Zoo Atlanta

Park Large Atlanta zoo with giant pandas

A city zoo in Atlanta’s Grant Park offering primate and conservation programs, family exhibits and educational events; visitors come for animal displays, seasonal programs and outreach.

Main image

Zoo Atlanta is a zoological garden in Grant Park, Atlanta, Georgia, established in 1889 and occupying roughly 40 acres. It is one of the older American zoos and combines visitor exhibits with conservation and education programs.

Major attractions include the giant panda program-pandas on long-term loan from China-and large habitat exhibits such as the African Savanna and Asian Forest displays. The collection covers a broad range of species and emphasizes conservation and breeding work.

The zoo has been redeveloped in phases since the late 20th century to create modern habitat-focused exhibits and facilities for both animals and visitors, while expanding its role in species recovery and public education.

Zoo Atlanta lies in the Grant Park neighbourhood, just southeast of downtown Atlanta, and is accessible from the city center by car or public transport.

  • Giant pandas: Houses giant pandas on long-term loan from China and participates in panda conservation and breeding programs.
  • Location & visit planning: Located in Grant Park, within easy reach of downtown Atlanta; plan for at least a half-day visit to see major exhibits and feeding programs.

What to See #

  • Panda Conservation Center: A purpose-built complex for giant pandas that supports conservation, research and public viewing of the resident pandas and cubs.
  • African Savanna: An African Savanna exhibit with mixed-species habitats and large outdoor enclosures designed to replicate open grassland environments.
  • Giant River Forest & habitat exhibits: Exhibits focused on Asian and North American habitats including immersive walk-through features and replicated forest environments.
Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, United States
33.7315, -84.3710
Daily; hours vary seasonally-typically 9:30am-5pm (check website)
Adults from $34.99 (prices vary by day and online discounts); children and senior rates available

How to Get to Zoo Atlanta #

Zoo Atlanta is adjacent to Grant Park, about 2 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta. By MARTA take the BLUE or GREEN line to the King Memorial station and walk ~1.0 mile (20 minutes) south, or take a short rideshare from downtown. Street parking exists around Cherokee Ave SE but fills on weekends; consider transit or paid lots during peak season.

Tips for Visiting Zoo Atlanta #

  • Buy timed-entry tickets online to avoid long lines on weekends and holidays.
  • Head to the giant panda habitat first thing; the pandas are most active in the cooler morning hours.
  • Don't miss the historic 1921-built buildings near Grant Park-most visitors go straight to the exhibits and miss the architecture and older enclosures.

Best Time to Visit Zoo Atlanta #

Spring and fall for comfortable weather and active animals; buy tickets online for peak days.

Spring
March-May · 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Mild weather and newborn animals in many exhibits; azaleas in the adjacent Grant Park are in bloom.
Fall
September-November · 12-24°C (54-75°F)
Cooler temperatures mean more active animals; crowds taper after Labor Day.
Winter (low season)
December-February · 0-15°C (32-59°F)
Fewer visitors and possibly shorter opening hours; some tropical animals are more active in indoor habitats.

Weather & Climate near Zoo Atlanta #

Climate

Zoo Atlanta's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1287 mm/year), wettest in March.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (141 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

141 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
10° 23°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
15° 27°

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 31°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
21° 32°

Weather

127 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
21° 31°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 28°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 23°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

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