How to Start a Zoo Business in 2024
Last Updated: 12/17/2023
Starting a Zoo Business: A Step-By-Step Guide
My Dream of Opening a Zoo
I’ve always loved animals and dreamed of opening my own zoo someday. Well, now that dream can become a reality if I follow these steps to start my own zoo business!
Making a Plan
First things first — I need to do a ton of research on everything involved with running a zoo. It takes a lot of work and money to build enclosures, buy animals, hire staff, get licenses, market the zoo, and more. I’ll put together a solid business plan laying out my vision, costs, location ideas, potential revenue, funding goals, and all the details. Having a good plan means I’m serious and will be able to get investments.
Need a Zoo Business Plan?
Create a custom business plan with financial projections and market research in minutes with ProAI’s business plan generator.
Picking the Perfect Spot
Finding the right location is so important for my zoo’s success. I’ll look for at least 10 acres of land that’s easy for families to get to. It should have room to add more exhibits later as my zoo grows. I’ll design fun, natural habitats for different animals and make nice areas for guests to enjoy their visit. Location is key!
Gathering the Green
I’m going to need some serious startup money to make this zoo a reality. My business plan will add up everything — land, enclosures, animals, employee wages, supplies, advertising, and a cushion for operating costs. I may look for investors who think a new zoo is a good idea. Grants or donations could help too since zoos help protect animals.
Getting Licensed
There are a lot of rules around running a zoo, so I’ll make sure to get licensed by the USDA and accredited by the AZA. I’ll work with my local government to get all the right business permits, safety approvals and other legal stuff before opening day. Following the rules keeps my animals healthy and happy!
Building This Baby
Once I have the land, it’ll be time to start construction! I’ll build top-notch enclosures suited for each animal with space, lighting, vegetation, activities, and safe barriers. Clean restrooms, restaurants, gift shops, first aid and lots of seating will make it nice for visitors too. Ramps and wide paths will help guests with disabilities.
Finding My Furry Friends
Next comes the best part — picking the animals! I’ll work with reputable dealers to find a great mix of animals to start out. Popular animals like monkeys, big cats, giraffes and penguins are a good starting point. I’ll make sure I can legally care for each species before bringing them home to their new habitats!
Hiring Help
It takes a crew to run this place! I’ll hire zookeepers, vets, maintenance staff, guest services, educators and maybe volunteers. I want people who are smart about animal care and excited to share their love for wildlife with visitors. Training everyone thoroughly will ensure we provide top-notch zoo experiences.
Spreading the Word
Months before opening day, it’ll be time to start hyping up my new zoo! I’ll get the word out through advertising, social media, publicity and community partnerships. Special pre-opening deals and sneak peeks for members will generate excitement. This is going to be awesome!
Showtime!
Finally, opening day will arrive! With staff trained, enclosures ready and buzz building, I’ll welcome my first zoo guests. I’ll keep monitoring operations, get visitor feedback and tweak anything that needs improvement. But most of all, I’ll take pride in achieving my dream and providing amazing animal care and family fun!
Starting a zoo takes major dedication, but following these steps will make my dream come true. I can’t wait to build a world-class zoo that helps the community connect with nature and supports animal conservation. This is going to be wild!
Need a Zoo Business Plan?
Create a custom business plan with financial projections and market research in minutes with ProAI’s business plan generator.
Zoo Financial Forecasts
Startup Expenses
Monthly Operating Expenses
Revenue Forecast
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the startup costs for a zoo?
The average startup cost for a small to midsize zoo ranges from $2 million to $100 million, including land acquisition, enclosures, animal purchases, buildings, employee salaries, supplies, permits, etc. Larger zoos can cost over $200 million. Have a detailed business plan and raise sufficient capital before starting construction.
What kind of location is best for a zoo?
Look for a minimum of 10 acres of land in an area conveniently accessible for your target market. The property should have room for future expansion. Ensure proper zoning allows for a zoo business. The location should have adequate parking, utility access, and infrastructure to support a high volume of visitors.
What animals are best for first-time zoo owners?
For your first animals, stick to more common species that the public enjoys seeing, such as monkeys, big cats, zebras, giraffes, bears, penguins, reptiles, and tropical birds. They generally have lower upkeep costs and requirements compared to rarer exotic species. Build up your reputation and experience before acquiring more challenging animals.
What permits and licenses does a zoo need?
In the U.S., zoos must be licensed by the USDA and meet standards of the Animal Welfare Act. Accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is crucial. Additionally, you need state and local business licenses, wildlife permits, public health permits, safety inspection approvals, and more.
How much staff does it take to run a zoo?
Including both full-time and part-time staff, most zoos require around 50–150 employees or more. Core positions like managers, veterinarians, keepers, maintenance crews, guest services, educators, administrative staff, and volunteers are needed for day-to-day operations, animal care, and visitor experiences.
What are ways zoos can make money?
Zoos earn revenue through ticket sales, concession stands, gift shops, public and private events, annual memberships, animal adoptions, grants, donations, sponsorships, and educational programs. Boosting attendance and per capita guest spending are key to profitability. Expanding your animal collection and exhibits over time also helps drive revenue.
