Columbus Zoo | Request Ticket Donation

guests looking in aquarium at columbus zoo

We're committed to being good community partners.

Columbus Zoo | Zoombezi Bay | The Wilds

We're committed to making a meaningful impact where it matters most.

To ensure our resources benefit the greatest number of people, all requests for tickets are evaluated based on alignment with our mission and values, availability of the requested resources, financial impact to the organization, and overall community benefit.

Who Can Request Donated Tickets?

Organizations may request 20+ tickets for the Columbus Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, or The Wilds to support their programs or groups when aligned with our values and mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.
In-kind donation requests (excluding individual tickets) are welcome and may include gift baskets, Wild Encounters community outreach, behind-the-scenes tours, and sponsorship opportunities.

Eligibility

The following groups are not eligible to submit donation requests, including but not limited to:

Individual, family, or team fundraisers
Religious, political, or labor organizations
Choirs, bands, athletic teams, PTOs, sororities, or fraternities
Organizations seeking tickets for door prizes, contests, incentives, or group admission
Schools requesting bulk tickets. The Zoo offers a separate scholarship program for schools.

Parking

Parking is not included with donated admission tickets.

Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay: $12 per vehicle
The Wilds: $9 per vehicle
Bus parking: Complimentary

Requests and Approval

Due to limited availability, submission of a request does not guarantee approval.
Due to the volume of requests received, we are unable to provide individual status updates.

Requirements

For your request to be considered, you must meet the following requirements, which are subject to change:

Requesting organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit or a government agency with tax-exempt status
The request must include a copy of the organization’s IRS tax determination letter
The organization must be based in one of the following Ohio counties: Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Guernsey, Licking, Madison, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Pickaway, or Union
No third-party requests (on behalf of another organization) will be approved
We do not accept requests for donated tickets for individuals or small groups.
Organizations will be limited to one request per year
Your request must be submitted a minimum of four weeks in advance of your event
All donation requests must be completed online and receive by the end of the month. No mail-in or email requests will be considered.

SUBMIT a Request

Ticket Use

Donated tickets must be used for the purpose stated on the donation request form.
Bulk tickets may not be resold or used for raffles or auctions.
Tickets are void after their expiration date and will not be reissued.
Organizations must be able to print donated tickets received through email confirmation.