Frequently Asked Questions

WHY IS THERE A DIFFERENCE IN COST FOR COLLIER RESIDENT FAMILIES?
In the 2004 general election, the voters of Collier County voted to purchase the land under and around Naples Zoo to allow the continued operations of the zoo and historic garden. In gratitude for the vote and to offset some of the Collier County taxpayer costs associated with this purchase, the Zoo offers a discounted rate for Collier County residents. More Info

I LIVE IN COLLIER COUNTY, BUT I DON"T HAVE A FLORIDA I.D. -- CAN I GET THE DISCOUNT?
Yes. As a full or part-time resident, you qualify. Just bring in a photo ID and a local utility bill or property tax document with a name that matches the Photo ID.

I ALREADY PURCHASED A MEMBERSHIP. CAN I ADD A NANNY TO IT?
Absolutely. Members may upgrade a Membership with the Add-a-Nanny benefit for $20 for any or all of the remainder of your current Membership year. (Nanny expiration dates will match member's expiration date.)

WHAT IF I PURCHASED A NANNY MEMBERSHIP & GET A DIFFERENT NANNY?
To designate or change the nanny for an existing Add-a-Nanny benefit, email the membership office and provide:

1.        Valid Membership Number
2.        First and last names of both adults listed on the Membership
3.        Mailing address for the Membership
4.        New and Former Nanny’s first and last name.
5.        Mail or drop off at the zoo the old nanny membership card

I LIVE IN COLLIER COUNTY. CAN I BUY A REDUCED COLLIER MEMBERSHIP PRICE AS A GIFT FOR SOMEONE WHO IS NOT A RESIDENT? No. Just like a child couldn't go to a movie theater and purchase a lower priced child's ticket and give it to an adult for admission, these reduced cost memberships were promised to benefit the residents of the county. So to respect the spirit of the promise and to maintain the value for residents as well as to prevent abuse of this offer, all persons using the Collier County family memberships must be residents of the county.

NOTE: This also means, however, that if you're not a Collier County resident, you can purchase a resident family membership to give as a gift for someone who does live in Collier County. They would just need to verify their residency when picking up their membership cards.

CAN I JOIN ONLINE? YES! Click on the "Join Now" buttons on the membership page. Your receipt will serve as a temporary membership until your card is ready. Bring it with you to the Zoo.

WHEN WILL I GET MY MEMBERSHIP CARD? Your official membership cards will be mailed to you from the Zoo within two weeks. Your register receipt and form (or online receipt) will act as your temporary membership card.  If you have any questions, please call the zoo at 239.262.5409 ext. 135 or e-mail the membership office.

CAN I START USING MY MEMBERSHIP BEFORE I RECEIVE MY CARD? Yes, of course.Your register receipt and form (or online receipt) will act as your temporary membership card. Just present this with your photo ID. We'll confirm your membership on our computer and so you can receive membership benefits.

WHY DO I NEED TO SHOW PHOTO ID IN ADDITION TO MY MEMBERSHIP CARD? This is a standard security practice among zoos, aquariums, and museums. And especially for Naples Zoo, as a charitable organization that relies on members and daily zoo visitors for support, we need to prevent misuse of our membership cards. If memberships were shared by families and friends, the Zoo's revenue would be substantially reduced and the Zoo would have to raise ticket and membership prices to maintain the quality of its services to guests and animals. As you can see, we have set our membership prices at an intentionally affordable level to allow the majority of southwest Florida residents to enjoy the Zoo on a regular basis. The photo ID policy also protects you should your card be lost or stolen.

CAN I LEND MY MEMBERSHIP CARD TO A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER? No. As mentioned above, this practice would be detrimental to the financial viability of the zoo and abuse like this would drive up costs for Zoo guests as it is the equivalent of stealing a ticket from the Zoo. Thus, as indicated on your card, memberships are nontransferable and are valid only for the person whose name appears on the card. If you have a regular baby-sitter or nanny, please purchase a membership for that person if they will be bringing the children to the Zoo.

CAN I USE MY MEMBERSHIP AT OTHER ZOOS? For the most part, no. Naples Zoo does not have a free reciprocal program with any other zoos. (Some zoos do offer our members a $2 off discount for adults and $1 off for children as we provide that discount for their members. Call ahead before visiting to see if they participate.) Because Naples is a popular tourist destination and the winter home for many of the area's residents, many of our visitors are members of their own zoological societies. And since we do not receive tax funding for operations, our zoo is dependent on admission and membership revenue. If we had reciprocal agreements with other zoos and aquariums, our admission revenue would be significantly reduced affecting the quality of animal care and guest programs.