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.

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Zoo Atlanta at a Glance#

Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, United States

Website: https://www.zooatlanta.org

Hours: Daily; hours vary seasonally-typically 9:30am-5pm (check website)

Admission: Adults from $34.99 (prices vary by day and online discounts); children and senior rates available

About Zoo Atlanta#

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.

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.

Air Quality: AQI 37 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 1° - 11° 4° 126 mm - - 2.8 m/s - -
February - 2° - 14° 6° 120 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
March - 6° - 19° 13° 141 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
April - 10° - 23° 17° 102 mm - - 2.7 m/s - -
May - 15° - 27° 21° 104 mm - - 2.3 m/s - -
June - 19° - 31° 25° 94 mm - - 2.0 m/s - -
July - 21° - 32° 27° 127 mm - - 1.9 m/s - -
August - 21° - 31° 26° 95 mm - - 1.8 m/s - -
September - 18° - 28° 23° 95 mm - - 2.0 m/s - -
October - 11° - 23° 17° 82 mm - - 2.1 m/s - -
November - 6° - 18° 12° 95 mm - - 2.3 m/s - -
December - 2° - 13° 6° 106 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -

Nearby Attractions to Zoo Atlanta#