The zoo says this move will allow for faster transactions, improved safety, and greater convenience for the guests who visit the zoo.
SAN ANTONIO — If you’re planning a visit to the San Antonio Zoo, bring a credit card with you! That’s because starting on April 18, the zoo will become a cashless operation.
The zoo says this move will allow for faster transactions, improved safety, and greater convenience for the guests who visit the zoo.
You will need a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment option beginning on April 18. The zoo had previously transitioned away from cash for admission tickets with the opening of the new zoo entrance in 2023.
“We’re always looking for ways to make the zoo experience better,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of the San Antonio Zoo. “We’ve seen this model work well around the country, and right here in San Antonio at places like our city’s theme parks, Alamodome, Frost Bank Center, and more.”
There will be convenient cash-to-card kiosks, or reverse ATMs, throughout the zoo for those who may not have a cashless payment option. Guests will be able to load cash onto a prepaid Mastercard, then use it anywhere inside the zoo or other places that accept Mastercard.
The kiosks will be located at the Zoo Entrance, Beastro Restaurant, Valerie Guenther’s Mariposa Market, Jambo Market, and a fifth machine will be added at Congo Falls once it opens later this year.
The zoo says that streamlining their operations means guests will spend less time in line and more time exploring the habitats of incredible wildlife from around the world. Not only will it be faster, it will be safer for guests as well and eliminate the need for employees to deal with cash.