Rental Guidelines

 

Rental and Admission Policies

 

  • A signed contract, rental fee, and applicable service and set-up fees must be received by the Rentals and Private Functions Manager 2 weeks prior to your scheduled event.
  • Rain dates are not scheduled. If an event must be postponed due to severe weather we will try to reschedule the event, but cannot guarantee that a specific date will be available.
  • For events during standard operating hours group rate admission fees apply. Group rate admission tickets will be mailed to you upon receipt of deposit. All guests attending your function must have a group rate admission ticket or they will be required to pay regular admission at the gate.
  • Evening rental spaces are available from Zoo closing time until 1:00 a.m.
  • Any event serving alcohol must apply for a one day liquor license, must have a licensed bartender serving alcohol and state police detail on grounds during the event.
  • All large events that involve live entertainment must apply for an entertainment license at Boston City Hall.
  • All large events must provide their own liability insurance policy naming ZNE as an additional insured.

 

Catering

 

  • We can assist you with all your catering needs. Please call CenterPlate, our on-site caterer at 617-989-2007. External caterers are welcome. Note: If a caterer other than CenterPlate is used, CenterPlate will supervise the caterers' presence and will collect a 19% surcharge of the caterers' invoice for food, beverages, and services.
  • You may serve alcohol at your function. A fully licensed and bonded bartender is required. The client is responsible for all necessary fees associated with permits and State police detail.
  • A meeting with any external vendors is required at least two weeks prior to your event date to coordinate delivery times, loading areas, set-up locations and pick-up schedule.
  • Zoo New England cannot issue refrigerator or freezer space.
  • Scheduled deliveries may be made the same day as the event only.
  • It is the responsibility of outside caterers to set-up, break-down, and perform basic cleaning as deemed appropriate by the Rentals and Private Functions Manager.

 

General

 

  •    Balloons are not allowed inside the Zoo for the safety of our animals.
  •    Please advise our Rentals and Private Functions Manager if you are planning to have

       games or special entertainment during your event.

  •    No outside animals are allowed on Zoo grounds, except for service animals.
  •    Parking is free to all Zoo New England patrons.
  •    All private event attendees must adhere to Zoo rules.
  •    The Zoo reserves the right to remove any individual whose behavior is inappropriate

      to a family facility or whose activities may cause harm to other guests or the Zoo

      animals.

 

For additional information and to schedule a site tour, please contact our Rentals and Private Functions Manager via e-mail or phone at 617-989-2009.