Applegate Zoo Offers Annual Passes in Merced
Unlimited one-year zoo entry is now available at four price tiers, with passes sold at the zoo and city parks office.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Wildlife
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Applegate Zoo in Merced is now offering annual passes that give unlimited entry for one year. Adult passes cost $50, senior passes $30, kids passes $40, and family passes $150 for two adults and up to three kids.
Why it matters
The pass offering gives Merced residents a lower-cost way to visit the zoo repeatedly after its extended closure for upgrades. Passes exclude special events such as Zoo Boo and Lights before Christmas.
Passes cost $50 for adults, $30 for seniors, $40 for kids, and $150 for families of two adults and up to three kids, and kids age 2 and under enter free. The zoo was closed from January 1 to July 24 for major upgrades, and the source does not say how many visitors the pass program is expected to draw.
The players
Applegate Zoo
Applegate Zoo is a city-operated zoo in Merced, California, established in 1962 and home to approximately 75 native California animals.
Merced Parks and Community Services
Merced Parks and Community Services is the city department that oversees Merced's parks and recreation programs and sells zoo passes at its office on West 18th Street.
The details
The zoo built a new black bear exhibit, improved walking paths, updated its gift shop entry, and upgraded its bobcat exhibit during the closure. Passes can be bought at the zoo gift shop Thursday through Sunday or at the Merced Parks and Community Services office Monday through Friday.
Timeline
January 1 to July 24: Zoo closed for major upgrades
Roadmap
Applegate Zoo has operated as a city-run institution since its 1962 founding, and this annual pass program extends that model into a repeat-visit membership structure. The upgrades completed before the pass launch point to a strategy of pairing physical improvements with new visitor access options.
Merced residents can buy an adult pass for $50, a senior pass for $30, a kids pass for $40, or a family pass for $150 at the zoo gift shop or the Parks and Community Services office. Passes do not cover special events such as Zoo Boo or Lights before Christmas, so those require separate admission.
The takeaway
If you plan to visit Applegate Zoo more than once this year, an annual pass can cost less than repeated single admissions. Remember that special events like Zoo Boo are not included.
Further reading
Explore more on Wildlife to see how zoos and animal parks are reshaping visitor access.
More information
Check current Applegate Zoo ticket prices and hours on the City of Merced website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Fresno Bee.
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