Terms and Conditions for Events, Courses & Seminars
1. Scope
These Terms and Conditions (hereinafter “T&C”) apply to all events at Zoo Zurich as well as to all related services provided by Zoo Zurich AG and Zoo Restaurants GmbH (hereinafter referred to as “Zoo Zurich”). These Terms and Conditions also apply to events not explicitly mentioned below. Furthermore, the Terms and Conditions apply to guided tours, courses, and seminars offered by Zoo Zurich AG.
The organizer’s general terms and conditions or similar terms and conditions apply only if they have been explicitly acknowledged in writing by the Zoo Zurich.
Should any provision of these Terms and Conditions prove to be invalid or unenforceable, or become invalid or unenforceable, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected.
The version of the Terms and Conditions in effect at the time the contract is concluded shall apply.
In addition to these Terms and Conditions, the general Terms and Conditions of Zoo Zurich (regarding visits to the zoo grounds and ticket policies) also apply, as do the “Zoo Zurich Online Shop Terms and Conditions” for orders placed for events, courses, and seminars via the Zoo Zurich website.
2. General Provisions Regarding Events and Courses/Seminars
The contract between the organizer and the participant in a tour, course, seminar, or event (public events such as Masoala by Night, Tropical Dinner) and the Zoo is concluded upon written confirmation of the order by the Zoo Zurich or upon advance payment by the participant. The written confirmation may also be provided electronically. If services are ordered verbally at the designated sales locations, the contract is concluded upon Zoo Zurich’s unconditional acceptance of the order on site. These Terms and Conditions form an integral part of the contract and are deemed accepted upon delivery of the order confirmation. Verbal agreements or promises require written confirmation by the Zoo Zurich to be valid.
The contract specifies the exact scope of the services to be provided by both parties. Registrations or reservations made by the organizers or by participants in tours, courses, or seminars become binding upon confirmation of the order. In the event of any conflict between these Terms and Conditions and the concluded contract, the contract shall prevail.
The descriptions of services for events, guided tours, seminars, and courses on the Zoo Zurich website do not constitute a binding offer by Zoo Zurich. In the event of any discrepancies between the descriptions on the website and the scope of services as specified in the order confirmation, the order confirmation shall prevail.
Various venues (animal enclosures, cocktail reception areas, restaurants) can be rented for cocktail receptions and banquets; workshops can be held at the Zoo Zurich; and guided tours can be booked.
All guests present at the event must pay for the guided tour, even if they did not participate in it.
The Zoo Zurich places great importance on keeping the animals in conditions that are as close to nature as possible. This allows them to choose for themselves where in their enclosure they would like to be. There is no guarantee that the animals will be near the guests during cocktail receptions, banquets, etc.
For organizational reasons, the Zoo Zurich reserves the right to reschedule or combine guided tours, courses, and seminars in consultation with the registered participants. Participants who are consequently unable to attend the event will be refunded the tour, seminar, or course fee they have already paid. If the zoo guide, course instructor, or seminar leader is unable to attend, a replacement may be arranged. A minimum and maximum number of participants is set for each offering. Course and seminar spots are allocated in the order of registration, subject to timely payment. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the course or seminar generally cannot be held, and the course fee will be waived or refunded.
Upon request, participants will be issued a certificate after attending a course or seminar. This is subject to the condition that the course or seminar took place no more than one year ago.
3. Prices and Terms
3.1 Prices
The current price list of the Zoo Zurich, as posted on the website zoo.ch, applies. The price list does not constitute a binding offer by the Zoo Zurich. The Zoo Zurich reserves the right to adjust the price list at any time. The prices in effect at the time of the Zoo Zurich’s order confirmation apply.
Free tickets and annual passes are not valid for event services.
3.2 Payment Terms
The Zoo Zurich reserves the right to require, at any time, a down payment equal to the expected total revenue, payable upon signing the contract. The remaining balance is due within 30 days of receipt of the final invoice (due date).
In the event of late payment, the Zoo Zurich is entitled to charge a late payment interest rate of 5% from the due date without further notice.
For courses and seminars, verbal or written registration is binding and constitutes an obligation to pay the course fee. Failure to pay the course fee does not constitute cancellation.
4. Policy Regarding Changes in the Number of People
4.1 Group Tours
Changes to the number of participants must be communicated in writing no later than two weeks before the tour. After this deadline, if the number of participants decreases and this results in a reduction in the number of scheduled tour guides, the costs for the tour guides who are no longer needed will be billed. Upon request, the original number of tour guides may be maintained even for a smaller group.
4.2 Workshop/Mini Hike/Kids' Birthday Party
Any changes to the number of participants must be reported in writing no later than two weeks before the event.
4.3 Catering Restaurants, Animal Houses, and Nature Workshop
The number of people listed in the written order confirmation serves as the basis for calculating costs and is binding. The organizer is required to notify Zoo Zurich of the final number of participants no later than 72 hours before the event. Until that time, the number of participants may be increased by up to 20%. Up to 48 hours before the event, the zoo will accept a reduction of 5% from the most recently reported number of participants. This number is binding for billing purposes. If the number of participants increases, the zoo is entitled to bill for the actual number of people.
At a minimum, the contractually agreed-upon minimum sales amount will always be billed. This amount may deviate from the minimum sales amount specified in the event brochure only after consultation with the zoo and its written confirmation.
If the number of guests is reduced, the organizer will be billed for the agreed-upon number of guests, or at least the minimum revenue specified in the order confirmation.
5. Transfer entries
5.1 Anxiety seminar, photography course, adventure gift certificate, night walk, and other seminars and courses organized by the Zoo Zurich
Rescheduling is possible up to four weeks before the agreed-upon date, subject to availability, and costs Fr. 50.–.
The same applies to groups that have booked a seminar or course, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
5.2 Children's Birthday Party, Mini Hike
Rescheduling is possible up to 15 days before the event and costs Fr. 50.–. After that, the cancellation policy applies (see Section 6).
5.3 School Programs: Guided Tours & Workshops
Rescheduling is possible up to 15 days before the event and costs Fr. 20.–. After that, the cancellation policy applies (see Section 6).
5.4 Guided Tours & Rentals: Restaurants, Animal Houses, Seminar Rooms
Rescheduling is possible up to four weeks before the agreed-upon date, subject to availability, and costs Fr. 50.–. After that, the cancellation policy applies (see Section 6).
5.5 Public Tours
Rescheduling is not permitted. In this case, the cancellation policy applies (see Section 6).
5.6 Public Events (e.g., Masoala by Night, Tropical Dinner, Brunch, etc.)
Rescheduling is free of charge up to 8 days before the event. After that, the cancellation policy applies (see Section 6).
6. Withdrawal from the Contract
If a definitively confirmed event is canceled, the cancellation must be submitted in writing as soon as possible. Cancellations must be sent in writing to the event team (event@zoo.ch). Last-minute cancellations on weekends, holidays, or in the afternoon for the same evening must be reported by calling +41 44 254 25 00. If the cancellation also affects restaurant services (cocktail reception/meal), this must also be reported directly to the restaurant by calling +41 44 254 26 52. If the cancellation concerns a school program, it must be submitted in writing to the School Services Department (schule@zoo.ch).
The applicable fees are determined as follows, with the date of receipt of the written cancellation via the channels mentioned above being decisive:
6.1 Anxiety Seminar, Photography Course, Experience Gift Certificate, and other seminars and courses organized by the Zoo Zurich
If participation in a photography course, anxiety seminar, or group course or seminar is canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Zoo Zurich, the participant agrees to reimburse the following costs:
Up to 30 days before the event date: CHF 100.–
From 29 to 15 days before: 50% of lost revenue
From 14 days before: 100% of lost revenue, but at least CHF 100.–
6.2 Other Seminars and Courses
If the booked event is canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Zoo Zurich, the organizer agrees to reimburse the following costs:
Up to 30 days before the event date: CHF 100.–
29–15 days before the event: 50% of lost revenue
14 days or less before the event: 100% of lost revenue, but at least CHF 100.–
6.3 School Programs: Guided Tours & Workshops
If participation in school programs is canceled for reasons beyond the zoo’s control, the organizer (the school) agrees to reimburse the following costs:
Up to 15 days before the event date: CHF 20.–
From 14 to 4 days before the event: CHF 50.–
From 3 days prior: 100% of lost revenue
The basis for calculating lost revenue is, in each case, the revenue specified in the order confirmation.
6.4 Guided Tour, Workshop, Children's Birthday Party, Mini-Hike
If the event is canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Zoo Zurich, the organizer agrees to reimburse the following costs:
Up to the 15th day before the event date: CHF 100.–
From the 14th to the 8th day: 50% of lost revenue
From the 7th to the 1st day: 75% of lost revenue
on the day of the tour: 100% of lost revenue, but at least CHF 100.–
The basis for calculating lost revenue is, in each case, the revenue specified in the order confirmation.
6.5 Sleepwalking
If participation in the events mentioned in the title is canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Zoo Zurich, the participant agrees to reimburse the following costs:
Up to 28 days before the event date: CHF 100.–
From 27 to 14 days before: 50% of lost revenue
From 13 to 8 days before: 75% of lost revenue
from the 7th day onward: 100% of lost revenue, but at least CHF 100.–
6.6 Public Tours
If participation in a public guided tour is canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Zoo Zurich, the ticket becomes void. The participant is not entitled to an alternative date or a refund.
6.7 Public Events (e.g., Masoala by Night, Tropical Dinner, Brunch, etc.)
If participation in the events mentioned in the title is canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Zoo Zurich, the participant agrees to reimburse the following costs:
Up to 8 days before the event date: free of charge
From 7 to 4 days before: CHF 50 per person
From 3 days before: 100% of lost revenue
6.8 Rentals: Restaurants, Animal Houses, Nature Workshop, Zoolino
If the booked event is canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Zoo Zurich, the organizer of the event at the zoo agrees to reimburse the following costs:
Up to 90 days before the event date: CHF 100.–
From 89 to 15 days before the event date: 10% of the lost rent
From 14 to 5 days before the event date: 50% of the lost rental income
From the 4th day onward: 100% of the lost rental income, but at least CHF 100.–
6.9 Catering (Restaurants, Animal Houses, and Nature Workshop; Zoolino)
If the booked event is canceled for reasons beyond the control of the Zoo Zurich, the organizer of the event at the zoo agrees to reimburse the following costs:
Up to 90 days before the event date: CHF 100.00 (CHF 50.00 for rebookings)
From 89 to 30 days before the event date: 10% of lost revenue excluding beverages
from the 29th to the 30th day: 15% of lost revenue excluding beverages
from the 14th to the 5th day: 50% of lost revenue, excluding beverages
from the 4th day onward: 100% of lost revenue, excluding beverages
The basis for calculating lost revenue is, in each case, the revenue specified in the order confirmation, based on the minimum prices per meal.
6.10 Being Late for Guided Tours, Seminars, and Classes
For delays of up to 20 minutes for guided tours, the time of late arrival will be deducted from the booked tour time. For delays exceeding 20 minutes, the tour will be canceled entirely and billed at 100% of the amount specified in the order confirmation.
If a group is late for a seminar or course they have booked, the following procedure will apply: For delays of up to 20 minutes, the time of late arrival will be deducted from the booked event time. For delays exceeding 20 minutes, the event will be canceled entirely and billed at 100% of the amount specified in the order confirmation.
For courses and seminars with individual participants, participants must arrive at the agreed-upon meeting place on time. We can wait a maximum of 5 minutes; after that, the event will begin. The full cost of the seminar or course will be billed as specified in the order confirmation.
Seminars or courses that are not attended cannot be made up and will not be refunded; instead, they will be billed in full as specified in the order confirmation.
7. Cancellation by the Zoo Zurich
If the Zoo Zurich has reason to believe that the booked event jeopardizes the smooth operation of the business, safety, or the reputation of the facility, it may cancel the event at any time without compensation or modify the program at its sole discretion.
The same applies in the event of a cancellation due to force majeure (see Section 16 below).
If the event, guided tour, seminar, or course must be canceled or modified for reasons attributable to the Zoo Zurich, any payments already made by the organizer or the participants will be refunded. Liability for any damages incurred by the organizer or participants as a result of this shall be determined in accordance with Section 11.
8. Catering, Music, Performers, and Lighting
The organizer obtains all food and beverage services from Zoo Restaurants GmbH. Neither the organizer nor event participants may bring food or beverages to events. Exceptions require prior written approval from the Zoo Zurich.
Musical or other artistic performances are not permitted in animal enclosures or at outdoor locations within the animal areas. Subject to prior written approval from the Zoo Zurich, various indoor and outdoor locations within the Zoo Zurich are available for such events. Instructions from zoo staff regarding permissible noise levels must be followed. Exceptions are permitted only with prior written approval from the Zoo Zurich.
Any copyright fees related to musical performances must be reported and paid by the event organizer.
9. User Guidelines
The Zoo Zurich provides the basic setup for receptions, banquets, and workshops. All other arrangements must be coordinated with the Zoo Zurich in advance.
Coat check facilities are available to guests in the animal exhibits and restaurants. The Zoo Zurich assumes no liability for these facilities.
The use of the organizer’s own electrical equipment requires prior written approval from the Zoo Zurich.
The organizer must obtain any necessary official permits for the event in a timely manner at their own expense. The organizer is responsible for complying with public law requirements and other regulations, as well as with the directives of the Zoo Zurich. In special cases, Zoo Zurich may obtain the necessary permits, in which case all associated costs will be billed to the organizer.
Deliveries of external materials must take place in the winter (Nov.–Feb.) starting at 5:00 p.m. and in the summer (March–Oct.) starting at 6:00 p.m., exclusively via the service roads. No forklifts, ladders, or other means of transport are available. Dismantling must take place after the event or the following morning before 8:30 a.m. Transport by vehicle within the zoo grounds requires authorization from Zoo Zurich and must be requested well in advance.
Cleaning of the premises is included in the rent and is organized by the Zoo Zurich.
Participants in events, guided tours, seminars, and courses must follow the terms of use, operating instructions, and directions given by zoo staff. If they fail to comply, Zoo staff may bar them from using the facility or remove them from the Zoo grounds, without this giving rise to any claim for compensation. Zoo Zurich assumes no liability for any damage resulting from violations of or failure to comply with the guidelines, manuals, or instructions.
For fire safety reasons, fireworks of any kind and open flames are prohibited throughout the entire zoo grounds. At the Zoo Zurich, smoking is permitted outdoors or in designated “smoking areas.” Out of consideration for the animals and zoo visitors, smoking is prohibited in all buildings and animal enclosures, as well as at the entrances to Zoo Zurich, the animal enclosures, and the zoo restaurants, and in walk-through animal exhibits in the outdoor area (Australia Outdoor Exhibit, Monkey Island, Ibis Aviary, African Grey Parrot Aviary, and Goat Enclosure at Zoolino) Smoking is prohibited in all buildings and animal enclosures, as well as at the entrances to the Zoo Zurich, the animal enclosures, and the zoo restaurants. This also applies to e-cigarettes or vaporizers, which are used to inhale tobacco rather than smoke it.
When using playground equipment, play areas, the petting zoo, and similar facilities, age restrictions and usage instructions must be strictly observed. Zoo Zurich assumes no liability for damage caused by violations of these rules or other improper use, unless the damage was caused intentionally or through gross negligence due to incorrect usage instructions or the facility being in an unsafe condition.
No advertisements or logos may be displayed at the Zoo Zurich unless the entire Zoo Zurich is rented or the event takes place exclusively after the zoo closes. In any case, approval from the Zoo Zurich is required.
Parking is permitted only in the designated and marked parking spaces. Vehicles belonging to suppliers, event organizers, and visitors must be parked in the public parking lots around the Zoo Zurich. Vehicles parked without authorization will be towed at the owner’s expense. No contract of safekeeping is formed. Zoo Zurich has no obligation to monitor the vehicles. Zoo Zurich is not liable for the loss of or damage to vehicles or their contents, unless Zoo Zurich, its legal representatives, or its agents are found to have acted with intent or gross negligence.
The use of non-zoo vehicles of any kind on the grounds of the Zoo Zurich is permitted only in exceptional cases and after consultation with the Zoo Zurich. Vehicles may enter any of the buildings only if driven by zoo employees or by individuals accredited by the zoo. Riding bicycles, balance bikes (LIKEaBIKE), kick scooters, inline skates, skateboards, and similar devices is prohibited. Playing with balls, Frisbees, balloons, and similar items is also prohibited.
In the interest of safety and to protect all visitors from undue disruption, the Zoo Zurich reserves the right to prohibit visitors from bringing in any other items that could disturb other visitors, the animals, and/or zoo staff.
Dogs and other animals are not permitted at the Zoo Zurich. Dog crates are not available. Exceptions are made for certified guide dogs for the blind and certified service dogs for people with mobility impairments.
If a participant in an event, guided tour, seminar, or course is denied admission to the zoo due to a violation of the preceding provisions, or if the participant is asked to leave the zoo, the participant is not entitled to a refund of the admission fee or to any compensation for damages.
10. Nighttime Events, Noise Emissions
The privacy of the residents of the adjacent housing complex must be respected at all times by the event organizer and event participants. All noise must be avoided. The guidelines for the animal area and the instructions of the zoo staff must be strictly followed to ensure that neither people nor animals are endangered.
The event organizer is required to comply with and enforce the police-imposed curfew.
The agreements made with the Zoo Zurich must be strictly adhered to. The organizer assumes full responsibility for any violations or claims by third parties, as well as any resulting liability for damages. If Zoo Zurich is held liable by third parties in this regard, the organizer shall fully indemnify Zoo Zurich.
11. Damages, Insurance
11.1 Events
Should any disruptions or defects occur in the services provided by the Zoo Zurich, the Zoo Zurich will endeavor to remedy the situation upon becoming aware of the issue or upon receiving an immediate complaint from the organizer. The organizer is obligated to do everything reasonably possible to resolve the disruption and minimize any potential damage.
The Zoo Zurich is liable only for intentional or grossly negligent breaches of contractual obligations. Any further liability for direct, indirect, or consequential damages, as well as liability for auxiliary staff, is excluded to the extent permitted by law.
The organizer is liable in all cases for any damage caused to rooms, facilities, furniture, animals, and the surrounding area, and must obtain adequate insurance. Furthermore, the organizer is liable for personal injury sustained by event participants and must also obtain adequate insurance coverage. The organizer is also liable for any defective or missing items.
The organizer is also liable for damages caused by event participants, the organizer’s employees, or third parties acting on the organizer’s behalf.
If a third party files a claim against Zoo Zurich for damages arising from this contract, the organizer shall fully indemnify Zoo Zurich.
Insurance for items brought by the event organizer or event participants is the responsibility of the event organizer. Zoo Zurich may require proof of certain types of insurance.
11.2 Guided Tours, Seminars, and Courses
For all guided tours, courses, and seminars organized by the Zoo Zurich, the Zoo Zurich disclaims all liability for any damages incurred to the fullest extent permitted by law. In particular, liability for slight negligence and for the acts of agents is excluded. Participants are responsible for ensuring they have adequate insurance coverage. Use of the Zoo Zurich’s facilities is at one’s own risk. The Zoo Zurich cannot be held liable for theft or loss of personal belongings.
Participants in tours, courses, and seminars may be held liable for damage caused by gross negligence to rooms, facilities, furnishings, animals, and the surrounding grounds.
Participants in guided tours, classes, or seminars are responsible for insuring any items they bring with them. Zoo Zurich may require proof of specific insurance coverage.
12. Staying at the zoo after closing time
Unless guests have booked a guided tour of the zoo or are accompanied by a zoo employee, they are prohibited from entering the zoo grounds after closing time. Zoo Zurich accepts no liability for any violations of this rule.
13. Photography, Film, and Video Recording
Photography, filming, and video recording on the zoo grounds are permitted for personal use. These activities may be restricted or prohibited for certain events. Photography, filming, and video recording for commercial purposes are prohibited. Zoo Zurich is entitled to confiscate or delete any such recordings at the expense of the event organizer or the event participants. The event organizer also agrees to fully indemnify Zoo Zurich for any damages that may result therefrom.
The same rule applies to seminars and courses as well.
14. Data Protection
The applicable data protection provisions can be found in the Zoo Zurich Privacy Policy. The Privacy Policy is an integral part of the General Terms and Conditions of Events Zoo Zurich AG & Zoo Restaurants GmbH.
15. Additional Provisions
If the organizer is not also the event partner, the organizer shall be jointly and severally liable with the contracting party to Zoo Zurich for all liabilities.
If an organizer enters into the contract on behalf of a third party, it is not the organizer but the third party who becomes the contractual partner of the Zoo Zurich; The organizer must specifically inform Zoo Zurich of this fact in a timely manner prior to the conclusion of the contract and provide Zoo Zurich with the name and address of the actual contracting party.
If the organizer enters into the contract clearly on behalf of a third party, or if the third party has engaged a commercial intermediary or organizer to carry out the contract, the organizer, the agent, or the organizer, jointly and severally with the third party—who becomes the contracting party—for all obligations arising from the contract.
Regardless of this, the organizer is obligated to forward all information relevant to the booking—in particular these Terms and Conditions—to the actual contracting party.
16. Force Majeure
Force majeure, as defined in these Terms and Conditions, occurs when an event beyond the control of Zoo Zurich—such as a strike, war, riot, civil unrest, vandalism, terrorism, an epidemic or pandemic, an accident involving an animal or a person, an animal escape, a power outage, a fire, a flood, or a storm, prevents or significantly impedes the provision of one or all of our services as set forth in the event contract.
17. Prohibition on Offsetting
The organizer or the participants are entitled to set-off only if their counterclaims have been legally established or acknowledged by the Zoo Zurich. The organizer or participants are authorized to exercise a right of retention only if their counterclaims are based on the same contractual relationship.
18. Final Provisions
18.1 Jurisdiction and Governing Law
Swiss substantive law shall apply exclusively, to the exclusion of the provisions of private international law and, in particular, the Vienna Sales Convention. The exclusive venue for all disputes is the city of Zurich.
18.2 Updates to the General Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions are an integral part of the contractual relationship with the event organizer or with participants in guided tours, seminars, or courses. The Zoo Zurich reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions in response to changes in circumstances. The most recent amendment to these Terms and Conditions is dated April 24, 2024.