Local’s Guide to Visiting Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta packs a surprising amount into one day, from gorillas and elephants to giant pandas, reptiles, and plenty of animals you might not expect to see in the middle of the city.

As a Zoo Atlanta member, I’ve visited throughout the year and learned which parts of the zoo are worth prioritizing, when to go, and what can make the day easier. It’s a big zoo, so having a little plan definitely helps.

If you’re planning your first visit, this guide covers what to expect at Zoo Atlanta, my best tips for making the most of your day, and the things I think are worth knowing before you go.

About Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, started in 1889 when a failing traveling circus donated its collection of animals to the city of Atlanta. City leaders set up the menagerie in Grant Park, and it’s been there ever since.

Today, the zoo has more than 1,000 animals across 220 species and is involved in field conservation programs for wildlife in the state of Georgia and around the globe.

Get your tickets to Zoo Atlanta here.

Zoo Atlanta Habitats

See what animals are out and about at Zoo Atlanta. Habitats range from Africa to Asia, North America to South America.

African Savanna

The African Savanna is one of Zoo Atlanta’s largest habitats, featuring elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, white rhinos, meerkats, and other African wildlife. The area was expanded and renovated in 2019, creating more space for the animals and better viewing opportunities for visitors.

This is a great area to explore because there’s so much to see. Don’t miss the elephants at the Zambezi Elephant Center, where you can learn more about these massive animals and the zoo’s conservation efforts. You can also check the daily schedule for giraffe feedings and keeper talks.

Panda Grove

The Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove is Zoo Atlanta’s newly renovated giant panda habitat, home to male Ping Ping and female Fu Shuang. The two pandas arrived from China in September 2026, bringing giant pandas back to Atlanta after the zoo’s previous pandas returned to China in 2024. The habitat features expanded indoor spaces, climbing structures, pools, and outdoor habitats.

Giant pandas are one of Zoo Atlanta’s biggest attractions, and they’re the main reason I bought my zoo membership. You’ll want to budget plenty of time to visit the pandas, as they’re a popular animal and their viewing area can get crowded. Watch for the pandas munching on bamboo, climbing, or lounging around their habitat.

African Rain Forest

The African Rain Forest is best known for Zoo Atlanta’s western lowland gorillas, including descendants of Willie B., the zoo’s famous gorilla who became an Atlanta icon. Opened in 1988, this habitat also includes the Living Treehouse, where you can see African birds and lemurs, along with nearby exhibits featuring several monkey species.

I recommend spending some extra time watching the gorillas, especially if they’re active. Their social interactions can be fascinating, and you might catch them playing, eating, or relaxing together. Check the daily schedule for gorilla feedings and keeper talks to learn more about the troop.

Asian Forest

The Asian Forest is home to some of Zoo Atlanta’s most recognizable animals, including Bornean and Sumatran orangutans, red pandas, Komodo dragons, and giant otters. The area features habitats designed to accommodate the animals’ natural behaviors, from climbing through the trees to swimming.

I recommend spending some time at the orangutan habitats, where you can watch these intelligent primates climb, play, and interact. The red pandas are another highlight, although they can be difficult to spot when they’re resting among the branches.

Scaly Slimy Spectacular

Scaly Slimy Spectacular is Zoo Atlanta’s indoor reptile and amphibian complex, home to more than 70 species of snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, and other fascinating creatures. Opened in 2015, it was the world’s first LEED Gold-certified amphibian and reptile complex.

The exhibits range from colorful tropical environments to habitats featuring some of the world’s most unusual reptiles. Keep an eye out for the Komodo dragon’s smaller reptilian neighbors and the tiny, brightly colored frogs that are easy to overlook. This is also a great place to escape the Atlanta heat or take a break on a rainy day.

Complex Carnivores

Complex Carnivores is home to some of Zoo Atlanta’s more elusive animals, including binturongs and clouded leopards. The habitat also connects with the nearby Corridor to Change, where you’ll find Sumatran tigers.

These animals can be harder to spot than some of the zoo’s larger residents, so take your time looking through the habitats. The clouded leopard is particularly interesting because of its impressive climbing abilities, while the binturong, sometimes called a bearcat, is known for its unusual popcorn-like scent.

Corridor to Change

Corridor to Change focuses on the threats facing wildlife around the world, including poaching, habitat loss, and the illegal wildlife trade. The habitat features endangered species like the Malayan sun bear and Sumatran tiger, while teaching visitors about the importance of protecting wild animals.

Be sure to look for the sun bears, the smallest species of bear in the world, and one of my favorite Zoo Atlanta animals. The exhibits also explain the difference between responsible wildlife encounters and harmful tourist attractions, making this an especially worthwhile stop for animal lovers.

Orkin Children’s Zoo

The Orkin Children’s Zoo is a fun stop for families with younger kids, especially those who want a more hands-on animal experience. At Outback Station, you’ll find a petting zoo featuring friendly farm animals, including goats, sheep, and pigs.

This is a great opportunity for kids to get closer to animals than they can at most of the zoo’s other habitats. There are also playgrounds and family-friendly activities nearby, making this a good place to stop when the little ones need a break from walking.

Aviaries

Zoo Atlanta has several aviaries scattered throughout the grounds, featuring birds from around the world. You’ll find everything from colorful tropical birds to impressive birds of prey, including vultures, cranes, and other species.

The aviaries are easy to overlook when you’re heading toward the bigger animal habitats, but they’re worth exploring along the way. Take a few minutes to watch the birds and look for species you might not normally notice, especially in the Living Treehouse and other bird habitats.

Things to Do at Zoo Atlanta

Attend Keeper Talks and Wildlife Presentations

The zoo hosts free educational Keeper Talks with animal experts where you can learn about the animals from the people who take care of them. There are also a few Wildlife Presentations that show off natural animal behaviors.

These take place at various times throughout the day for different animals, so be sure to check the calendar on the day of your visit.

Attend Special Events and Programs

Zoo Atlanta has plenty of special events and programming, some of which takes place during zoo hours like Boo at the Zoo and some of which take place in the evenings like their Chinese Lantern Festival.

There are also a range of children’s activities offered for kids from hands-on learning opportunities to interactive mystery hunts. Be sure to check the calendar before your visit so you can plan these into your itinerary.

Go for a Ride or Climb

Ride the Norfolk Southern Zoo Train around the park, or take a spin on the Endangered Species Carousel. You can also test your balance and climbing skills on the Treetop Trail or Treetop Tykes Trail. The zoo even has Wild Explorer, a virtual reality experience ride and film.

The kiddos can also get their energy out on the Kidzone Playground, the Naked Mole Rat Playground, and in warmer weather, at the Splash Fountain.

Have a Wild Encounter

Get up close and personal with the animals with a behind-the-scenes Wild Encounter experience. You can have a Wild Encounter with an elephant, warthog, and lemur, plus giraffe feedings. There’s even an encounter with the Petting Zoo Painters, resident goats and sheep who have some amazing art abilities.

Years ago, we did the panda wild encounter for my birthday, and it was the best present ever!

Explore the Gift Shop

The Zoo Atlanta Explorer Store at the zoo entrance sells souvenirs like books, toys, housewares, t-shirts, sustainable products, and specially curated items created by independent artisans.

Around the park, you’ll also find special habitat-themed gift shops like Safari Outfitters.

The gift shop is open during zoo hours.

Dine Around the Zoo

The zoo has seven main dining options along with a few small snack stands placed throughout the complex.

Check out the main dining at Nourish Café or stop by the SweetWater Beer Garden, Fro-Zen, Sips, Ben & Jerry’s, Go Dogs Food Truck, Willie B.’s Pizza, or The Coop Food Truck.

Visiting Zoo Atlanta

Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Admission: Admission prices vary based on entry date. You can expect cheaper tickets during the weekdays and in the winter, and more expensive tickets on the weekends and in the summer.

Tickets range from $27.95-$39.95 for adults ages 12+, from $25.95-$37.20 for college students with ID, from $22.20-$31.95 for children ages 3-11, and free for children under 3.

You can get discounted tickets using the Atlanta CityPASS.

Hours: The zoo has hours that vary through the year. Typically, the zoo opens later and closes earlier in the winter, and opens earlier and closes later in the summer.

Generally, the zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with last entry at 3:30 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, with last entry at 4:30 p.m.

They begin to bring the animals in for the day an hour prior to the grounds closing. Food stands will also close an hour before the grounds closing.

Zoo Atlanta is open all year long, closed only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Parking: Parking is available at the zoo’s Cherokee Avenue and Grant Park Gateway lots. At these lots, parking costs $3 per hour or $12 for the day. Zoo Atlanta estimates the average visit is about 3 hours.

There is also free street parking available on the street in front of the zoo and in the neighborhood around the zoo.

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Ready to visit Atlanta, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Get Familiar With the City: Check out my Ultimate Guide to Atlanta to help plan your trip!
• Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
• Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Atlanta using Booking.com.
• Save on Attractions: Save 50% on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.

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Cheers!

Paige

Did you find this guide to Zoo Atlanta helpful? Let me know in the comments!