Accessibility Guide

A Zoo For Everyone

  • Admission

    Groups of individuals with disabilities from an organization will receive free admission and parking if they have pre-registered the organization’s visit. Groups should present their confirmation letters from the Zoo showing that they have registered their organization with special needs, and present it to the gate supervisor. Please contact us for details on policy and to pre-register a visit. (Individuals with disabilities do not receive a discount on admission.)

  • Aira Services for BLV (Blind and Low Vision)

    The Milwaukee County Zoo offers Aira users free access to Aira services while visiting the zoo. For more information about Aira, visit www.aira.io.

  • Carousel sponsored by Penzeys

    Wheelchair accessibility via ramp (300 pounds max).

  • Drinking Fountains

    Accessible water fountains are available in various Zoo buildings and are typically located outside of the restrooms.

  • Elevators

    There are accessible elevators located in the Peck Welcome Center and the Karen Peck Katz Conservation Education Center.

  • Entrances

    All Zoo buildings that are publicly-accessible have a wheelchair accessible entrance.

  • Food Service

    The Flamingo Café is located on the northern end of the U.S. Bank Gathering Place. There are other concession stands located throughout the Zoo grounds that are open seasonally.

  • Goat Yard

    For the safety of our animals, service animals are not permitted in the Goat Yard.

  • Giraffe Experience presented by Miller Lite

    Wheelchair accessibility via ramp.

  • Ocean Connections Seal & Sea Lion Show

    There is a wheelchair-accessible area from which to watch the show. For the safety of our animals, service animals are not permitted in the first three rows of the bleachers.

  • Parking

    Accessible parking spaces are available in the front of lots 1, 2 and 3. Vehicles parked in these spaces must display a Disabled Parking Identification Permit hangtag or Disabled/Veteran license plates.

  • Picnic Tables

    There are picnic tables that offer accessibility throughout the Zoo grounds.

  • Public Safety

    For the safety of our visitors and staff, weapons (guns, personal safety devices, sharp implements, etc.) are prohibited in Zoo buildings and on Zoo grounds during posted special events.

    The Zoo is a smoke-free attraction (including e-cigarettes and vaporizers). Smoking is allowed only in the Zoo parking lots.

  • Restrooms

    Accessible restrooms are located in the following buildings: Aquatic & Reptile Center, Giraffe, Nourish 414, Family Farm Marketing and Communications Offices, Dairy Complex, Peck Welcome Center, Primates of the World, Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country, Flamingo Café and U.S. Bank Gathering Place. Family restrooms with changing areas are located outside of the Zoo Gift Shop next to the First Aid Station, and at the West Entrance.

  • Safari Train sponsored by North Shore Bank

    Accessible only for transfers. There is a separate gate for wheelchairs and other mobility devices; please notify ticket seller. Wheelchairs and other mobility devices may be left on the platform while on train ride.

  • Sensory Processing Needs

    The Milwaukee County Zoo features quiet areas, headphone zones, and offers for use sensory bags (located at Guest Services in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place, and the Welcome Center in the Peck Welcome Center) with noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, feeling zones cards, weighted lap pad, and more. Staff are trained and supplies were provided by KultureCity. For details on what to expect during a Zoo visit using KultureCity assistance, read our social story.

  • Service Animals

    Pets are not allowed at the Zoo. Service animals that assist individuals with disabilities and comply with the Milwaukee County ADA Service Animal Procedure are welcome at the Zoo.

  • Sky Adventure Zip Line and Ropes Courses

    Currently not ADA accessible.

  • Sky Safari

    Currently not ADA accessible

  • Transit

    The closest MCTS bus stop to the Zoo is located near the Walk-in Gate on Bluemound Road.

  • Variety - the Children’s Charity of Wisconsin Universal Changing Station

    A family (unisex) restroom with changing area is located outside of the Zoo Gift Shop.

  • Wheelchairs

    A limited number of wheelchairs are available for visitor use and are free of charge. Single and double strollers are available to rent for a fee. Motorized scooters (500 pounds max) are available for $35/day. Our stroller, wheelchair, and motorized scooter rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance.

  • Wheelchairs, Mobility Aids, and Other Power Driven Mobility Devices

    Wheelchairs, mobility aids and other power-driven mobility devices that comply with the Milwaukee County ADA Wheelchairs, Mobility Aids, and Other Power Driven Mobility Devices Procedure are welcome on Zoo grounds.

  • Zoo Expeditions sponsored by Meijer

    One of the Zoo’s three trams is accessible. Please call ahead to ensure availability of the accessible tram on the day of your visit.