Health & Safety Issues

Non Smoking Environment - The Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens are non-smoking environments.  Visitors are required to extinguish all smoking materials before entering the grounds.

Medical Emergencies - All members of the Security Staff of the Indianapolis Zoo are trained as First Responders. Should you have an emergency, please contact our Security Staff at the front of the Zoo or ask any staff member for help.

Hand Washing – In areas where there is direct contact with animals, it is very important that visitors use the hand sanitizers placed at the exits of these areas.  This will help protect you and our animals from illness.  Look for the hand washing stations at the Giraffe Feeding area, Flights of Fancy presented by Citizens Energy Group, shark petting, and Kangal dog demonstration area.

No Food or Beverage - To protect the health and safety of our visitors and animals, no food or beverages are permitted inside animal contact areas.  In addition, no straws, cup lids or balloons are permitted on Zoo grounds.  You may leave your meal items in your vehicle where they can be retrieved and eaten at one of our picnic areas near the Zoo entrance, or you can leave Zoo grounds for a meal.  Just be sure to keep your receipt for re-entry anytime on that day.  Bottled water and refillable water cups are accepted.

Hot Weather – On those really hot summer days, don’t forget to take advantage of the misters on Zoo grounds.  There is one stationed in the Forests Biome and one in the Plains Biome.  The Splash Park presented by Kroger is a great place to cool down the kids with the spouting water jets, and a good place to cool off the adults with the big mister fan.  The kids will get wet, so be sure to have an extra set of clothes.  Be sure to keep yourself hydrated on hot days – don’t hesitate to come to the Café on the Commons and ask for a glass of ice water if you need it.  There are beverage and snack carts located at various spots throughout the Zoo – look for cold beverages, ice cream treats, or our favorite – frozen lemonade.

Rocks, Fences and Railings – Please parents and adults – we ask that you do not place your children on top of the rocks or let them climb up the fences or up the railings.  These barriers are there for your protection and to protect the animals from the visitors!  For everyone’s health, don’t put your children in a position where they can be hurt accidentally by falling off a rock or fence or getting too close to an animal.  We appreciate your help!