Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Credit: Valerie Abbott
The NC Zoo Society charges $5 to replace a lost membership card. Call us (336.879.7250) to charge the replacement card, or simply order a card during your next visit.
You do not need your membership card to visit the North Carolina Zoo as a member. Just show a picture identification card to the person working in a Zoo Society members-only, express entry ticket booth. These booths are on the far left when you approach the Zoo entrance from the parking lot. The person working in the booth has access to a current database of all NC Zoo Society members. Current members are admitted without a membership card.
If you plan to use your NC Zoo Society membership to gain free or discounted admission to one of our partner zoos or aquariums, you will need to present proof of your NC Zoo Society membership to the institution you want to visit. We do NOT share member information with other institutions—and they do NOT share their member information with us. Consequently, no institution can confirm the membership status of a person belonging to another institution.
To visit another institution without your NC Zoo Society membership card, you can call us (336-879-7250) Monday - Friday, during regular business hours, to request that we contact the institution you plan to visit to confirm your membership status. We will need to know the date you plan to visit.
If you find yourself eager to visit a partner institution on the weekend—and discover at the last minute that you do not have your card with you—you can send us an email by using our Web site's "Contact Us" form. Please note, however, that the Zoo Society's business email is not monitored continually over the weekend. If you email us at 8 p.m. on Friday night, it may be noon or later on Saturday before someone opens your email.
After we open your email, it may take several hours to confirm your membership status and, often, it is difficult to communicate with other institutions on the weekends. If we cannot get through to the partnering institution, you may not be able to gain free or discounted admission there.
In order to take advantage of your Zoo Society membership benefits, please keep your card safe and give us as much time as possible to help you if you lose the card. It is always best to contact us by phone during regular business hours (336.879.7250).
If you arrive at a partnering zoo and realize that you do not have your card, you can ask the staff there to call our office during regular business hours or to call 336.879.7212 on the weekends so that someone can confirm your membership status. The partnering institution may, or may not, honor your request.
When can I start using my Membership?
Your adventures at the North Carolina Zoo can begin as soon as we receive payment. Please read the following for processing and activation times. If you purchased your membership:
- On Zoo grounds:
Your membership is active right away and you'll get a receipt that will serve as a temporary membership card that you can use at the NC Zoo until your permanent card arrives in the mail.
- On-line:
You can begin entering the NC Zoo as a member right away Just print your email confirmation/receipt and bring it with you when you visit the NC Zoo. You can show the receipt and a picture identification to the person working in the NC Zoo Society's express entry ticket booths (on the far left when you approach the Zoo from the parking lots.)
- Through the mail or over the phone:
Your membership will be active within 7 working days. If you would like to visit before your membership card arrives in the mail, just stop by the Membership booth located at the front gate and you will be issued a day pass.
How do I get my Membership Card?
Your Membership Card will be mailed to you. You will receive it within 10 to 12 working days from the date we receive your payment.
Can I visit the zoo without my card?
Sure! Stop by the Membership Express Ticket Booth located at the either entrance. Photo ID will be required.
I lost my membership card, what do I do?
You may purchase a reprint of your card for $5 either at the Membership booth located at the front gate, or by calling the Membership office at 336.879.7250. A membership card is not required to visit the zoo as long as you have photo ID.
Why do I have to show photo ID with my membership card?
As a non-profit organization, we rely greatly on membership and admission revenue for support and must prevent misuse of memberships. Not only does requiring ID protect the value of all memberships, but also protects you if your card is ever lost or stolen.
I have "One Guest" on my card, what does that entitle me to?
The guest option is a privilege to members and entitles them to admit one person per guest listed on the card. Guest's must be with you and may not use the membership card by themselves.
The other named adult is unable to come with me, may I bring a guest in their place?
If all the adults on your membership are named, only those adults may use the membership card.
Are you reciprocal with other zoos and aquariums?
Yes! The NC Zoo Society has a reciprocal agreement with over 150 zoos and aquariums nationwide. Click here for a complete listing of participating organizations.
Is my membership tax-deductible?
A portion of all memberships are tax-deductible. Stop by the Membership booth or call the membership office at 336.879.7250 to find the tax-deductible amount of your specific membership.
Does my employer offer a matching gift program?
Check with your Human Resources Department to determine if your company offers a matching gift program.