Please note that as of the 14th July, Chip ‘n’ Mix Stop, Gourmet Sausage and Wrap and Roll will be joining Southern Kitchen and Penguini’s as they become cashless outlets.
Cash payments will continue to be accepted as a method of payment in Meerkat Hangout and many other outlets alongside The Outpost Gift Shop, Ticket Office and Guest Services where you can also transfer cash into a gift card for use within the park.
Currently, we accept cash in many of our outlets but do encourage card payments where possible. Our Jungle Tumble Soft Play complex, and two main restaurants, Penguini’s Restaurant and Southern Kitchen, are currently the only card-only outlets on site. However, on review of accounting, less than 15% of all transactions are made in cash and habits do show that contactless and card payments are most popular which is why we are transitioning Chip ‘n’ Mix Stop, Gourmet Sausage and Wrap and Roll to card-only as of the 14th July.
We are aware that this is not convenient for all of our visitors. Therefore, to assist those who prefer to visit with cash, there are places within the park that accept both cash and card payments and also provide the option to convert cash into a Gift Card at Guest Services, located in the Main Entrance to the Zoo. Visitors can then use this Gift Card for payment within the park where cash is not accepted.
This decision has been made with the best interests of the charity and visitors in mind. This is not only more efficient and economic, but also improves safety and security.
We would like to thank all of our visitors in advance for their understanding and cooperation.
FAQs
Will you still accept cash payments in other outlets around the Zoo?
Many outlets will still accept cash payments, including our Ticket Office, Guest Services, The Outpost Gift Shop, Meerkat Hangout and many others.
Which outlets will be cashless from 14th July 2025?
• Jungle Tumble Soft Play complex
• Penguini’s Restaurant
• Southern Kitchen
• Chip ‘n’ Mix Stop
• Gourmet Sausage
• Wrap and Roll
Can I still use Apple Pay or Google Pay?
You can still use Apple Pay or Google Pay in all of our outlets even in areas where you do not have signal or an internet connection.
What do I do if I can only pay with cash?
We are aware this is not convenience for all of our visitors so to assist with those who prefer to visit with cash, there will be an opportunity to convert cash into a Gift Card at Guest Services, located in the Main Entrance to the Zoo. This Gift Card can then be redeemed within the park, in outlets where cash is not accepted.
How long is the Gift Card valid for?
All of our Gift Cards are valid for 2 years so can be used during another visit if not fully redeemed on the day. Gift Cards can be used throughout the Zoo including outlets where cash is not accepted.
Will you no longer accept cash donations?
CZS is not becoming a completely cashless site, simply reducing cash transactions. Cash donations will still kindly be accepted to help CZS care for wildlife and wild places. We are also looking at alternative donation methods, including ‘tap to donate’ in the future.
What will happen if the card machines go down?
We understand that technical difficulties can happen at any time and do have procedures in place to ensure that all visitors can still proceed with their purchases despite any outages.
We are continuously working on improving our network infrastructure to reduce the risk of outages but do have emergency back up procedures in place to action if required.
Why are you making Chip ‘n’ Mix Stop, Gourmet Sausage and Wrap and Roll cashless?
Unfortunately, we have been affected by inflation and card payments for us are much more economic for the Zoo as well as being more safe and secure. Therefore, we are gradually introducing more card-only outlets at the Zoo but will not become completely cashless.
On review of accounting, less than 15% of transactions are currently made in cash and habits show that contactless and card payments are most popular. We are moving with modern technology and hoping to achieve the right balance of card and cash payments.
