Open 365 days a year, the San Diego Zoo welcomes San Diego families as well as visitors from around the world. The 100-acre (40-hectare) Zoo is home to over 3,700 rare and endangered animals representing more than 668 species and subspecies, and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. It is located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park. Military discounts—for United States Active Duty military—are valid every day of the year. Visit as often as you wish! The discount is not valid for special ticketed events or programs. I’m United States Active Duty military. What do I need to visit? United States Active Duty military personnel receive complimentary entry, with a valid ID, and do not require a ticket for admission to the Zoo or the Safari Park. Valid military ID must be presented at time of arrival at the entry turnstile. All guests ages 3 and older who are accompanying U.S. Active Duty military are required to have a ticket or a membership. Active duty U.S. Armed Forces personnel* receive all the benefits of admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park upon presenting a Common Access Card (CAC) or Uniformed Services ID Card at our gates. Complimentary admission is reserved exclusively for active duty service members upon presenting a valid ID. Parking at the Safari Park, special ticketed events or programs are not included. U.S. Active Duty military who for any reason are unable to present valid active duty ID are not eligible for free entrance and will be required to purchase non-refundable admission to enter our parks. Refunds cannot be provided retroactively. U.S. Active Duty military spouses and eligible immediate dependents receive a 10% discount off the 1-Day Pass at both the Zoo and Safari Park and do not need to be accompanied by an active duty member of the U. S. Armed Forces. Just show your valid dependent ID card at any ticket window! Retirees and veterans: We do not offer a discount at our parks; however, we work with MWR Departments on board local military installations to offer discount packages for U.S. military retirees, veterans and others. Please contact your military MWR Ticket Office for discount requirements on ticket purchases. *Includes active duty members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard; members of the Reserve components (Ready Reserve, National Guard, and Reservists in training); and cadets of service academies and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Civilians are not included.