Roaring into another season: Erie Zoo hours, admission rates as 2024 opening day approaches
The Erie Zoo is ready to roar into another season, which includes a special milestone.
The Erie Zoo, at 423 W. 38th St., officially opens Friday and will hold its annual grand reopening celebration Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 pm.
But that's not all the zoo is celebrating in 2024 as it commemorates 100 years in operation.
The annual grand reopening will include animal meet-and-greets, educational programs, carousel rides, hot chocolate from Millcreek Coffee Company and breakfast treats from Mighty Fine Donuts. Admission to the zoo Saturday is free thanks to UPMC Health Plan.
The first 500 families that enter through the zoo’s gates will get a swag bag filled with goodies. One bag will be provided to each family.
Erie Zoo to celebrate 100 years
Erie Zoo fans will have some changes to look forward to this year.
"2024 is going to be an exciting season for us," said Melissa "Roo" Kojancie, new CEO of the Erie Zoo. "This year I'm really excited for guests to see the progress we are making on the otter exhibits, that's going to be really exciting for us and we're celebrating our 100-year anniversary this year."
More: Erie Zoo's new CEO wants to take customers behind the scenes for special experiences
The zoo is finalizing details on how they will celebrate throughout the 2024 season.
Zoo's regular-season hours
The Erie Zoo will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last admission at 4:15 p.m. from March 1 to Nov. 30. Hours will vary during ZooBoo in October.
What are the admission rates to the Erie Zoo?
$12 for adults ages 13 and above
$10 for seniors ages 62 and above
$8 for children ages two to 12
Free for children 23 months and under
What are the Erie Zoo membership rates?
The Erie Zoo has multiple membership options for visitors.
Family plus plan at $99
Family plan at $85
Grandparents plus plan at $99
Grandparent plan at $85
Single grandparent at $85
Single parent at $85
Individual plan at $65
Zoo for two at $80
Partners in Conservation at $275
What are the benefits of a zoo membership?
Free admission to the zoo
Free or discounted admission to zoos across the country
Discount admission to ZooBoo
Discount tickets on the Safariland Train
Discount tickets for the wildlife carousel
Discount on birthday parties
Subscription to the ZooNews newsletter
Discounts on education classes
More: Erie Zoo veteran Melissa 'Roo' Kojancie named as the zoo's new CEO at pivotal moment
Some memberships, including the Partners in Conservation, get additional benefits including free ZooBoo tickets, conservation connection with a keeper and early admission the first Friday of each month.
"It's nice to have the community back on the grounds again," said Kojancie. "We love engaging with the community and the community loves the zoo."
Contact Nicholas Sorensen at nsorensen@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie Zoo PA opens March 1: Hours, admission rates for 2024
