Frequently Asked Questions
Prepare for your journey of discovery at ZooAmerica® by reading through our list of frequently asked questions. Choose a category, search, or, if you don’t see your question, reach out to us. We’d be happy to help in any way.
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Is ZooAmerica impacted by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)?
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Like many other AZA zoos, ZooAmerica® has temporarily relocated its bird population to roofed enclosures or covered outdoor locations, given the potential risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The impacted species include the snowy owl, the screech owl, the great horned owl, bald eagles, wild turkeys, the red-tailed hawk and the peregrine falcon. Our state veterinarian, working in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania Game Commission, has recommended this preventive measure to help deter the spread of HPAI through contact with wild birds.
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What are your safety enhancements at ZooAmerica?
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For more than 40 years, ZooAmerica® North American Wildlife Park has strived to provide exceptional expert care to more than 200 animals while educating guests and the greater community in a safe and enjoyable environment. As an AZA-accredited zoo, safety has and will continue to be the top priority at ZooAmerica. Based on updated Pennsylvania guidance, we have updated our safety enhancements. Guests are free to continue to wear face coverings anywhere on property if they choose to do so. Please note reservations are not required to visit ZooAmerica.
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What type of payments does ZooAmerica accept?
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ZooAmerica Admissions accepts cash, all major credit cards, debit cards and Hersheypark gift cards, as well as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay.
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Are you offering behind-the-scenes tours?
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We are pleased to offer these behind-the-scenes tours for guests to explore even more of the wild of North America. Learn more about our After Hours Tour and Early Bird Tour.
- Do you offer birthday parties?
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Yes, we offer three birthday party packages on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 AM to 12 PM or 1:30 PM to 3 PM through May. Weekend parties can be scheduled online. Please call if you are interested in booking a weekday package.
- What are the options for the birthday parties?
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We have three ZooAmerica birthday packages available for purchase.
Hoot Package: $475
- Free admission to ZooAmerica before and after the designated party time for 15 guests plus the birthday child.
- Party room for 1.5 hours
- T-shirt for the birthday child, butcher paper for tablecloths, crayons, and decorations
- 20-minute educational program
Howl Package: $563.50
- Everything in Package 1 plus:
- Cupcakes from The Sweeterie (half chocolate, half vanilla with vanilla frosting and fun sprinkles)
- Drinks (Juice boxes, soda cans, and water)
Roar Package: $682.75
- Everything in Package 1 & 2 plus:
- Pizza (2 slices per individual)
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Do you walk or drive through ZooAmerica and how long does it take?
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ZooAmerica is an 11 acre, walk-through North American Wildlife Park. It takes about one hour to walk through the entire Zoo, but feel free to spend as much time as you like!
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Where do you park if you just want to visit ZooAmerica?
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Free parking is available at ZooAmerica. In the event our regular parking area becomes full, please use the Parking Garage at The Hershey Press Building which is also free.
- ZooAmerica Parking Lot GPS Address:
201 Park Avenue
Hershey, PA 17033 - The Hershey Press Building Parking Garage GPS Address:
27 West Chocolate Avenue
Hershey, PA 17033
- ZooAmerica Parking Lot GPS Address:
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What is the parking fee?
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Parking is free at ZooAmerica. Entry is not permitted into Hersheypark® from the Zoo entrance.
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How close is the Zoo to Hersheypark?
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ZooAmerica is attached to Hersheypark via a walkway bridge located in the Kissing Tower Hill℠ area of the Park. The Zoo is free when entered from this location. There is also a separate, year-round entrance to the Zoo off of Route 743.
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Is ZooAmerica included in a Hersheypark ticket?
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Yes, ZooAmerica® admission is included with your Hersheypark admission only by accessing the zoo through the Hersheypark bridge during public operating hours. View Hersheypark Hours
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Do you rent wheelchairs?
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We rent wheelchairs for the fee of $5 per use.
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Are you allowed to bring in outside food?
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You may bring in packed lunches and coolers. Portable grills are not permitted. All patrons and bags are subject to be searched.
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Are pets allowed?
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We do not allow pets in the Zoo. We do allow certified service animals.
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Do you offer group rates at ZooAmerica?
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Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more people. View details.
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Do you have a reciprocal program with other zoos?
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We do for our ZooAmerica Pass Holders. View participating zoos.
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When is the best time of day to visit the Zoo?
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It's always a good time to visit, but the animals are most active in the morning.
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When is the best time of year to visit the Zoo?
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We are open year-round so you can visit during any season, but the animals are most active during the cooler months. We are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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What is the history of ZooAmerica?
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We started out as a private animal collection and are now an accredited Zoo. Learn more about the history of ZooAmerica.
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Will I see monkeys, giraffes, and elephants?
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ZooAmerica exhibits plants and animals native to North America, so you will only see things from this continent.
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Does ZooAmerica have a petting zoo?
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We do not have a petting zoo.
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Do you have an animal adoption program?
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ZooAmerica does not participate in an animal adoption program.
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Do you accept donations of reptiles or other animals?
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We do not accept donations. For reptiles, it is best to contact your local reptile rescue agency. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
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Does ZooAmerica provide sensory bags?
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Yes! Sensory Bags are available in the admissions building upon arriving at ZooAmerica. Bags include noise-canceling headphones, various fidget tools, verbal cue card, sensory glasses, sunglasses, color-coded ZooAmerica map, and a stuffed alligator plush.
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Tips for your visit to ZooAmerica:
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- Ask us questions, we love to talk about our Zoo!
- Note that ZooAmerica is entirely non-smoking
- For your safety and the animals' safety, please do not cross any barriers
- Please do not throw objects in any exhibit, tap on the glass, or tease the animals
- Please do not feed the animals, except the ducks and fish