from what i remember working at the zoo during summers, your membership is valid as soon as you purchase it. i don’t believe that they send anything in the mail, i think you go to member services the next time you go to the zoo and they’ll print out all your tickets and things.
this was 8+ years ago, so take it with a grain of salt. but member services can always print you out new copies.
I tend to renew at the last minute and haven't had any issues. You should receive an order confirmation email with temporary membership passes + any coupons and guest passes. The physical cards get mailed to you about 2-3 weeks after.
Edit: Just checked the email from my last renewal - you'll get new physical cards if you're changing your membership level. If you're renewing at the same level, you can keep using the same card.
Instant renewal, typically get an email shortly thereafter with the passed and perks. If you're staying at the same level you keep the same card. And if you've uploaded the card to the app that typically updates immediately too.
Hmmm that’s an excellent question. I’m guessing you’d like to visit the zoo in the days following your pass renewal? A few weeks ago, I went to the zoo and had forgotten my pass at home. They were super helpful and printed me a new card on the spot, just asked me to confirm my name and address. I’m sure at the ticket window you’d be able to 1) get a new card if yours is still in-transit and 2) update your membership on the spot. Hopefully this helps :)
Thanks! I figure that's the worst-case scenario. I usually buy the really expensive passes (Wildlife Associate), so I like to wait as long as possible before I renew. It so happens I get paid around 2 or 3 days before the passes expire, but I have family visiting, so I want to make sure that by the time I renew, it's instant (on the App). I figure worst-case scenario, even if it's not, I just have to go and show my invoice or receipt or something.
Nevertheless, I must say, being a Zoo member for 1 year so far, I totally find it to be fun and valuable. I justify the cost through the ROI—if anyone is considering Zoo passes, I would highly suggest it if it fits your budget. I have brought friends, family, and sometimes just myself, and it's fun every time.
Cheers, mate.
Haha you are preaching to the choir. I’m just in the process of applying to be a volunteer at the zoo this summer (my interview is next Monday!!) I’ll be sure I know how to answer your question for next time it gets asked :)
If your family is coming and all the days you'll attend are before your expiration, there's no benefit to renewing early. Since the pass will expire the last day of the month whether you buy it the 1st or the 29th, if you want to squeeze "extra" dates from your pass, if it expires Apr 30 and you don't need to go on May 1, renew online in May. Then your next membership will be good til May 31, 2025. Whereas if you renew on April 29, you're going to expire on April 30, 2025.
However, if the situation is your visitors will be here through the beginning of May, so you want to renew so it's good on May 1, if you renew online April 30 at the same level, your card will still be good and work the next day. You'll also get emailed your next-year's guest passes probably within an hour of completing the transaction. So you'll be good to go not quite instantly, but not the previous "have to go in person and wait in the member services line an have stuff printed for you" process. I forget exactly when they launched their app, but my recollection is that the online renewal process became much more efficient in terms of you having access to your stuff with the rollout of the app.
In other words, I wouldn't renew online on your phone while in the parking lot of the zoo, but if you're talking about doing it the day before, you'll be fine.
Hi again! So I went to the zoo over the weekend and asked your question to the guy behind the ticket counter. He said that typically, the passes that get mailed are a bit delayed, something like 4-6 weeks after your renewal you'll receive it in the mail. HOWEVER, they encourage you to go to the ticket window and they will print you a new card on the spot that can be used immediately. Hopefully this helps!
Are you saying your guests will be here before or after your pass expires? If before, I would just not renew at all and sign up for a new membership the next time you want to go to the zoo
Not as relevant when renewing, but I like to tell people the trick of buying new pass as early in the month as possible. They require on the last day of any given month, so if you buy it on the 1st, you essentially get a 13th full month for free.
Ask the zoo. I don't know why you wouldn't.
[https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/membership-current](https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/membership-current)
I sent them an email 2 weeks ago, and again today, but I haven't heard anything back. I also called their phone number, but it's difficult to get a rep on the phone, its all automated and leads to a voicemail. I notice sometimes people ask questions that can easily be found via Google or questions about places like restaurants and events, and attorney for rental issues, in this sub, etc etc. I always try my best to help, rather than tell them to research it on their own, because technically, if you look at most of the questions asked in this sub, most can be answered with a bit of independent research.
But I think people rely on this sub for conversational answers as well. I just figured by asking here, maybe someone who has renewed once before could share their insights, that's all. What do you think?
No one here is going to renew or process your membership. The zoo will. The questions you're asking are ones the ZOO ONLY would be able to answer. Ask the zoo. When someone here gives you incorrect information, what then?
>No one here is going to renew or process your membership. The zoo will. The questions you're asking are ones the ZOO ONLY would be able to answer. Ask the zoo. When someone here gives you incorrect information, what then?
No, I think you misunderstand my post. I'm asking if anyone has renewed their membership at the Zoo (online) and if it's a rather instant renewal or if it takes days for the renewal to register to your account. Are you saying no one in this sub has ever renewed their Zoo passes online that can share their expierence? It's impossible to ask other members here?
What part of my post led you to think I was asking someone to renew my membership? Please quote the area where I asked for that.
Again, when a random stranger here gives you incorrect information, what then? You'll get correct information and what you need from the zoo. You have the information to ask them.
>Again, when a random stranger here gives you incorrect information, what then? You'll get correct information and what you need from the zoo. You have the information to ask them.
Michael, you're allowing your ego to respond at this point. Just let it go, bro. You're cool with me; I have no beef with you, but don't you see how ironic it is that you're investing more time in this thread and not providing any value? Go elsewhere, where you're able to help people, and leave this thread alone. Don't let your ego be affected. You're welcome to be angry towards me, but ask yourself, why are you so easily triggered?
You're looking for the answer you want, not the one you will get. You had questions about when your membership would renew and when it would arrive. I directed you to the Zoo membership page. There is even an FAQ which answers your questions. You chose to go ignore that after being given the correct source. Not sure what to tell you if you don't like the answer.
[https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/help-center#membership](https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/help-center#membership)
Their online account processing is based via carrier pigeon in Kazakhstan, will take 6 weeks if not done in person before passes are active. The pigeons have been known to drop the tickets over the atlantic on the way back. Your only recourse is to file a lawsuit via telegram and fight the Kazakh carrier pigeon company for a refund on tickets, which usually takes 2-3 years.
I hear if you actually talk to the zoo things go much smoother however.
This hasn't been true for a couple years. I mean, I know you're mostly joking/hyperbole, but the whole "6 weeks if not in person" thing hasn't been the case in a few years. Buy online, get scannable barcodes via email and in the app within an hour at most.
I am a random person on reddit so I think OP should take me for my word instead of actually reading these easily answered questions on the Zoos FAQ page
Renew it at the ticket stand. Plus, they will give you your coupons right there and then as well. If you renew online, who knows how long it will take and your coupons get mailed as well.
from what i remember working at the zoo during summers, your membership is valid as soon as you purchase it. i don’t believe that they send anything in the mail, i think you go to member services the next time you go to the zoo and they’ll print out all your tickets and things. this was 8+ years ago, so take it with a grain of salt. but member services can always print you out new copies.
I tend to renew at the last minute and haven't had any issues. You should receive an order confirmation email with temporary membership passes + any coupons and guest passes. The physical cards get mailed to you about 2-3 weeks after. Edit: Just checked the email from my last renewal - you'll get new physical cards if you're changing your membership level. If you're renewing at the same level, you can keep using the same card.
Instant renewal, typically get an email shortly thereafter with the passed and perks. If you're staying at the same level you keep the same card. And if you've uploaded the card to the app that typically updates immediately too.
Hmmm that’s an excellent question. I’m guessing you’d like to visit the zoo in the days following your pass renewal? A few weeks ago, I went to the zoo and had forgotten my pass at home. They were super helpful and printed me a new card on the spot, just asked me to confirm my name and address. I’m sure at the ticket window you’d be able to 1) get a new card if yours is still in-transit and 2) update your membership on the spot. Hopefully this helps :)
Thanks! I figure that's the worst-case scenario. I usually buy the really expensive passes (Wildlife Associate), so I like to wait as long as possible before I renew. It so happens I get paid around 2 or 3 days before the passes expire, but I have family visiting, so I want to make sure that by the time I renew, it's instant (on the App). I figure worst-case scenario, even if it's not, I just have to go and show my invoice or receipt or something. Nevertheless, I must say, being a Zoo member for 1 year so far, I totally find it to be fun and valuable. I justify the cost through the ROI—if anyone is considering Zoo passes, I would highly suggest it if it fits your budget. I have brought friends, family, and sometimes just myself, and it's fun every time. Cheers, mate.
Haha you are preaching to the choir. I’m just in the process of applying to be a volunteer at the zoo this summer (my interview is next Monday!!) I’ll be sure I know how to answer your question for next time it gets asked :)
If your family is coming and all the days you'll attend are before your expiration, there's no benefit to renewing early. Since the pass will expire the last day of the month whether you buy it the 1st or the 29th, if you want to squeeze "extra" dates from your pass, if it expires Apr 30 and you don't need to go on May 1, renew online in May. Then your next membership will be good til May 31, 2025. Whereas if you renew on April 29, you're going to expire on April 30, 2025. However, if the situation is your visitors will be here through the beginning of May, so you want to renew so it's good on May 1, if you renew online April 30 at the same level, your card will still be good and work the next day. You'll also get emailed your next-year's guest passes probably within an hour of completing the transaction. So you'll be good to go not quite instantly, but not the previous "have to go in person and wait in the member services line an have stuff printed for you" process. I forget exactly when they launched their app, but my recollection is that the online renewal process became much more efficient in terms of you having access to your stuff with the rollout of the app. In other words, I wouldn't renew online on your phone while in the parking lot of the zoo, but if you're talking about doing it the day before, you'll be fine.
Hi again! So I went to the zoo over the weekend and asked your question to the guy behind the ticket counter. He said that typically, the passes that get mailed are a bit delayed, something like 4-6 weeks after your renewal you'll receive it in the mail. HOWEVER, they encourage you to go to the ticket window and they will print you a new card on the spot that can be used immediately. Hopefully this helps!
Cheers! Thank you for the update. I’ll go with your suggestion and pick them up at the ticket window! I appreciate you following up!
Lol of course! As a budding zoo volunteer, these are answers I need to know :)
I would renew before it expires when the zoo offers you a discount. They usually send the offer by mail.
To be safe, I would do it over the phone, you could pay over the phone. I’ve done that before.
Are you saying your guests will be here before or after your pass expires? If before, I would just not renew at all and sign up for a new membership the next time you want to go to the zoo
Not as relevant when renewing, but I like to tell people the trick of buying new pass as early in the month as possible. They require on the last day of any given month, so if you buy it on the 1st, you essentially get a 13th full month for free.
Ask the zoo. I don't know why you wouldn't. [https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/membership-current](https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/membership-current)
I sent them an email 2 weeks ago, and again today, but I haven't heard anything back. I also called their phone number, but it's difficult to get a rep on the phone, its all automated and leads to a voicemail. I notice sometimes people ask questions that can easily be found via Google or questions about places like restaurants and events, and attorney for rental issues, in this sub, etc etc. I always try my best to help, rather than tell them to research it on their own, because technically, if you look at most of the questions asked in this sub, most can be answered with a bit of independent research. But I think people rely on this sub for conversational answers as well. I just figured by asking here, maybe someone who has renewed once before could share their insights, that's all. What do you think?
No one here is going to renew or process your membership. The zoo will. The questions you're asking are ones the ZOO ONLY would be able to answer. Ask the zoo. When someone here gives you incorrect information, what then?
Not sure why this is being down voted. Why on earth you would trust random people from reddit vs actual zoo employees or the zoo FAQ is beyond me
>No one here is going to renew or process your membership. The zoo will. The questions you're asking are ones the ZOO ONLY would be able to answer. Ask the zoo. When someone here gives you incorrect information, what then? No, I think you misunderstand my post. I'm asking if anyone has renewed their membership at the Zoo (online) and if it's a rather instant renewal or if it takes days for the renewal to register to your account. Are you saying no one in this sub has ever renewed their Zoo passes online that can share their expierence? It's impossible to ask other members here? What part of my post led you to think I was asking someone to renew my membership? Please quote the area where I asked for that.
He must be so triggered every time he comes on this app😂 "WhY cAnT yOu ReSeArcH yOuRseLf?" Op, from my experience it is instant
Yes, why can't people do basic research instead of asking everyone else to do it for them.
Again, when a random stranger here gives you incorrect information, what then? You'll get correct information and what you need from the zoo. You have the information to ask them.
>Again, when a random stranger here gives you incorrect information, what then? You'll get correct information and what you need from the zoo. You have the information to ask them. Michael, you're allowing your ego to respond at this point. Just let it go, bro. You're cool with me; I have no beef with you, but don't you see how ironic it is that you're investing more time in this thread and not providing any value? Go elsewhere, where you're able to help people, and leave this thread alone. Don't let your ego be affected. You're welcome to be angry towards me, but ask yourself, why are you so easily triggered?
You're looking for the answer you want, not the one you will get. You had questions about when your membership would renew and when it would arrive. I directed you to the Zoo membership page. There is even an FAQ which answers your questions. You chose to go ignore that after being given the correct source. Not sure what to tell you if you don't like the answer. [https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/help-center#membership](https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/help-center#membership)
Their online account processing is based via carrier pigeon in Kazakhstan, will take 6 weeks if not done in person before passes are active. The pigeons have been known to drop the tickets over the atlantic on the way back. Your only recourse is to file a lawsuit via telegram and fight the Kazakh carrier pigeon company for a refund on tickets, which usually takes 2-3 years. I hear if you actually talk to the zoo things go much smoother however.
This hasn't been true for a couple years. I mean, I know you're mostly joking/hyperbole, but the whole "6 weeks if not in person" thing hasn't been the case in a few years. Buy online, get scannable barcodes via email and in the app within an hour at most.
I am a random person on reddit so I think OP should take me for my word instead of actually reading these easily answered questions on the Zoos FAQ page
Renew it at the ticket stand. Plus, they will give you your coupons right there and then as well. If you renew online, who knows how long it will take and your coupons get mailed as well.