The Louisville Zoo is free on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, for active, retired and discharged military personnel and their immediate families, and the list of things that count as proof of service is the part worth reading twice. Wearing a uniform in person counts. So does a photograph of yourself in uniform.
That matters more than it sounds. A great many veterans do not carry a discharge certificate in a wallet, and an offer that only honors one specific document quietly excludes the people it was written for. The Zoo’s list is deliberately open: a U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card, a Retired ID Card, a current Leave and Earnings Statement, a veterans’ organization card such as American Legion or VFW, a DD Form 214, a citation or commendation, a photo in uniform, or a uniform worn to the gate. The Zoo says the list is not exhaustive, and proof is presented at the admission windows.
Immediate family is defined as people living in the same household.
What else is discounted that day
Military guests and their families get 10 percent off purchases at the Zoo gift shops and 50 percent off food and drink at Zoo concessions. Kroger, which presents the day, will be on site with giveaways. The day is sponsored by Ford Motor Company.
The arrangement is a city one rather than purely a zoo one. The Louisville Zoo is the State Zoo of Kentucky and an agency of Louisville Metro Government, which is why the announcement comes jointly from the Zoo and Mayor Craig Greenberg.
“Veterans Day is an opportunity for all of us to pause and recognize the courage, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform,” Greenberg said. “We’re proud to welcome veterans to the Louisville Zoo with free admission as a small gesture of our city’s tremendous gratitude for all they have given to our country and our community.”
“We are grateful to all military veterans for their service,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “We look forward to welcoming you and your families to the Zoo on this special day of recognition and appreciation.”
The offer that runs the other 364 days
The piece of this most likely to be useful after November 11: active military members get free admission to the Louisville Zoo year-round, not just on Veterans Day. Dependents receive 10 percent off general admission when accompanied by active service personnel with valid identification. The Zoo also suggests checking the leisure travel office at your base, which handles discount programs that zoos and attractions do not advertise directly.
Plan for winter hours
The Zoo has moved to its cold-weather schedule. From now through March 19, 2027, it is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with guests exiting by 5 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. A six-hour window in November is a different visit from a summer one, so arriving at opening is the difference between seeing the Zoo and seeing part of it.
Full details are in the Louisville Zoo’s announcement. The Zoo is also running its Wild Winter Days food drive this season, and in September it opened its gates free to seniors on Sundays.
Quick answers
- Who gets in free at the Louisville Zoo on Veterans Day?
Active, retired and discharged military personnel and their immediate families, on Wednesday, November 11. Immediate family is defined as people living in the same household.
- What counts as proof of military service?
The Zoo's list is not exhaustive and includes a U.S. Uniformed Services ID Card, a U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, a current Leave and Earnings Statement, a veterans' organization card such as American Legion or VFW, a DD Form 214, a citation or commendation, a photo of yourself in uniform, or wearing a uniform in person. Proof is shown at the admission windows.
- Are there other Veterans Day discounts at the Louisville Zoo?
Military guests and their families get 10 percent off purchases at the Zoo gift shops and 50 percent off food and drink at Zoo concessions. Kroger will be on site with giveaways.
- Is the Louisville Zoo free for military the rest of the year?
Active military members get free admission year-round. Dependents receive 10 percent off general admission when accompanied by active service personnel with valid identification.
- What are the Louisville Zoo's winter hours?
From now through March 19, 2027 the Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with guests exiting by 5 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
