Based on the information in the article it will now cost an average family $92 to visit the zoo on the weekend. Wow! At $52 for a couple of adults and almost $40 for a couple of kids that $92 seems incredibly high. Indianapolis Zoo is now almost certainly the most expensive zoo in North America if one were to work out the time spent in the establishment in relation to the entrance fee. Places like Disney's Animal Kingdom, Busch Gardens and the SeaWorld parks are massively expensive but obviously enormously long days. San Diego and Bronx take all day to tour as well, but one of my zoo keeper friends went through Indy Zoo in about 3 hours a couple of years ago and he was unimpressed. I like the zoo and have visited twice (5 hours each visit) but as a tourist I'm not sure that I'd like to shell out $92 just to walk in the door. Adding in lunch and the many rides that the zoo has (more than most average zoos) and all of a sudden it becomes a crazy day for a family's bank account.
Just remember that Indy receives 0 $$ from the city or any other govermental funding source. In this respect it is really not so different from theme parks like Busch or Disney.
Just remember that Indy receives 0 $$ from the city or any other govermental funding source. In this respect it is really not so different from theme parks like Busch or Disney.
Yet Snowleopard's point is important... whatever the funding source, visitors will decide if the price is too high for their pockets.
An interesting experiement
Just remember that Indy receives 0 $$ from the city or any other govermental funding source. In this respect it is really not so different from theme parks like Busch or Disney.
A valid point, and zoos like Indianapolis and Phoenix that receive zero governmental support need to focus on raising funds for the long-term viability of their facilities. However, I'm not sure that a $10 increase to adults whether they visit the zoo on a Thursday or a Saturday is justified and the overall price of a ticket is outlandish. I have no doubt that Indy Zoo will have a banner year in terms of attendance but long-term I'm not sure if the temporary spike will be sustained. The zoo has many money-making ventures (rollercoaster, train, carousel, orangutan ride, 4-D theater) and it will be intriguing to see whether or not more rides become part of the landscape.
My wife and I have 3 kids and if we were to visit Indianapolis Zoo this Saturday it would cost us $114. Fees of $20 per child are charged once that individual reaches the age of 2...insane.
A valid point, and zoos like Indianapolis and Phoenix that receive zero governmental support need to focus on raising funds for the long-term viability of their facilities. However, I'm not sure that a $10 increase to adults whether they visit the zoo on a Thursday or a Saturday is justified and the overall price of a ticket is outlandish. I have no doubt that Indy Zoo will have a banner year in terms of attendance but long-term I'm not sure if the temporary spike will be sustained. The zoo has many money-making ventures (rollercoaster, train, carousel, orangutan ride, 4-D theater) and it will be intriguing to see whether or not more rides become part of the landscape.
Yep. This strategy is no doubt being watched closely by many. San Diego Safari Park (and possibly the zoo) have been using this sort of variable demand-based pricing for some of the in-park upcharge offerings (rides, special tours etc.), but this is the first I've ever seen it used for basic admission pricing. I really wonder how many people will use the orang utan skyride, given the fairly limited amount of time I expect the apes will want to spend up on the highwire.....
Here is the link to the new pricing system, and anyone can click on the day that they wish to visit the zoo and then watch as their jaw hits the floor:
My wife and I have 3 kids and if we were to visit Indianapolis Zoo this Saturday it would cost us $114. Fees of $20 per child are charged once that individual reaches the age of 2...insane.
Indeed - far from an expensive entrance fee by European standards - about on a par with Yorkshire Wildlife Park's £15.50 and more than US$15 less than adult entry at Whipsnade, by my rough-and-ready conversions.
Indeed - far from an expensive entrance fee by European standards - about on a par with Yorkshire Wildlife Park's £15.50 and more than US$15 less than adult entry at Whipsnade, by my rough-and-ready conversions.
Whipsnade also reserve the right to charge for a car (and it's a long walk round for small children or the elderly) and admissions are levied for youngsters from the age of three.
I know I'm going to be ripped for saying this but.... I'm currently looking up 80 ft in the air and there's an Orangutan brachiating along the cables... straight above me and out in the open. I've never seen an Orangutan exhibit that can offer this kind of experience for both the visitor and more importantly the apes. This exhibit is incredible.
