Ready to embark on an urban safari without leaving the heart of Atlanta? From cuddly pandas to majestic elephants, Zoo Atlanta offers a wildlife experience that’s as educational as it is exhilarating.
Zoo Atlanta isn’t just another stop on the city’s tourist trail. It’s an exciting attraction that brings impressive animals to the heart of Georgia’s capital. Whether you’re a parent aiming to instill a love of wildlife in your kids, a conservation enthusiast, or someone who just loves a good ol’ face-to-face encounter with a panda, the Atlanta Zoo offers a range of experiences that captivate both the young and the young-at-heart.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exhibits you can’t miss, the best times to visit, and how you can contribute to global conservation efforts just by walking through the gates. Ready to unleash your inner wildlife explorer? Let’s go!
Have You Visited Zoo Atlanta?
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Where is the Atlanta Zoo?
Zoo Atlanta is located at 800 Cherokee Avenue SE. Nestled in the southern half of picturesque Grant Park, it’s not far from other delightful Atlanta attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Park.
Getting to Zoo Atlanta
Before you can marvel at the amazing animals, you need to navigate your way there. The good news is that it’s easier than herding crocodiles.
If you’re a public transit aficionado, you’re in luck! The zoo is easily accessible via MARTA using either Route 832 or Route 9. Simply hop on the bus, sit back, and enjoy the ride as you make your way to animal paradise.
Prefer to take charge of your transportation destiny? Driving to the zoo is as smooth as a monkey swinging through the trees. There are two convenient public parking lots near the zoo:
- Cherokee Avenue Parking Lot at 800 Cherokee Ave SE
- Grant Park Gateway Parking Lot at 759 Boulevard SE
Expect to pay about $3 per hour or $12 per day to park in either lot.
If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, grab your smartphone, input “Zoo Atlanta” into your favorite ridesharing app, and you’ll be whisked away to a day of animal-filled fun.
Animals at Zoo Atlanta
With over 200 species spread across 40 treed acres, Zoo Atlanta is a wildlife wonderland. Here are some of my favorite exhibits at the Atlanta Zoo.
African Savanna
Enjoy a safari on the African savanna without leaving Atlanta by exploring the expansive African Savanna exhibit. The new elephant environment has tripled in size, featuring dynamic living spaces like the Abana Pond and Chishimba Falls, designed specifically for elephant well-being. And there’s the state-of-the-art Zambezi Elephant Center, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these majestic creatures are cared for.
Like the real tropical grasslands of Serengeti National Park, the African Savanna at Zoo Atlanta is a mixed-species habitat where you’ll find giraffes, zebras, and ostriches coexisting in a setting that mimics their natural environment. You’ll also get to meet some of the savanna’s lesser-known but equally fascinating residents, like warthogs and meerkats. And for those of you who’ve always wanted to see a unicorn, meet Mumbles and Kiazi, the southern white rhinos that are as close to mythical creatures as you can get — only with a bit more attitude.
Giant Panda Conservation Center
As one of the few places you can see giant pandas in the United States, these fluffy, black-and-white bears are the superstars of the zoo. But these cutie pies are more than just an adorable face — they’re part of an important conservation program.
With a diet almost exclusively of bamboo, these solitary creatures accommodate their low-calorie intake with a low-energy lifestyle. At Zoo Atlanta, you can witness their fascinating behaviors, from munching on bamboo to their unique ‘headstand’ scent-marking. The zoo’s PandaCam even allows fans around the world to keep tabs on them. So, whether you catch them in their climate-controlled dayrooms or in their outdoor habitats, these pandas offer a captivating look into a species that has become a symbol of wildlife conservation.
Related Article: Calming Live Animal Cams That Bring the World’s Wildlife to You
Scaly, Slimy Spectacular
Slither into the Scaly, Slimy Spectacular, a state-of-the-art amphibian and reptile complex that replaced the zoo’s oldest exhibit, the World of Reptiles. With more than 70 species housed in a sprawling 14,000-square-foot space, this exhibit is a herpetologist’s dream come true.
The complex features a variety of habitats, from a windswept desert and Australian billabong to a Georgia tidal creek, each meticulously designed to mimic the natural environments of its scaly and slimy residents. The exhibit even has digital and interactive animal identification signage, allowing you to dive deeper into the lives of fascinating creatures like the Gaboon viper, green anaconda, and the African slender-snouted crocodile.
Birds at Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is home to a variety of birds that will leave you chirping with joy. Watch as these colorful creatures put on a show with their mesmerizing displays and enchanting calls. From tropical parrots to chatty mynahs, each feathered friend adds a unique splash of color and sound to your visit.
Sage Advice: If you want a behind-the-scenes experience that allows you to get closer to the animals, be sure to check out the wild encounters offered at Zoo Atlanta. For an additional fee you can come face-to-trunk with an elephant, paint a masterpiece with a goat, and more.
Conservation and Research
At Zoo Atlanta, conservation isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a way of life. As stewards of the animal kingdom, the team at Zoo Atlanta is committed to protecting and preserving our planet’s incredible biodiversity.
The zoo is directly involved in field conservation programs that span continents from Africa and Asia to Central and South America — and even in its own backyard in Georgia. Not only does the zoo provide funding to established conservation organizations, but it is also engaged in hands-on fieldwork, community outreach, and educational programs.
Zoo Atlanta’s commitment to conservation is also evident in its participation in AZA Species Survival Plans. By carefully managing breeding programs and coordinating with other zoos, Zoo Atlanta plays a vital role in ensuring the survival of some of the world’s most vulnerable animals. The zoo’s conservation efforts don’t stop at mammals and birds – it also focuses on the conservation of reptiles and amphibians. These often-overlooked creatures face serious threats like habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade, and Zoo Atlanta is actively involved in research and conservation measures to protect them.
Places to Eat at Zoo Atlanta
A day at the Atlanta Zoo is sure to make you hungry. Fortunately, the zoo offers plenty of delicious dining options to keep you and your pride from turning into a pack of hangry lions.
If you’re looking for a light bite, snack, or drink, visit one of the small concession stands sprinkled throughout the zoo. These little gems offer quick bites and snacks to keep you going on your wild adventure. From soft pretzels to ice cream cones, you can fuel up with a wide variety of tasty treats.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, head to Nourish Café. Certified by the Green Restaurant Association, Nourish Café offers a wide variety of menu options focused on seasonal, fresh ingredients plus kid favorites like hot dogs and hamburgers. And, to support the zoo’s conservation efforts, the café uses compostable serviceware and does not offer single-use straws or plastic bags.
Sage Advice: Skip the line by placing your order using Nourish Café’s new mobile ordering site!
Now, here’s a little secret – you can actually bring your own food into the zoo! Yep, you heard me right. So, if you want to pack your favorite snacks or even a picnic lunch, feel free to do so.
Tips for Visiting Zoo Atlanta
Ready to maximize your zoo adventure? These tips have got you covered!
- Ticket Tactics: Buy your tickets online to save time and money. Zoo Atlanta often runs special offers, including free admission for U.S. military members and group discounts.
- Weather Watch: Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. If rain is in the forecast, bring a rain jacket or poncho. And if the sun is shining, be sure to slather on sunscreen.
- Footwear Fundamentals: Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Map It Out: Visit the zoo’s website before you go to create a personalized itinerary, or grab a map as you enter the zoo. Either option will help you plan your visit around special animal feedings and keeper talks.
- Weekday Wonders: Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures, especially during the warm months.
- Parking Pro Tips: The two main parking lots can fill up, especially on weekends. This is another reason to arrive early. If the lots are full, be prepared to park on neighboring streets.
- Time Management: To fully enjoy the zoo, allow 2-3 hours for your visit.
- Animal Sightings: The animals are usually most active when the zoo first opens and then rest or nap for a portion of the day. Plan on exploring some areas more than once to increase your chances of observing them when they are awake.
- Snack Smart: Bring your own snacks and drinks to save money and time. There are plenty of benches and picnic areas for a quick break.
- Membership Magic: Consider a Zoo Atlanta membership for benefits like unlimited daytime admission, discounted rides, and free admission to special events like Boo at the Zoo and Wild World Weekend.
Visiting with CityPASS Tickets
You can also save money and skip the line by visiting Zoo Atlanta with the Atlanta CityPASS. With one swift purchase, you’ll have admission to Zoo Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and two other incredible attractions in the city. And not only will CityPASS save you time, but it’ll also save you some serious cash – like 44% off the regular ticket prices of five top Atlanta attractions.
To Visit Zoo Atlanta
Here’s all of the practical information you will need to visit the Atlanta Zoo.
Where is the Atlanta Zoo?
Zoo Atlanta is located at 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30315.
What time does the Atlanta Zoo open?
The zoo opens at 9:00 am and is open all year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
How much are tickets to the Atlanta Zoo?
Ticket prices vary by day throughout the year. An adult ticket currently ranges from $24.20 to $32.70, and a child ticket currently ranges from $19.45 to $26.95. Zoo admission is free for children under three years old as well as members of the Armed Forces. College students get a discount on tickets.
You can also save big on zoo admission with CityPASS Atlanta, which bundles five of the most popular sights in the city for a 44% savings.
How big is the Atlanta Zoo?
The zoo spans more than 40 acres and is home to more than 1,000 animals.
Does the Atlanta Zoo have pandas?
Yes! Zoo Atlanta is one of the few zoos in the United States that still has giant pandas on display.
What animals are at the Atlanta Zoo?
The zoo houses a wide range of animals, including African elephants, lions, orangutans, giraffes, and many more. It also has a variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Have You Visited the Atlanta Zoo?
What did you like most about your visit? Any additional tips and tricks to pass along? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Ready to Go?
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- Don’t leave home without travel insurance from AXA
- Discover the sights, history, and culture of your destination with an interactive scavenger hunt
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners. Happy wandering!
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I usually do not visit zoos anymore. After a time, they seem to be the same. But I like Zoo Atlanta for its African safari, the panda conservation center, the reptile exhibit, and the birds!
It looks like they have a good variety of animals here. I appreciate the focus on conservation, especially with the panda bears!