ZooAmerica Is Open This Winter For Family Fun

Did you know that ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park is open throughout the winter? Despite the colder weather in Hershey, Pa., it's a sweet time of year to bundle up the family and visit the zoo. Read on to find out what you need to know before you go to ZooAmerica this winter.

Hours

ZooAmerica is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in January. The zoo is often less crowded during the winter months, which means that guests can enjoy a more quiet and intimate visit. For more information on the operating calendar and hours, click here.

Most Active Animals

Many of the North American animals in the outdoor exhibits are more active when the temperature drops. We recommend visiting the Northlands region of the zoo for a chance to see four gray wolves, two snowy owls and an American marten. During the winter, guests will often spot the wolves running around their enclosure and the snowy owls on the ground or perched in one of the trees in their habitat. The marten likes to build tunnels when there is snow on the ground.

ZooAmerica is also home to two river otters in the Eastern Woodlands region of the zoo. River otters are built for swimming, even in the cold water, so guests should look for them playing in the pool in their habitat. To learn more about these top four most active animals at ZooAmerica in winter, click here.

Important Safety Enhancements

ZooAmerica remains committed to protecting all guests, team members and, of course, the North American animals that call the zoo home. The zoo has implemented safety enhancements to ensure the best possible experience for guests during the global health pandemic. We recommend all guests read the full overview of safety enhancements detailed here in preparation for an upcoming visit. 

Please note that face coverings are required for all guests over the age of 2 at all times during their visit, except while dining. Guests should also be prepared to undergo a touchless temperature screening prior to entering ZooAmerica.

Once inside, guests must adhere to social distancing guidelines and follow the direction from team members by maintaining six feet of space from guests of other travel parties at all times. Given social distancing guidelines, indoor locations are temporarily closed.

Plan a Visit Today

A reservation is not required to visit ZooAmerica, but admission may not be guaranteed if guests arrive and the zoo is at full capacity. Guests are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance of a visit to reduce face-to-face purchase transactions.

Don't forget - ZooAmerica Pass Holders can enjoy unlimited visits to the zoo for 12 consecutive months after purchase and 2021 Hersheypark Season Pass Holders get into the zoo for free, too.