TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) – For the first time in three years, the Toledo Zoo is raising its admission prices. There is now a two-tier admission structure in place: one for Lucas County residents and another for visitors.
With the new admission prices in place, the popular marketing jingle "I love my zoo" has been replaced with "The Toledo Zoo loves Lucas County."
"It's really important for people to know we so much appreciate the support of Lucas County. Because of Lucas County we have such an incredible zoo," said spokesperson Andi Norman.
With that appreciation in mind, the Toledo Zoo has rolled out its new admission rates.
"As of Jan. 2 our prices increased, just slightly. New this year we've introduced a differential pricing structure for Lucas County residents," said Norman.
The zoo has increased daily admission by $3 while giving a $2 discount to Lucas County residents. People living in Lucas County will pay $5 for adults and $3.50 for children between January and February, plus in November and December. Other visitors will pay $7 for adults and $5.50 for children.
Between March and October the Lucas County rate will be $12 for adults and $9 for children and seniors. Other visitors will pay $14 for adults and $11 for children and seniors.
"We're still very affordable at these rates, and also we're still very competitive in this region because we have a lot of great zoos in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana," Norman explained.
The zoo's annual family membership rate has also increased from $71 to $73 for Lucas County families, and $79 for others.
"Because they've supported over many years with our operating levies and our capital levies, we felt it was important to offer them a discount because of their continued support," said Norman.
As expenses rise and tax collection drops due to declining property values, zoo officials said the increases are part of a plan which includes several cost-cutting measures within zoo operations.
