Mesker Park Zoo – Membership FAQs

Memberships FAQs

As a non-profit organization that relies heavily on membership and attendance for support, we must prevent misuse of our memberships cards. We try hard to keep our membership prices affordable. If families and neighbors shared memberships, our revenue would be severely reduced and we would have little choice but to raise our prices. Thank you for understanding our policies and the need to enforce them. Help us keep memberships affordable for everyone!

How can I become a new member?

*Visit our front gate membership office in person (open daily 9am-4pm)

*Join online using your credit card

How do I renew my membership?

*Visit our front gate membership office in person (open daily 9am-4pm)

*Join online using your credit card

When and how will I receive my membership cards and other materials?

In the interest of staying green, we are transitioning to digital membership cards. Digital Membership Cardholders will receive a welcome letter and digital membership cards via email in a couple of weeks. (This letter can also be used as a travel pass to visit other Zoos.)

Wallet/Key-fob Cardholders cards will be updated.

For Zookeeper and above memberships, guest passes will be attached to your account for use at your convenience. Tokens and decal may be requested at the membership gate at your next visit. Members may also be admitted with their state issued photo ID.

Why haven’t I received my membership card?

It may take 14 days or more to receive your digital membership card. Please check your email inbox and spam folder within this timeframe. Allow for longer wait times during prime season in warmer months, or promotional sales.

Do you have any discounted memberships?

We offer the following discounts:

*Senior Individual Memberships (55+) are $5 off (must purchase in person with proper identification)

*College Students $5 off (must purchase in person with proper identification)

*Evansville/Vanderburgh County employees 25% off one membership per year (must purchase in person with proper identification)

*Community Membership Program discount for eligible SNAP families. Visit online at Community Membership Program for details.

*Watch our website and social media for any seasonal discounts or specials.

If I become a member while visiting the Zoo, can I use my admission fee as a credit?

Yes. You may stop by our membership office before you leave the day of your visit to purchase your membership and apply that day’s tickets. Or, call our membership office at 812-435-0816 within 24 hours to complete this transaction by phone.

Can my nanny/babysitter bring my child to the Zoo?

Your children can be admitted on your membership without you being present, but in order for a nanny/babysitter to use the membership, they must be one of the adult named members. Otherwise, they need to pay admission for themselves, or have their own membership.

I have a family membership, but sometimes Grandpa/Grandma want to join us. Do you have a membership that would cover all of us?

No, we do not offer multi-generational memberships. However, one of our Zookeeper memberships ($75) may meet your needs, as it comes with four one-day general admission tickets. This will allow you to occasionally bring a guest not on your membership, without having to pay additional admission.

How can I purchase a gift membership for someone else?

To purchase or renew a membership gift:
* Visit our gate membership office (open daily 9am – 4pm) in person to purchase a gift certificate for giving or call the membership office at 812.435.0816.
* Purchase online as a gift. You can add a custom message with your online gift membership purchase.

I want to purchase a gift membership, but I don’t know the recipient.

No problem! Gift certificates are available for purchase in our membership office (open daily 9am – 4pm) or call the membership office at 812.435.0816.

How do I renew a membership for someone else?

*Visit our front gate membership office to purchase a gift card, or to update the gift recipient’s current membership card.

*Purchase online as a gift and we will send the recipient an e-notification. Their digital cards will follow in a couple of weeks.

When and how will my gift recipients receive their cards?

Gift recipients will receive an email with your personal message within 5 business days of purchase, allowing them to begin using their membership. Membership card processing may take up to two additional weeks, and will be emailed to the gift recipient.

I want to visit another Zoo. Does my Mesker Park Zoo membership entitle me to a discount there?

One of the great benefits of being a Mesker Park Zoo member is free or discounted admission to other AZA reciprocating zoos and acquariums. Check the AZA LIST to see which facilities offer free or discounted admission to our members. To receive your discount:
* Digital Membership Cardholders (Membership cards that are received via email): Present your current Mesker Park Zoo membership card to the reciprocating facility with a photo ID.

*Wallet/Key Fob Cardholders: Must present a Mesker Park Zoo TRAVEL PASS along with your membership card and photo ID. Request a travel pass online and allow five (5) business days for processing.

Participating zoos and aquariums may be added or removed, and reserve the right to offer different admission disconts depending on the season or special activities taking place. It is always a good idea to call ahead to the zoo or acquarium prior to your visit to confirm the details of their offer.

Why should I provide my email?

Our system recognizes your membership by your email. You will need to register your membership online to receive discounts and benefits, including free special event Etickets. REGISTER TODAY

Do you have any exclusive Member Events?

Most special events that take place during regular Zoo hours are free to members. Watch for special member event discounts in the member E-newsletters, our website, or Facebook.

Do members pay for Zoo special events?

It depends on the event. Most special events that take place during regular Zoo hours are free to members. Members receive discounts for Boo at the Zoo and Breakfast with Santa. Watch your email for instructions on purchasing your discounted tickets.

My child wants to have a birthday party at the Zoo and/or attend Zoo camp. Do members receive a discount?

Zoo members receive discounts on birthday parties and on summer Zoo camp. However, keep in mind that birthday parties and Zoo camp frequently fill up very far in advance!

How do I receive my discount at the gift shop and Rainforest Grill?

Just show your membership card to receive your 10% discount at our gift shop or at the Rainforest Grill.

Does my membership include tram rides?

All our memberships include unlimited complimentary tram rides when the tram is running on its regular schedule. Just show your membership card to the tram driver. Please do keep in mind that the tram is first-come, first-served and may be quite full on busy days.

My child is visiting the Zoo on a school field trip. Does he/she have to pay admission?

No. Just provide your child’s school with a copy of your membership card, and your child will be admitted at no charge.

How can I have my membership questions answered?

You may call our membership coordinator at (812) 435-0816 (Monday through Friday), or email membership@meskerparkzoo.com. You may also call the Zoo’s main number at (812) 435-6143; we are open seven days a week including holidays. If you are on grounds, stop by the membership office at the front gate… or ask any other Zoo staff member you can find! We will do our best to help you find an answer.

How long is my membership valid, and how can I find out when it expires?

Depending on the membership term selected at time of purchase, your membership is valid for one year or two years from the date of purchase (or, in the case of a gift card, from the date of redemption). Expiration dates are listed on digital cards. For wallet-key-fob cardholders, you may contact our membership coordinator at (812) 435-0816 or membership@meskerparkzoo.com to check your expiration date, or inquire at our front gate in person or by calling (812) 435-6143.

Can I change one of the named adults on my membership?

No, our memberships are for specific named adults and are non-transferable. If you need to change a name, you may renew your membership early. (We will extend the expiration date, so you won’t “lose” any time.) Children are included with your family, grandparent or zookeeper membership as long as they are under 18 and live in the same household.

I’ve decided I won’t be using my membership. Can I give it to someone else or obtain a refund?

No, our memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable. Remember, even if you are moving out of the area, you may be able to use your membership to receive free or discounted admission at another Zoo. (Click here for a list.)Your membership dollars help us provide the best possible care for our animals, construct new exhibits, and participate in global conservation efforts, so those funds are never “wasted”!

I have not used my membership in a few months. Can I get an extension for the time I didn’t use it?

While we wish members visited weekly, we cannot assign credit for those who have not used their membership. Even if you have lost or have not yet received your cards, you are always able to visit the Zoo by providing your name and a photo ID at the front gate.

I have recently moved/have a new email address. How do I update my record?

Please send an email to membership@meskerparkzoo.com with your full name, member number and new contact information.

Another adult will be bringing my children to the Zoo. How does that work?

Your children will be admitted free. It’s best if the adult accompanying them (caregiver, grandparent, neighbor, etc) can bring a copy of your membership card; however, we can look up the membership if necessary. The adults themselves will need to be members or pay general admission. A flexible option for some families is our Zookeeper membership ($75), which includes four one-day admission tickets that can be used by anyone not on your family membership.

What if my card is lost or stolen?

If you believe your card was stolen, please contact us immediately at (812) 435-0816 or (812) 435-6143, or membership@meskerparkzoo.com.

Membership Abuse Policy.

Membership cards and benefits cannot be shared with individuals not named on the account. We reserve the right to terminate/revoke any membership for misuse or failure to abide by membership and/or Zoo policies.

Do I need to show a picture ID?

A picture ID is required when purchasing a membership or requesting a replacement card. We also frequently spot-check IDs, so it’s best to be prepared and carry one with you into the Zoo. This prevents transfer of membership benefits to non-members and lost cards from being used by others.