In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only working trained service animals are permitted within the facilities. Pets, exotic species, therapy animals, and emotional-support animals are not permitted.
Owners assume all risk to their service animal, including, but not limited to, zoonotic disease transmission and ingestion of toxic materials.
Some animals visiting the Great Plains Zoo campus can strongly react to an animal inside or outside of their enclosure. For the safety of you, your service animal, and our animal population, certain areas are restricted.
The following areas are off-limits to service animals:
- Australian Kangaroo Exhibit
- Primate Building (indoor exhibits)
- Giraffe Feeding Platform
- Rare Rhinos of Africa Indoor Viewing
- Hoofstock Barn Winter Viewing
- Red Wolf Area
- African Lions Exhibit
The following areas are considered sensitive areas to service animals. If a zoo animal appears agitated, please leave the area immediately. You may be asked to leave the area if staff witness a risk to the animals. Sensitive areas include:
- Fortress of the Bears (brown and black bear exhibits)
- Bighorn Sheep
- Children's Farm
- Primate Building (outdoor exhibits)
- Asian Cats Viewing Areas
The ADA does require service animals to be always under the control of the handler. The handler must sign an acknowledgement of these guidelines. You will not be issued a refund or rainchecks for tickets if you are asked to leave the premises.
