As stated in earlier reviews, this zoo is small which is not always a bad thing. With that smaller size though, you might expect what they offer to be of real quality. This is not the case with the Palm Beach Zoo.
First, and foremost, is the very poor attitude of the employees. I am a member of an AZA zoo in Ohio, which gives free reciprical admissions to other zoos around the country. We have used this benefit many times around the country with much success and enjoyment. I called the zoo in the morning to see if they offered free admissions to AZA members, and was assured that they did.
After driving 30 minutes to the zoo, the very rude employee at the ticket window informs me that they will only honor 50% off on admissions, and when I explain about the recent phone call she talks to the operator who lied and said that she told me it was only a 50% discount. Racking this all up to a mistake we agree to pay the admission stated by the ticket window attendant. When I get my credit card receipt to sign, the price on it is now even higher--though the woman has not pointed this fact out to me. When I inquire I was told, again quite rudely, that she had made a mistake and calculated the price based on a senior discount which we do not qualify for. When I refused to sign the credit card statement with the higher charge I was told that I had to! What nerve (I wrote void and handed it back to her loud objections).
Long story short we asked to speak to the manager who as not willing to help us in any way, and never apologized for the series of mistakes, lies, and rudeness. She also told us that no reciprocal zoos give free admissions which, from much personal experience, I know to be untrue. What can they be thinking?
Anyhow, if you go be very careful about what you are charged. Better yet, save your money, because this zoo is really unimpressive and small inside. With the exception of a few animals and interesting "ruins" in the Mayan section, it has little of quality or diversity to offer. Add to that very poor customer service and you have a real recipe for disappointement. Go instead next door to the Palm Beach Science Center which is also small, but full of interesting exhibits, and wonderful, enthusiastic workers and volunteers. The kids will love it, and you will too.
