need to use an account. Your online account is linked to your membership, giving you easy access to view your membership expiration date, update your personal contact information, review your membership and ticket history, and take advantage of exclusive Member discounts and promotions.

Although the online account is a fairly new feature on the Zoo’s website, if you’ve purchased tickets or been a Member in the last 5 years, chances are you have an account. You can email the Membership Department at [email protected], call us at 415-753-7097 or visit our Membership Services Office during your next visit to verify your username.

A “forgot password” button is located underneath the password field on the login screen. You will be instructed to fill in the email address that is associated with your account; you will receive an email with instructions on how to create a new password. For additional password or login assistance, please call us at 415-753-7097.