Visit the Zoo

Hours:
May - September: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

October - April: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Zoo will be closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Zoo Admission:
Summer Rates (now in effect):
Children (2 years and under) - Free
Children (3 – 12 years) - $6.00
Adults (13 – 64 years) - $11.00
Senior Citizens (65+ years) - $9.00

Winter Rates
Children (2 years and under) - Free
Children (3 – 12 years) - $3.00
Adults (13 – 64 years) - $7.00
Senior Citizens (65+ years) - $6.00

Open & Closed exhibits
Weather, minor maintenance or animal health issues may cause a change from day to day, so if you are coming to see a specific animal, please call 515-974-2501 in advance to verify it is on exhibit.
 
These exhibits/animals are generally on exhibit everyday:
  • Discovery Center
  • Bald Eagles
  • Seals & Sea Lions
  • Giraffe (on exhibit but may be off exhibit some days due to nearby construction activity)
  • Lemurs
  • Lions
  • Amur Tigers
  • Snow Leopards
  • Japanese Macaques
  • Flamingos
  • Penguins
  • Otters
  • Parakeet Feeding
  • King Vulture
  • Gibbons
  • Spurred Tortoises
  • Tortoises
  • Train ride   
  • Carousel ride 
  • Camel ride
  • Safari Grill
  • Rhinos (viewable indoors)
  • Eland
  • Kori Bustards

The following exhibits are closed:   

  • Squirrel Monkeys

Location of Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50315
515-285-4722
GPS Coordinates: latitude: 41.520430, longitude: -93.624638
(Blank Park Zoo is located north of the Highway 5 Bypass and south of Army Post Road.) 

Group Rate and Motor Coach Tours
Available for groups of 20 or more by calling (515) 285-4722 in advance to your visit.

Children (2 years and under) - Free
Children (3 – 12 years) - $4.00
Adults (13– 64 years) - $8.00
Senior Citizens (65+ years) - $6.00
Please click here for the Group Reservation Form.

Strollers & Wheelchairs
For your convenience the following amenities are available:
Wheelchairs - Free
Single Strollers - $5.00
Double Strollers - $7.00
Electric Scooter - $18.00

Wheelchairs and strollers are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Outside Food 
For the safety of the animals, no outside food or drink is allowed in the Zoo. Picnic grounds are available at Blank Park, just north of the parking lot. Concessions inside the Zoo are operated by Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, April 1- Sept 30.