Oregon Zoo offers new half-price admission discount

Reduced price for qualifying guests aims to improve accessibility at a critical time

As economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to rack the region, the Oregon Zoo has launched a new half-price admission discount for qualifying individuals and families.

"The effects of this pandemic have reached much farther and lasted much longer than any of us anticipated," said Scott Cruickshank, interim zoo director. "Even though the zoo's financial picture remains far from rosy, we know this discount is something our community needs more than ever right now."

Cruickshank added that measures like these are vital to the zoo's greater calling.

"Keeping the zoo accessible is not just a nice thing to do — it's critical to our mission," he said. "Each person who walks through the front gates represents an opportunity to make a positive change for wildlife."

Visitors can purchase up to six half-price tickets online and — when they come to the zoo — bring a photo ID and documentation showing they participate in any of the following programs:

• Oregon Trail card
• Washington Quest Card
• Medicaid/CHIP (e.g., Oregon Health Plan, Apple Care)
• WIC - eWIC card
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The zoo is currently open Fridays through Mondays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 3 p.m. The following measures will be in place:

• Timed ticketing/limited attendance: All guests, including zoo members, must reserve their tickets online in advance. Tickets may be reserved/purchased via the zoo website.
• Masks/face coverings: Face coverings will be required throughout the zoo for zoo employees and for all guests over the age of 5. Guests ages 2-4 are encouraged to wear masks if possible.
• Primarily outdoor experience: Guests will follow a one-way, mostly open-air path through the zoo's 64-acre park-like campus, with indoor and high-touch areas remaining closed. Physical-distancing markers are placed to assist guests in avoiding crowds. Carousel and train rides will not be operating.
• Hand sanitizing stations: Sanitizing stations are located throughout the zoo.