The Bronx Zoo gives active U.S. military members and veterans a completely free admission ticket — and 50% off tickets for up to 3 guests — all year round. No membership to buy, no ID.me account to set up: just reserve your tickets in advance, enter the zoo’s official military promo code at checkout, and show a valid military ID at the gate.
Run by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States, with more than 260 acres of exhibits. Its military discount is stated plainly in the zoo’s own FAQ — here is exactly how it works, verified on bronxzoo.com.
Who is Eligible for the Bronx Zoo Military Discount?
The Bronx Zoo’s military offer covers:
- Active U.S. military personnel
- Veterans
The free ticket goes to the service member or veteran, and up to 3 guests receive 50% off their tickets. The military member must be present with a valid military ID on entry, and the group must stay together on arrival.
If the military member cannot attend, spouses or other family members can still redeem the 50% guest discount — but only when an Active Dependent Card is presented on entry. Separate promo codes apply in that case (see below).
How Much Military Discount Does the Bronx Zoo Provide?
- 100% free admission ticket for the active-duty service member or veteran — your choice of the full Bronx Zoo Admission ticket (park entry plus unlimited access to all Star Attractions) or the Limited Admission ticket (exhibits only)
- 50% off tickets for up to 3 guests accompanying the military member
- The discount cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion, and is not applicable to prior purchases
The Bronx Zoo Admission ticket is the premium one-day ticket: park entry plus unlimited access to all Star Attractions available that day — Congo Gorilla Forest, JungleWorld, the Bug Carousel, Nature Trek, plus seasonal attractions like the Children’s Zoo and Wild Asia Monorail. With the Limited Admission ticket, individual Star Attractions cost $7 each, so the free full Admission ticket is the far better value.
How to Claim the Bronx Zoo Military Discount
- Reserve in advance. Advance ticket reservation is required — no walk-ups. Pick your date and ticket type on the zoo’s ticketing calendar; buying earlier generally locks in the best flex-priced rates for your guests.
- Enter the official promo code at checkout. Use MILITARYBZ (active personnel) or VETERANBZ (veterans). Booking without the military member present (Active Dependent Card required)? Use MILITARYBZDEP (active) or VETERANBZDEP (veteran) instead. The code must be entered at the time of checkout. Details are published in the Bronx Zoo’s official FAQ.
- Bring your valid military ID. The military member (or dependent card holder) must present valid ID at the gate — have it ready on arrival.
- Arrive together. Your group must stay together on arrival, so coordinate one entry time for everyone.
FAQs About the Bronx Zoo Military Discount
Do veterans really get into the Bronx Zoo for free?
Yes. Per the zoo’s official FAQ, active U.S. military and veterans receive a complimentary Bronx Zoo Admission or Limited Admission ticket for themselves, plus 50% off tickets for up to 3 guests. Advance reservation is required.
What are the official promo codes?
Use MILITARYBZ (active personnel) or VETERANBZ (veterans) at checkout. For dependents booking without the military member present (Active Dependent Card required), use MILITARYBZDEP or VETERANBZDEP. The code must be entered at checkout.
Can my spouse use the discount without me?
Yes, partially. Without the military member present, a spouse or family member with an Active Dependent Card can still redeem the 50% guest discount via the DEP promo codes — but the free ticket itself requires the service member or veteran to attend with valid military ID.
Does the free ticket include the Star Attractions?
Yes, if you choose the free Bronx Zoo Admission ticket — it includes park entry plus unlimited access to all Star Attractions on your visit day. With the free Limited Admission ticket, attractions cost $7 each.
Can I combine the military discount with other deals?
No. The Bronx Zoo states the military discount cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion and does not apply to prior purchases. (Note: Limited Admission is already free for everyone on Wednesdays with an advance reservation, but those reservations are limited.)
