Who has the most zoo memberships?

Arizona Docent

Well-Known Member
15+ year member
Ok, here is a new topic. (At least I don't think it has been done before). Let's see which ZooChatter has the most number of current zoo/aquarium/wildlife park memberships. If you only have one, please do not reply. I am looking for people with at least two.

It has to be two or more different organizations. For example, San Diego only counts as one, even though they run two parks (Zoo and Safari Park). Likewise, if WCS in New York has a single membership for all five of their facilities (not sure how they do it), it only counts as one.

Ok, I will post the first reply with my list, let's see if anyone can top it.
 
FIVE:
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Exotic Feline Breeding Compound
Phoenix Zoo
Reid Park Zoo
San Diego Zoo (& Safari Park)
 
THREE:

Woodland Park Zoo
Greater Vancouver Zoo
Vancouver Aquarium
 
Three.

Melbourne Zoo/Werribee Open Range Zoo/Healesville Sanctuary
Halls Gap Zoo
Melbourne Aquarium
 
For some reason I keep letting them lapse, but I think I currently have
San Diego (had family living in Escondido, but they moved, so will let this one expire)
Denver
National Zoo
NYZS

Need to renew:
Ried Park
ASDM

Haven't had a Phoenix Zoo membership for awhile, it's probably time. I'm also thinking of the new Sea Life in AZ
 
While I only have one zoo membership (Royal Zoological Society of Scotland; good for Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park) which on top is the first one I have in my life (as I have never lived close to a zoo before) I wonder how much it is costing per year to maintain from three up to five or six memberships? But it no doubt costs only a fraction of what other hobbies cost (say extreme sports) and it gives you so much pleasure that who minds the number of zeros.
 
While I only have one zoo membership (Royal Zoological Society of Scotland; good for Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park) which on top is the first one I have in my life (as I have never lived close to a zoo before) I wonder how much it is costing per year to maintain from three up to five or six memberships? But it no doubt costs only a fraction of what other hobbies cost (say extreme sports) and it gives you so much pleasure that who minds the number of zeros.

This is just a slight off-topic reply to Baldur, and not really to the thread as a whole since I only have the 1 membership (Chester), but I would just like to add a point about the costs.

I get a joint membership of my parents for me and my girlfriend, costing £105. We did actually get the membership early (04/12/10) since there was a couple of visits I wanted to make before the 25th (and the fact that the membership runs out at the end of the month it's taken out in, so I've technically got a membership for nearly 13 months, rather than just over 12).

By now, it has well past paid for itself, and from my calculations it had paid for itself on the 30/12/10 (a trip to Twycross). It would cost about £30 for each visit for both of us, so we only needed 4 trips. I have used it so far 5 times at Chester, and once at Twycross, and I've still got 11 months left on it. All of this isn't including discounts in the cafes and gift shops. So, the short version: It is probably the best use of £105 for me :D

To add a little to the thread, once I can drive I may get memberships to some of the closer zoos to me where I know the price will be worth it (most probably Blackpool and Welsh Mountain)
 
As far as something paying for itself, it has to be my AZA membership. I think it was $75 this year. If you go to a lot of zoos, you definitely get that back. Most accredited zoos in the US reciprocate and many internationally do, too.
There are some zoos and aquariums in the US that reciprocate with each other - not just ones that are near each other. Is there something like that in other countries?
 
TWO:
Bioparc (zoo) & l'Oceanogàfic (aquarium) both in Valencia
 
Only one for me - Chester - but I agree that membership is very good value for money. I find the biggest advantage is that I now often make short visits. I pop in for an hour or two, which I would never do if I felt I had to gain maximum value from a pay on the door ticket. Great if there is something new and specific to see, conditions are right for a particular photo, or if me or the family just need a couple of hours run around.

[QUOTEThere are some zoos and aquariums in the US that reciprocate with each other - not just ones that are near each other. Is there something like that in other countries?[/QUOTE]

Indeed. Chester membership is good for Belfast, Bristol, Colchester (the only other zoo I've used it), Dublin, Edinburgh, Fota, Marwell, Paignton, Twycross, Newquay and Woburn.

I must resolve to spread my wings a bit more.
 
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