Zoos are family-friendly attractions where everyone can see their favorite animals, learn more about nature, and enjoy related entertainment. They also function as wildlife preserves of some of the most endangered species.
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Start a zoo business by following these 10 steps:
- Plan your Zoo Business
- Form your Zoo Business into a Legal Entity
- Register your Zoo Business for Taxes
- Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
- Set up Accounting for your Zoo Business
- Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Zoo Business
- Get Zoo Business Insurance
- Define your Zoo Business Brand
- Create your Zoo Business Website
- Set up your Business Phone System
We have put together this simple guide to starting your zoo business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.
Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.
STEP 1: Plan your business
A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:
- What will you name your business?
- What are the startup and ongoing costs?
- Who is your target market?
- How much can you charge customers?
Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.
What will you name your business?
Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Zoo Business Name Generator
If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.
When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:
- Your state’s business records
- Federal and state trademark records
- Social media platforms
- Web domain availability
It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.
What are the costs involved in opening a zoo business?
The costs will all depend on what types of animals you have and the land you use. You’ll need to pay for their food and care, as well as staff to maintain the grounds and run concession stands around the park. It’s not unusual for a park to spend $10,000 to $12,000 per day (or more) just to keep up with costs, plus millions more on elaborate exhibits. That’s a tall order for anyone.
What are the ongoing expenses for a zoo business?
Ongoing expenses include veterinary care, license renewals, ground maintenance, and staff salaries. They’ll also need to add and maintain exhibits throughout the years. Successful zoo professionals will look for any excuse to save money . For example, they may use roadkill to feed their animals as long as it doesn’t endanger their safety.
Who is the target market?
Families are usually the largest market, but zoos are truly made for everyone. Even in a down economy, parents will always be looking for things to do with their kids, and zoos are a relatively affordable and fun activity for all.
How does a zoo business make money?
Zoos make money from both ticket sales and donations. There are plenty of wealthy benefactors that want to do their part to protect animals. Luckily, the majesty of certain species is usually enough to inspire people to give to your cause. However, most zoos are nonprofit as their mission is focused on the welfare of animals. They will often rely on city funding as well (which is unfortunately subject to change.)
How much can you charge customers?
Zoos can charge based on their size and demand. Just one adult ticket to the San Diego Zoo is $54 for adults and $44 for children. Plus, owners can charge for a variety of experiences, including special breakfasts or animal shows. These special endeavors can easily add on an extra $30 to $50 a day without deducting very much from the overall budget.
How much profit can a zoo business make?
While most zoos are technically non-profits, they can make enough money to generate sizable salaries. However, on the whole, zoos have been cutting back on their exhibits as of late — even as they continue to raise the price of admission. This is due to inordinately high bills and cuts in city or donor funding.
How can you make your business more profitable?
Zoos have been steadily adding attractions like water slides or other types of rides for their patrons. These attractions are not only fun, they also allow owners to raise the cost of admission without threatening ticket sales.
Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!
STEP 2: Form a legal entity
One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your zoo business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.
This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.
In practice, this means that if your zoo business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.
More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.
Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).
STEP 3: Register for taxes
You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.
In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!
You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?
There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.
STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card
Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
Open a business bank account
Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.
Get a business credit card
Getting a business credit card helps you:
- Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business’ expenses all in one place.
- Build your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.
STEP 5: Set up business accounting
Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.
Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.
STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.
Federal Business Licensing Requirements
It is important to abide by all federal and state regulations regarding the ownership of exotic animals. Before starting a zoo, make sure you and your business have met all licensing and ownership requirements.
State & Local Business Licensing Requirements
Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a zoo business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Certificate of Occupancy
A zoo business is generally run out of a large piece of land. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.
- If you plan to lease a location:
- It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
- Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a zoo business.
- After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
- If you plan to purchase or build a location:
- You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
- Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your zoo business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.
STEP 7: Get business insurance
Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.
There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.
Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.
Find out what types of insurance your Zoo Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Zoo Business.
STEP 8: Define your brand
Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.
If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.
How to promote & market a zoo business
Considering families are the primary market, it may make sense to stick with children-focused advertising on television or the radio. Again, it’s pivotal for owners to find a need that isn’t being filled. For example, maybe you hire animal handlers who can tell jokes as well as inform them about the animals. Maybe you feature animals that families can’t find at a competing zoo.
How to keep customers coming back
Customers come to the zoo to have a good time — not to be saddened by the state of our world. Owners can work in a message of conservation without the doom and gloom. Animals need to look well cared for, cages need to be clean, grounds need to be spotless, and concessions should ideally be delicious. Visitors should feel as though there’s a sense of logic or a theme to their wanderings (e.g., grouping all of the African mammals together.)
STEP 9: Create your business website
After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.
While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.
Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:
- All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
- Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
- Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.
Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.
Other popular website builders are: WordPress, WIX, Weebly, Squarespace, and Shopify.
STEP 10: Set up your business phone system
Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.
Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com
Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.
Is this Business Right For You?
Zoos are excellent for those who love animals and want to protect them from environmental dangers. The idea of the attraction is to pass a love of planet Earth down to younger generations. However, zoos can be incredibly expensive to run, meaning an owner will need to have a knack for business.
Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?
Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!
What happens during a typical day at a zoo business?
Zoos are notorious for being chaotic, so owners may have to pitch in on any or all of the following tasks:
- Acquiring animals
- Administering husbandry
- Advertising
- Managing staff
- Planning the budget
- Assessing sales
- Complying with city regulations
- Liability insurance
What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful zoo business?
Those who have a history of veterinary work or a life science background can use those skills to build their success in this industry. Zoos are extremely labor intensive, so owners should have at least worked or volunteered in an existing zoo to understand exactly what they’re jumping into. Resourcefulness is often the biggest factor when it comes to how successful a zoo can be.
What is the growth potential for a zoo business?
Most larger cities will have a zoo, which can pose some very stiff competition. However, there is room available in even the most seemingly saturated of markets. Owners who look for an animal niche or an angle that hasn’t been filled (or a forgotten part of the country) to grow their business.
Take the Next Step
Find a business mentor
One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.
Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.
Learn from other business owners
Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.
Resources to Help Women in Business
There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:
- Funding
- Events
- Guides
- Support
If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.
What are some insider tips for jump starting a zoo business?
Most people would never consider starting a zoo because it’s a lot of work without a very good chance of a reward. Few entrepreneurs could find the money (or the space) to compete with established zoos in large cities that have managed to build up decades of experience and public recognition.
And yet, there are things an owner can do differently in order to attract a public audience. For example, San Diego not only has their famous zoo, but they also have a Safari Park. In a Safari Park, the animals are all roaming on open land rather than hanging out in exhibits, and customers are given rides throughout the grounds to see animals in a slightly more natural habitat. By tweaking the format a little, the Safari Park has managed to become a hit destination alongside their incredibly impressive zoo. Residents of San Diego and business experts alike may not have been able to have predicted its success.
Those who are just getting off the ground with their zoo may want to consider something on a smaller scale. They may want to contact professionals who handle exotic animals and talk to them about the best ways to both protect them and share them with the public. Owners may want to start off with a mobile enterprise in smaller towns in order to establish themselves.
How and when to build a team
You will need to build a team immediately. No zoo can even begin without having enough licensed vets and caretakers to administer daily feedings and to handle emergencies. Owners should hire people who have plenty of professional experience working with unusual or foreign animals. This will not only keep the animals safe, it will also lower the cost of your liability insurance (or at least, make it less likely you’ll ever need to use it.)