• Brandywine Zoo members please bring your membership card and photo ID for entry.
• While you’re welcomed to stay longer, a typical visit takes 45 minutes to an hour, since we are less than 5 acres.
• Fall, winter and cloudy days are a good time to visit the Zoo because it is less crowded and many of the animals are more active. If you choose to visit on a hot day, try to come early or a few hours before closing.
• Please note that some of our tropical animals may not be visible on days below 50°F.
• We recommend spending time at each exhibit in order to see and enjoy animal behaviors. Please be considerate of other guests’ viewing pleasure.
• Brandywine Park features grills and picnic tables for public use, we encourage our guests to “make a day” of their visit and spend time in the park and gardens.
• Schedule Changes & Closings: When planning a visit, be sure to check the Zoo’s Calendar of Events and Facebook pages for upcoming programs, as well as maintenance, event or weather-related closings. Check the daily schedule posted at the front of the zoo for opportunities to watch animal feedings, animal training sessions, keeper chats or animal shows. You can also call 302-571-7788 for updated information about zoo closings for special events.

What to Bring

• Food and beverages are permitted, however, plastic lids or straws, glass containers, alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Visitors may also purchase snacks at our Snack Bar or vending machines.
• If you’re planning a birthday party, the party must be registered and booked with our Visitor Services Department. You may not bring in party supplies, cake or food for a party without reserving a party space.
• Please bring a stroller. Unfortunately, the Brandywine Zoo does not provide strollers for rental.

What NOT to Bring

• Please refrain from bringing plastic lids or straws, glass containers, alcoholic beverages, grills or balloons of any kind.
• Pets are not allowed on the Zoo grounds. As pertaining to the Department of Justice’s 2011 ruling and clarification of Americans with Disability Act pertaining to service animals, certified service dogs are accepted onto Zoo grounds, but must be on a 6ft., non-retractable leash, tether or harness and must be house-trained. If service dogs prove to be a nuisance, sanitation, health or safety hazard to our animals or other guests, you may be asked to leave. Service dogs are not allowed in the goat contact yard. Please note, emotional support animals and services animals in training ​are not permitted in the zoo. Only working service animals trained to perform specific work or tasks relating to their handler’s disability are permitted inside Zoo grounds.
• Please refrain from bringing radios, skateboards, roller skates, Heelys or other wheeled shoes, or roller blades, Frisbees, bicycles and other sports equipment.
• Firearms and other weapons are not permitted in The Brandywine Zoo by State Park Regulations, under Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (Section 21.1):  “It shall be unlawful to display, possess, or discharge firearms of any description, air rifles, B.B. guns, sling shots, or archery equipment upon lands or waters administered by the Division, except with prior written approval of the Director.”

Feeding Animals

• Our animals eat special diets. Please do not share your “treats” with them or bring food from home for them. This includes all animals that live at the Zoo, even squirrels and birds.
• Check the daily schedule posted at the front of the zoo for opportunities to watch animal feedings, training sessions, keeper chats or animal shows. Check our Calendar of Events for regularly scheduled programs.

Zoo Behavior

• Speak softly. Loud noises or abrupt movements may startle the animals or cause them to retreat from view.
• Don’t tease, taunt or bother our animals. Remember, they are still wild and are sensitive to loud noises, shouting or any other distractions. Please immediately report any inappropriate actions to our Zoo keepers or other personnel.
• Please respect the animals’ home by not throwing items into their habitats, or crossing barriers. Misconduct will not be tolerated.
• Exhibit railings and fences are constructed for your safety. Please refrain from climbing on them or lifting children over them. Additionally, please do not climb on rocks, walls or other structures in the zoo.
• Please use walkways. The Zoo’s staff works very hard to make the gardens and grounds beautiful for all visitors to enjoy.
• No smoking on the Zoo grounds or buildings.
• Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
• Photography is allowed, but be sure to stay behind the barriers and in public spaces when taking pictures. If you’d like to share your photos with the Zoo, you may share them on our Facebook page or tag us.
• Brandywine Zoo reserves the right to take photos of visitors on grounds or during programs for use in Zoo marketing and promotional activities, without compensation or direct permission.