Common Questions

• Are Commercial Photography or Videography Allowed?

  Guests are welcome to photograph and/or videotape at the El Paso Zoo for their personal use. 

  For filming or professional and portrait photography please contact the Zoo.

• Are Swimsuits Required to Use the Splash Pad?

  Swimsuits are not required to play in the splash pad, but all guests must wear clothing at all times while splashing around. If your child wears diapers or is potty-training, he or she must wear swim diapers when using the splash pad.

• Are There Baby Changing Stations?

  Yes, in every set of restrooms there is a space for changing.

• Can I Bring My Pet?

  For the safety of the Zoo animals and yours, the El Paso Zoo does not allow pets on the grounds. However, certified service animals are permitted under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Examples of tasks performed by service animals include guiding a person who is blind (“guide dog”), alerting a person who is deaf (“hearing dog”), for seizure and other medical alerts (“medical alert dog”) or for wheelchair assistance (“service dog”). 
  
  Animals that provide only emotional support (“therapy animals” ) and companion animals are not service animals under the ADA and may denied access to public places. For detailed ADA information, visit www.ada.gov or call (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TTY).

• Can I Feed the Animals?

  Our animals are on special diets and foods outside those diets can harm the animals. The Zoo does offer a special giraffe encounter where you may feed giraffes a taste of leafy greens!

• Can I have a Private Event at the Zoo?

  Group events must be planned through Taste of the Wild Catering. Groups are defined as any organized group of more than 20 people, including but not limited to, family reunions, corporate outings, teams and nonprofit organizations. Reservations must be made by contacting Taste of the Wild Catering via e-mail at elpasozooevents@kmssa.com or phone at (915) 212-0250. 
  
  Group events include a private facility and seating area. Public shaded and seating spaces are provided as a courtesy to general zoo guests and groups shall not occupy or hold these areas. Groups occupying or holding those spaces will be asked to vacate. Please call us for more information regarding renting any Zoo space or facility for your group.

• Can I use a Selfie Stick at the Zoo?

  The El Paso Zoo prohibits guests from entering animal exhibits or reaching past exhibit barriers. This policy is in place for the safety and well-being of the animals in our care as well as guests visiting our facilities. Guests may use selfie sticks, but these devices may not reach past exhibit barriers. 

• May I Bring My Own Food and Drink?

  Guests may bring their own food and drinks, although glass items, alcoholic beverages and lightweight, single-use straws are not permitted. There are no facilities available for food or cooler storage. The Zoo has restaurants and food and beverage carts on the grounds with a variety of menu items, including healthy options. The Zoo does not allow outside catering or food deliveries.

  Water fountains are located in various areas of the El Paso Zoo. The Zoo encourages guests to bring recyclable water bottles and to stay hydrated during their Zoo visit or purchase water from one of our vendor locations. The Zoo also sells special cups that allow guests to refill their drinks at a discounted rate.

• May I Leave and Come Back In?

  You may return to your vehicle if you forgot something. Security will need to stamp your hand in order for you to re-enter the Zoo. In-and-outs are limited to the Zoo parking lot. 

• What Happens if there is Inclement Weather?

  The Zoo is open year round, rain or shine! Depending on the extent of rain, some animals may choose to go into their behind the scenes living spaces, though many animals seem to enjoy the rain. 

  If you are unsure if the Zoo is open, feel free to give us a call at (915) 212-0-ZOO. 

• What Items Are Not Allowed?

  The El Paso Zoo does not allow guests to bring balloons, noise makers, glitter, confetti, cascarones nor piñatas. Likewise, balls, grills and other portable cooking stoves and devices, domestic animals, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, lawn chairs, bicycles, roller blades, skates, and/or skateboards are not allowed inside the Zoo.