Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a tour typically take?

A: Tours Normally take between 2 and half to three hours.

Q: Can we go through the zoo on our own?

A: Currently all zoo tours are led by one of our guides.  We do not let guests go through the zoo on their own.

Q: Why are all tours led by a guide?

A:  At Brights Zoo we want to be able to allow all of our guests to have a wonderful experience and be able to get as close to animals as possible.   At a typical walk through zoo (one that you explore on your own) they are required to have double or triple fences between the guest and the animals.  Also they are required to have a certain amount of space between the guest and the animals.  Zoos that use guides only have to have 1 fence separating the guest from the animal.   This is why we chose to go with guided tours.

Q:  Will guests ever be able to go through the zoo on their own?

A:  We do have plans on opening a portion of the zoo to allowing guests to explore on their own.  The remainder of the zoo would be for guests who wanted to go through the entire zoo with a guide.

Q:  What if we just wanted to come and feed the lorikeets?

A:  We do offer a lorikeet only feeding here at the zoo.  Click Here if you would like to see the pricing for Lorikeet feeding only.   This does not include a zoo tour.

Q:  What should we wear to the zoo?

A:  If you are doing a walking tour at the zoo, you should dress comfortable.  Tennis shoes are best.  Also dress for the weather.  We do not recommend open toe shoes but if that is what you are most comfortable wearing it is up to completely up to you.  There is a lot of gravel pathways that we walk on.   If you are doing a tour on a golf cart shoes are not as important, just dress in what you are comfortable in.

Q:  Will I get to pet or feed any animals?

A:  On group tours we try and bring out a few different animals for guests to be able to pet.  Lorikeets is an interactive exhibit where guests get to go in with the birds and feed them nectar.  During the tour we ask that guests not touch an animal unless a guide has told them it is OK.  We spend a lot of time with these animals and know which ones will allow different things.   On small tours (6 people or less ) we allow the guests to give treats to several of the animals.  The reason those small groups get this chance is all animals are on a controlled diet and with a small group we are able to control how much each animal would get on a normal day.  It is also safer for the animal and the guest not to have large groups all reaching at one group of animals.

Q:  We want to come and visit your zoo but it seems it is too expensive.  Why are the prices set this way?

A:  We have tried to set our prices as low as possible for the zoo.   Unlike many large zoos, Brights Zoo is 100% self funded.  We do not take any grants or donations.   Every dollar that comes into the zoo goes directly back into the zoo.  Our average feed bill is over $1000,000 per year.  We are constantly adding new animals to the zoo and building new exhibits.   A typical tour usually ties one of our guides up for at least 4 hours.  Our Zoo guides are zoo employees that have many responsibilities at the zoo.   We feel that once you have done a tour with us you will be 100% satisfied with what you paid for the tour.  

Q:  How many zoo employees work at Brights Zoo?

A:  We have two employees that do all the feeding and cleaning at the zoo.  One person runs the zoo giftshop.  One person that does all the exhibit construction and design, manages the zoo and is one of our tour guides.  We have one person that does feeding on Sunday and is one of our tour guides.  We have a total of 5 full time employees here at the zoo.

Q:  Do I need to make a reservation to come to the Zoo?

A:  As long as we are doing guided tours only it is recommended that you make reservations.  This way you can be sure that a guide is available.  We do tours for anyone that comes into the zoo as long as we have a guide available at that time.

Q:  Can I bring my own stroller?

A:  You are welcome to bring your own stroller to the zoo.  The larger the wheels the better.  A large portion of the walking tour is on gravel and some strollers are harder to push.

Q:  Do you do birthday parties and host special events?

A:  Yes we do host all sorts of events.  Click Here for Birthday Parties.  Click Here for Corporate Retreats.  Click Here for Holiday Parties.  Click Here for Weddings.

Q: Are your prices listed on your web site?

A: All prices are listed on our web site and in our brocure.  Below are links to all prices:

Q:  Can parents attend a school field trip with their child?

A:  This is up to the school.  Some schools will allow parents to attend while other schools will not.  If your school allows parents to attend the price for parents and siblings is $15 per person payable to the school or $15 + tax paid at the gate.

Q: What is the best time to schedule a tour?

A: During the warmer months it is best to schedule around 9:00 am.   This allows for the cooler temperatures.   If you come during the heat of the day you will still see everything but many animals will be less active during those times of the day.

Q: What happens if it rains during our tour?

A: Weather is hard to predict.   If it happens to rain on your tour the guide will typically take you to one of the buildings and try and wait and see if the rain is going to pass.   We do many tours a year when it is raining.   Brights Zoo does not offer rain checks or refunds due to weather.

Q:  My question is not answered here.  Who can I ask my question to?

A:  Feel free to call our main zoo number 423-257-1927.  You can also email us at info@brightszoo.com