Know Before You Go

Zoo Rules

Brights Zoo is an excellent place to explore, learn, and relax. Please observe the rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone. 
Brights Zoo is wheelchair accessible.

Vehicles
Brights Zoo is not responsble for theft or damage to vehicles or contents.

No Smoking
For the health of our guests, staff and animals, Brights Zoo is a smoke-free facility. This includes electronic cigarettes. Smoking is restricted to a designated area in the parking lot. Visitors who want to smoke may exit through the gift shop and then present their admission receipt for re-entry.

Weather
Brights Zoo may close due to inclement weather or other circumstances without notice. Check Facebook for announcements or call 423-257-1927 when the weather forecast indicates precipitation or cold weather. No refunds or rain checks are offered due to weather conditions.

In the event of severe weather while visiting the zoo, guests should seek shelter in the closest building, away from windows and doors. Zoo staff will assist in guiding guests to safety until conditions have improved.

Please Do Not Feed The Animals!
The animals at Brights Zoo are fed a nutritious diet designed specifically for their needs, and throwing food into habitats may risk their health and safety. For a small fee, Brights Zoo does offer the opportunity to feed the giraffes, lorikeets, and goats with food prepared by the Zoo.

Respect the Animals
Many of the animals are timid, so please do not harass or tease them, make loud noises, or reach into or bang on exhibits. Running is also prohibited, because quick movements can be threatening to our animals and can frighten them into injuring themselves.

Stay on Public Pathways
Rocks, fencing, and other barriers are designed to protect visitors and animals from harm. Do not climb on or under fences. Please remain on public pathways and obey signs.

Food & Drink Policy
No outside food is allowed in the zoo. You are welcome to bring a drink as long as it does not have a plastic straw. We do not allow glass bottles. Cups like yeti cups are welcome as long as it is a non removable straw. Baby food is welcome into the zoo if it is in a plastic container. We do not allow the squeezable baby food pouches into the zoo due to animal safety concerns.

Shirt and Shoes Required
Proper attire, including shirt and shoes must be worn at all times. Clothing with profanity, obscenities or any other offensive material deemed inappropriate by Zoo staff is prohibited.

No Pets
Due to health and safety concerns, pets are not permitted on Zoo grounds. For the health of your pet, please do not leave it in your vehicle. Guests who rely on service animals may bring them into the Zoo, provided that the animals remain properly leashed. Guests are solely responsible for the care and control of their animals. Even trained service animals can cause undue stress to zoo animals, so they are not permitted in Lorikeet Landing or at other Animal Encounter events.

Do Not Damage Vegetation or Zoo Property
The landscaping at the Zoo is for everyone’s enjoyment; please respect and do not disturb the plants around you or Zoo property (decorations, signs, benches, etc.).

No Soliciting
The solicitation of visitors, the selling of any items, or distribution of any advertisement, circular, or handbill is prohibited within the Zoo, or in the parking area.

No Selfie Sticks
This is a preventative safety measure to protect our animals, guests, and employees.

No Professional Photography 
Photography for personal use is allowed. Commercial photography or filming requests must be arranged through the Zoo Director.

Prohibited Items

  • alcoholic beverages
  • balloons
  • chewing gum
  • drinking straws
  • glass
  • laser pointers
  • Pouches of any kind

Failure to Follow the Rules
Brights Zoo reserves the right to escort from zoo grounds any individuals or groups who are acting in ways deemed harmful to our animals or the park, or that adversely affect the enjoyment of the zoo by other guests.

We reserve the right to inspect packages, bags, and containers. Brights Zoo is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged articles. During your visit, visitors may be photographed or videotaped by employees. Admission to the zoo serves as permission to use your image and audio or video recordings for any purpose without payment.


GROUP VISIT POLICIES

Weather
Please dress appropriately for the weather. In April and May, mornings are typically cool while temperatures later in the day are usually more comfortable. In the event of rain, Brights Zoo does not offer rain checks or refunds.

Late Arrivals
We understand that factors beyond your control may cause you to be late, so please call 423-257-1927 and let us know.