ZOO POLICIES

To help ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for all guests, staff, volunteers, animals, and wildlife in our care, please review the following policies during your visit. Failure to comply with Zoo policies, posted signage, or the reasonable direction of Zoo staff and volunteers may result in denied admission, removal from Zoo property without refund, suspension or revocation of membership privileges, and/or future restrictions on access to the Greater Vancouver Zoo.

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all guests, staff, volunteers, animals, plants, and wildlife in our care.

While visiting the Zoo, please remember that the animals' habitats are their home, and we are their guests. Visitors are expected to always conduct themselves respectfully while on Zoo property, and must comply with all posted rules, barriers, signage, and the direction of Zoo staff.

Any action that may compromise the safety, wellbeing, or welfare of animals, other guests, staff, volunteers, or Zoo property is strictly prohibited. Behaviour that is abusive, threatening, harassing, discriminatory, disruptive, intoxicated, unlawful, or otherwise unsafe will not be tolerated. These standards of conduct apply to all interactions with Zoo staff, volunteers, contractors, vendors, and guests, both on and off Zoo property, including communications by telephone, email, social media, and other electronic or written means.

The Greater Vancouver Zoo reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse admission, remove any individual from Zoo property, restrict access to Zoo facilities, programs, events, or experiences, and/or suspend or revoke membership privileges where conduct is deemed inappropriate, unsafe, disruptive, or inconsistent with Zoo policies and conduct. Individuals removed from the Zoo may be prohibited from returning for a specified period or permanently, depending on the nature and severity of the incident.

Any refunds, credits, or compensation associated with such actions will be issued solely at the discretion of the Greater Vancouver Zoo.

Respect Animals, Wildlife, Plants, Barriers and Signage

Please respect all animals, wildlife, and plants throughout the Zoo. This includes animals living in exhibits, animals participating in Zoo programs, free-roaming Zoo animals, and native wildlife that may reside on or visit Zoo grounds.

Do not engage in any behaviour that may cause harm, distress, fear, or unnecessary stress to animals. Prohibited behaviours include, but are not limited to, feeding, touching, chasing, teasing, yelling at, throwing objects into exhibits or toward animals, attempting to attract or disperse animals, or attempting to enter restricted areas.

Visitors must not approach, corner, pursue, or otherwise interfere with free-roaming animals such as peafowl, waterfowl, or other wildlife encountered on Zoo property. Animals should be observed respectfully from an appropriate distance and allowed to move freely throughout the grounds.

Please stay out of garden beds and do not pick flowers or damage plant life or any landscaped areas and respect all barriers, fencing, gates, and signage. These measures are in place to protect the safety and wellbeing of both animals and guests.

Do Not Feed the Animals

The diets of all Zoo animals are carefully developed and monitored by our Animal Care team to support their health and wellbeing. Feeding animals anything not specifically approved by Zoo staff is prohibited and may result in illness, injury, or death. This includes food brought from home, food purchased onsite, flowers, leaves, grass, or other vegetation found on Zoo property.

Do Not Touch the Animals

Animals may only be touched as part of an authorized animal encounter or under the direct supervision of Animal Care staff. Unauthorized contact may cause stress to animals and may result in bites, scratches, injury, or the transmission of diseases between people, animals, and pets.

Balloons and Confetti Prohibited

Balloons, confetti, and similar items are not permitted on Zoo grounds. These materials pose ingestion and environmental risks to animals and may negatively impact the Zoo environment.

Drones Prohibited

For the safety and comfort of our animals, the operation of drones or other unmanned aerial devices anywhere on Zoo property is prohibited unless expressly authorized by the Greater Vancouver Zoo.

Restricted Items

Weapons, illegal substances, fireworks, laser pointers, and any item deemed unsafe, hazardous, or disruptive by Zoo management are prohibited on Zoo property.

Service Dogs

Service dogs certified under British Columbia's Guide Dog and Service Dog Act, or dogs accompanied by a trainer carrying valid identification from an accredited Guide Dog and Service Dog Act training school, are permitted on Zoo grounds in accordance with the Greater Vancouver Zoo Service Dog Policy. To protect the welfare of Zoo animals, wildlife, service dogs, and guests, no other pets, emotional support animals, therapy animals, or companion animals are permitted on Zoo property. Please refer to our FAQs or Service Dog Policy for additional information.

Access 2 Program

Guests presenting a valid Access 2 Card will receive complimentary admission for one support person or caretaker, in accordance with the Access 2 Program guidelines. A valid Access 2 Card must be presented at the time of admission. No exceptions will be made.

Child Supervision

Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult at all times while on Zoo property. When using play areas, inflatables, rides, or attractions, children must remain within sight of their supervising adult.

Appropriate Attire

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is a family-friendly attraction. Guests are expected to wear appropriate attire at all times while visiting the Zoo.

The Zoo reserves the right to deny entry or require any guest to leave the premises without refund if their attire is deemed inappropriate, offensive, unsafe, or inconsistent with a family-oriented environment.

Outside Food and Beverages

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Zoo, with the exception of bottled water, infant nutrition, medically required foods, or dietary accommodations.

Visitors wishing to consume personal food items may leave them in their vehicle and re-enter the Zoo the same day by obtaining a hand stamp before exiting.

Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is a smoke-free and vape-free facility. Guests wishing to smoke or vape may leave Zoo grounds and obtain a hand stamp for same-day re-entry. Smoking and vaping are permitted only in designated areas outside Zoo property.

Lost and Found

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property. Found items will be retained for a reasonable period. Unclaimed items may be donated, discarded, or otherwise disposed of at the Zoo's discretion.

Photography, Filming & Media

Guests are welcome to take photographs and videos for personal, non-commercial use. Out of respect for animal welfare, flash photography of animals is not permitted.

The commercial use, sale, publication, distribution, or licensing of photographs, video, or other media captured at the Greater Vancouver Zoo is prohibited without prior written authorization from the Zoo.

Guests may be photographed, filmed, or recorded during their visit. By entering Zoo property, guests grant the Greater Vancouver Zoo permission to use photographs, video, audio recordings, or other likenesses captured on Zoo grounds for promotional, marketing, educational, or other lawful purposes without compensation.

Terms & Conditions of Admission

All admission tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Unauthorized duplication, reproduction, resale, or distribution of tickets is prohibited.

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is not responsible for lost, stolen, altered, duplicated, or fraudulently obtained tickets. Admission is subject to compliance with all Zoo policies, applicable laws, bylaws, regulations, and staff direction. Daily admission tickets are valid for a single entry on any date the Zoo is open to the public unless otherwise specified. By purchasing admission and entering Zoo property, guests voluntarily assume all inherent risks associated with attendance and participation in Zoo activities, attractions, exhibits, events, and play areas, including but not limited to inflatable attractions and other recreational activities.

Operational Changes and Closures

Animal exhibits, attractions, programs, rides, experiences, food services, and other amenities may be modified, suspended, delayed, relocated, or unavailable without notice due to weather, animal welfare requirements, operational needs, maintenance, staffing, safety considerations, or other circumstances. Such changes do not entitle guests to refunds or compensation.

Shipping

The Grizzly Gift Shop offers trackable shipping within Canada through Canada Post. Shipping charges are calculated at checkout. Orders are typically processed and shipped within 48 hours of order confirmation, excluding weekends and statutory holidays. Orders placed after business hours on Fridays or during weekends may not be processed until the next business day. Estimated delivery times are generally 7–14 business days, depending on destination and carrier service levels. Shipping is available within Canada only.

Returns & Exchanges – In Store

Regular-priced merchandise may be returned or exchanged within 14 days of purchase with the original receipt and original method of payment. Items must be unused, in resaleable condition, and returned with original tags or packaging where applicable.

Discounted, clearance, or final sale merchandise is not eligible for return or exchange.