Admissions & Venues Guide 2023
Event Sales Department
(619) 685-3259
events.sdzwa.org
In order to utilize Catering Facilities at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park,
an Admissions per attendee is required.
2023 Private Catered Event Admission
1-DAY PASS
Includes all-day admission, Africa
Tram, and all public animal shows
and exhibits as scheduled during
operating hours.
Catered Event Attendee
Retail
ADULT CHILD
$37 $27
$71 $61
EVENING ENTRY
For Catered Groups entering grounds after 4:00 p.m.
Includes admission, Africa Tram, and all public animal
shows and exhibits as scheduled during operating hours.
ADULT
$17
CHILD
$17
PARKING FEE
Parking required during public hours. Retail Rate: $15.
PER VEHICLE
$7
Private Event - Special Experience Options
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER – 45 MINUTES $1500
Nothing completes a special event like a furry, feathery, or scaly guest of honor. Experience an up-
close encounter with some of the rarest and most dynamic species that will inspire and amaze even
the most educated animal enthusiast. Enjoy meeting our professional wildlife care staff and learn
about wildlife, ecosystems, and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance conservation efforts. Our wildlife
animal ambassadors include a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
WILDLIFE CARE SPECIALIST TALK – 30 MINUTES $750
Hear from the people who work with wildlife on a daily basis – guests will have the ability to ask
questions and interact with our wildlife care specialists!
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AFRICA TRAM SAFARI
The Africa Tram is an exciting expedition, with
safari tour vehicles and our diverse
wildlife creating a relaxing adventure. The ride
path takes you around some of the savanna
habitats, giving you a chance to connect with
wildlife on a closer level.
WILDLIFE SAFARI
Venture into one of our expansive savanna habitats
to get an up-close view of a variety of birds and
mammals—including some of our newest babies!
You'll travel in the back of a covered, open-air
safari truck, with an expert guide.
Pricing: $500 Per Vehicle
Recommended Time: Daylight Hours (Not
Available from 11AM - 2 PM)
Duration: 25 Minutes
Boarding Location: Tram Station
All Ages
Up to 75 people per vehicle
Recommended Time: Anytime Up to One Hour Prior to
Sunset
Pricing: $1,350 - $1650 (based on event date)
Up to 15 people per vehicle.
Duration: 60 Minutes
Boarding Location: Wildlife Safari Outpost
Ages 3 & Up
Up to 15 guests per vehicle
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Private Event - Special Experience Options
Your guide will highlight different plants and animals
featured along the tour. Your tour will also include a wildlife
encounter tor visit to an animal habitat area not accessible
by the general public.
SAFARI STROLL
Pricing: $25/Person
Recommended Time: Anytime, Up to One Hour Prior to Sunset
Duration: 1 Hour
Boarding Location: Customizable
Ages: All Ages
Up to 150 guests at any one time with up to 25 guests per group
The ultimate recreational experience for those looking for
excitement. Secure and comfortable in your harness, you
will soar as high as 130 feet above the ground, with a
spectacular bird’s-eye view of rhinos, giraffes, and other
wildlife in the savanna habitats below you.
The Flightline experience includes the use of safety
equipment, an orientation, a brief interpretive tour, and a
flight on our two zip lines. First, the Fledgling run prepares
you for your ultimate Flightline experience. Once
“fledged,” you will be taken by Safari truck to the final
launch platform. You will experience breathtaking views of
the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and its expansive savanna
habitats below as you “fly” approximately two-thirds of a
mile, landing safely near our Roar & Snore campground.
Pricing: $79 - $92/Person Depending on Event Date
Recommended Time: Anytime Up to One Hour Prior to
Sunset
Duration: 60 Minutes (including training session and test
flight. times vary)
Boarding Location: Flightline Safari Outpost
Ages 8+ (Weight and other restrictions apply)
Up to 8 guests per hour
FLIGHTLINE SAFARI
For large groups, enjoy this exhilarating experience on the Fledgling Run; a 470-foot-long ride that runs
through fragrant and shady trees.
Pricing: $2,000/Hour
Recommended Time: Anytime, Up to One Hour Prior to Sunset
Duration: 60 Minutes (including training session, times vary)
Boarding Location: Flightline Safari Outpost
Ages 8+ (Weight and other restrictions apply)
Up to 60 guests per hour
EXCLUSIVE FLEDGLING EXPERIENCE
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Private Event - Venues
Lush, tropical foliage, harmonious waters and rare
birds encompass this intimate open -air African
style lodge.
Seating & Dining: 60” Round Tables Accompanied
by Wicker Armed Chairs
Availability: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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MOMBASA PAVILION – Recommended up to 140 Guests
HUNTE NAIROBI PAVILION – Recommended up to 300 Guests
On the edge of Nairobi Village, this spaces dramatic
and open-air destination with 35-foot vaulted ceiling,
adorned with ambient decorative lighting, is perfect
for the larger gathering.
Seating & Dining: 60” Round Tables
Accompanied by Wicker Armed Chairs
Availability: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private Event - Venues
SAMBUTAN LONGHOUSE VIP ROOM AT TIGER TRAIL – Recommended up to 32 Guests
SAMBUTAN LONGHOUSE AT TIGER TRAIL – Recommended up to 120 Guests
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Travel through a mystical bamboo
passage into a tranquil forest before
encountering captivating Sumatran Tigers.
This venue features traditional I ndonesian
architecture with floor to ceiling windows.
Seating & Dining: 60” Round Tables
Accompanied by Chiavari Chairs with Burgundy
Cushions
Availability: Dinner
An intimate room with floor-to-ceiling windows
located in the Longhouse.
Seating & Dining: 60” Round Tables
Accompanied by Chiavari Chairs with Burgundy
Cushions
Availability: Breakfast, Lunch
Private Event - Venues
KIJAMII OVERLOOK – Recommended up to 220 Guests
MAWAZO TERRACE – Recommended up to 100 Guests
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Enchanting views of the San Pasqual Valley can be found
at this secluded vista. This outdoor venue is conveniently
located by the Mawazo Jungle Gym.
Seating & Dining: 42” Round Tables Accompanied by Deck
Chairs
Availability: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Panoramic views of the Safari Park’s Asian and
African plains where giraffes, rhinos, and gazelles
roam throughout the hillside. Unique African
Lodge inspired facility complete with a fire pit.
Seating & Dining: Choice of Farm Style Tables
or Rounds (based on guest count) Accompanied
by Cross-Back Chairs
Availability: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Located in Walkabout Australia , The
Woolshed has a “ridgey-didge” design
(Aussie-speak for “the real deal”) and is an
excellent vantage point for viewing tree
kangaroos. The private venue is a building
representing a wool shearing shed like
those found on Australia’s many sheep
ranches, which locals call “stations.”
Seating & Dining: Farm Style Table
accompanied by Rustic Iron Chairs
Availability: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private Event - Venues
WOOLSHED AT WALKABOUT AUSTRALIA – Recommended up to 80 Guests
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Capacity Chart
Room Name
Square
Ft
Dimensions Reception Buffet Plated
Buffet/
Dance
Theater
Hunte Nairobi Pavilion 7,170 45’diameter 400 300* 300* 250* 350*
Hunte Nairobi
Pavilion
Schroder Plaza,
Thorntree Terrace
18,338 - 1,000 500* 300* 500* 350*
Kijamii Overlook 3135 - 300* 220 220 180 -
Mombasa Pavilion 2,925 30x90 200 140 160 120 150
Mawazo Terrace 2,080 80x26 100 100* - 80* -
Sambutan Tiger
Longhouse
2,801 31x90 175 120 120 120 -
Tiger Trail, Hunte &
Schroeder Plaza
21,139 - Up to 1500 - - - -
Tiger Trail VIP Room 551 23x23 40 32 32 - -
The Woolshed,
Walkabout Australia
2280 38 x 60 125
80 at
Rectangular
Farm-Style
Tables
96 60 100
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Buyout Available
Capacity Chart
Capacities listed may vary based on event specific set up.
*Rental of additional chairs and tables may be required to meet
maximum set up.
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ADMISSION
In order to utilize catering facilities at the premises, an admissions fee per attendee is required. SDZWA
membership, military passes, prepaid tickets and/or discount coupons do not apply to Special Events.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE MINIMUMS, BAR MINIMUMS & ROOM RENTALS
Each facility has a minimum Food and Beverage expenditure requirement. This minimum is met through the
purchase of the food and beverage only. Entertainment, rental, décor, admissions, surcharges, wildlife
encounters, labor fees and/or sales tax do not apply towards this minimum. If the food and beverage minimum
is not met, an amount equal to the deficit plus applicable sales tax will be charged to the client.
Any deviation and/or reductions in program do not alter the client's responsibility for full payment of this
minimum.
GROUP SIZE MINIMUM
30 guest minimum will apply to admissions, tours, food (except as defined for food station minimums at 100
guests) and beverages. Groups under 50 will be charged a small group fee of $170.
DEPOSIT
A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of signing the Sales Agreement in order to consider any
reservation confirmed. This deposit will be applied toward the total charge for the Event.
The remaining balance as determined by the Event Order will be due five (5) business days prior to the Event.
FINAL GUARANTEE
A final guarantee is due no later than 10:00 am (PST) five (5) business days prior to your event. If the final
guarantee is not received within the five (5) day specification, the estimated attendance given at contract will
be used as the final billable guarantee. The Client will be invoiced for the final guaranteed attendance (food,
beverage, admissions and tours) or the actual number of meals served, and entrances granted, whichever is
greater.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) will provide seating 3% over the guarantee up to the maximum
capacity of the reserved facility San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will be prepared to cook food for 3% over the
guarantee as the need is determined. If the actual number of guests at an event exceeds 3% of the guarantee,
every effort will be made to provide meals, but we reserve the right to substitute food items and not
guaranteed.
VENUE COORDINATOR
The SDZWA Event Coordinator will serve as liaison between SDZWA and the Client for all needs. Any
arrangements/requests/communication must be made directly with said Event Coordinator.
The SDZWA Event Coordinator must approve all decorations, themes and entertainment at least one (1) month
prior to the Event. The SDZWA reserves the right to refuse any decoration themes or entertainment that may be
considered a health or safety problem or cause damage to the premises.
RESTRICTED
For the safety of our guests and wildlife collection, items not allowed on premises include but are not limited to:
any animals other than service animals, drones, balloons, balls, Frisbees, hacky sacks, hula hoops, bicycles,
scooters, tricycles, riding toys of any kind, bug nets, plastic bug keeper containers, cap guns, noisemakers, toys
that make loud noises, fireworks, glass bottles, jump ropes, knives, weapons, lawn chairs, plants, roller blades,
skates, skateboards, roller shoes, throw away lids and straws, AM/FM radios, scanners, portable TVs, laser
pointers, whistles and yo-yos.
POWER
All power requirements must be on file with the SDZWA Event Coordinator at least one (1) month prior to Event
Date. Extensive power needs are subject to additional charges.
Catering Policies and Procedures
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MUSIC
Music sound levels cannot exceed a maximum Sustained Db level of 80. SDZWA will monitor. If sustained reading
exceeds maximum, client will be immediately notified and will be expected to reduce the volume. Any additional
notifications after the first offense will incur a $500 fine per notice. More than 3 notices, power source to music will be
powered down for remainder of the event.
Loud percussions (i.e. marching band) and steel drum bands not allowed for animal welfare.
SMOKING
San Diego Zoo and Safari Park is a non-smoking and non-vaping facility.
WEATHER
Inclement weather options are available for an additional cost and are not included in minimum charges. Outdoor
venues have basic lighting. Thematic lighting is available at an additional charge. Entertainment, buffets, and
presentation requirements will affect capacities.
CONFIRMATION OF SPACE
Event space may be confirmed with a signed sales agreement and deposit as early as eighteen (18) months in
advance. All dates are subject to approval from our Sales Department.
EVENT SCHEDULES/TIMING
The client agrees to conform to the specifications of the guaranteed Event Order regarding arrival, meal service,
entertainment and departure schedule. Client will be invoiced for any expenses incurred as a result of client’s failure to
comply with the contracted specifications listed in the Event Order. Groups that are on the premises after 11 p.m. will
be charged a late fee of $1,000.00 per hour, or any portion thereof unless otherwise contracted. All groups must
depart by 12 midnight.
Client has access to venue one hour prior to event. Extensive set up time requests may be available with an additional
fee.
Event attendees are restricted to contracted venue after operating hours.
DÉCOR
All decorations, theming and entertainment must be approved by the Event Coordinator at least (3) weeks prior to the
event.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance reserves the right to refuse any decoration, theming, lighting or entertainment that may
be considered a health or safety problem for the wildlife or cause damage to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
property.
SAFARI PARK TOURS
Tour pricing available only in conjunction with a private catered event.
Alternate routes can be arranged for guests with mobility impairments. Arrangements must be made 3 weeks in
advance.
A fee will apply for cancelling any scheduled tour, please refer to your Sales Specialist for Cancellation Policy.
A Late Fee of $180 will be incurred for groups arriving more than 30 minutes late to their scheduled tour time.
Select tours may not be available during peak hours, or operating hours, please refer to your Sales Specialist for more
information.
PRICING SUBJECT TO CHANGE
All food, beverage, tours and entertainment are subject to pricing changes. Client will be notified prior to any pricing
changes.
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Catering Policies and Procedures
FOOD SERVICE
Requests for special dietary restrictions must be made 3 weeks in advance, if not sooner. The kitchen will make
reasonable efforts to accommodate such requests.
Plated Meals
When offering guests a selection of entrees to be served at the same function, menu must be pre-determined 3 weeks
in advance with a breakdown of each entrée guaranteed with the Event Coordinator at least 5 days prior to event
date.
If more than three plated entrée selections are requested and approved by Executive Chef (i.e. Beef, Fish, Chicken
and Specialty) an additional $10.00 per person fee will apply, based on guarantee. Menu pricing will be determined
by the highest priced entrée.
All guests will be served the same starter and dessert unless alternative arrangements have been made in advance.
Client bears the responsibility to provide guests with a menu card indicating meal selection when offering more than
one entrée at the same function and/or for special entrée requests/dietary needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to
present that card to their server at mealtime.
If meal indicator cards are not provided by the client, a $10.00 per person service charge will be applied based on
guarantee.
Buffet & Food Stations
90 minute service time. An extension of actual service times is subject to additional labor fees. One buffet table with
two serving lines will be set up for each 100 guests as space allows.
BEVERAGE SERVICE
All beverage service will be provided by SDZWA and is subject to the regulations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control
Board of California. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
There is a $595 cumulative bar guarantee per bartender. If the bar guarantee is not met, the bar difference will be
charged.
One bartender per 75 guests is provided, based on a maximum of four (4) service hours.
Additional service time is available at $155/hour, per bartender, per location.
Bars relocating to a second locations will incur a relocation fee of $400 per bar, per 75 guests.
Grab and Go bars are limited to one specialty drink, served “wild” or “tame”, charged based on guarantee or actual
whichever is greater, and subject to $155 bar set up fee.
Wine corkage fees are $38/750 mL bottle. Wine Service available during plated meals. Please refer to your Sales
Specialist for our wine list.
Labor fees are not considered part of the bar guarantee.
FINAL GUARANTEE
A final guarantee is due no later than 10:00 am (PST) five (5) business days prior to your event. If the final guarantee is
not received within the five (5) day specification, the estimated attendance given at contract will be used as the final
billable guarantee. The Client will be invoiced for the final guaranteed attendance (food, beverage, admissions and
tours) or the actual number of meals served, and entrances granted, whichever is greater.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) will provide seating 3% over the guarantee up to the maximum capacity of
the reserved facility San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will be prepared to cook food for 3% over the guarantee as the
need is determined. If the actual number of guests at an event exceeds 3% of the guarantee, every effort will be
made to provide meals, but we reserve the right to substitute food items and not guaranteed.
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Catering Policies and Procedures
