Celebrating 95 Years of Zoo History

Thu Jun 6 12:17:44 PDT 2024

Celebrating 95 Years of Zoo History

On June 12, 2024, we will mark 95 years since San Francisco Zoo & Gardens was first established as the Herbert Fleishhacker Zoo. Fleishhacker was the renowned philanthropist who envisioned the finest outdoor recreational destination in the world with the world’s largest outdoor pool, playground, baseball field, carousel and of course, a zoo, right across from the pristine Pacific Ocean. Throughout the 1930s, the Zoo flourished with the arrival of rare and exotic species – some now extinct like the Tasmanian tiger – and the construction of many animal exhibits. By 1940, the renowned 48-acre Works Progress Administration project was built as the nucleus of what would become one of the most modern zoos in the world. This new phase opened as San Francisco Zoological Gardens, featuring moated exhibits which allowed unobstructed views of lions, tigers and elephants, while exhibits like Monkey Island and a sea lion pool were fan favorites. The Zoo became a mainstay for generations of San
Franciscans, as the formation of the nonprofit San Francisco Zoological Society in 1954 allowed the zoo to fundraise, expand and educate.
As the purpose of zoos changed over the past 40 years with focus on conservation of species and protection of wild habitats, our zoo made that leap as well with the Bald Eagle Recovery Project in 1985, a program that contributed greatly to the delisting of the bald eagle from the Endangered Species List in 2007. The 1996 Zoo bond measure helped jumpstart a renaissance period as one-third of the zoo was rebuilt to what you see today. And as we celebrate this milestone occasion, we continue our mission of connecting people with wildlife, conserving species and fostering caring for nature and the environment.

Celebrate 95 years of the Zoo’s rich history with a weekend-long event that highlights the evolution of our mission to care, connect, and conserve. The first 2,000 visitors on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9 receive a free giveaway item - a replica postcard from the early era of the Zoo's history. There is also live entertainment, crafts for the kids, and conservation activities for the entire family. Each weekend, our 95th Visitor will have the opportunity to name one of the Zoo’s endangered animals! Take a walk-through history with our markers set up throughout the Zoo during our anniversary month, detailing the defining eras of the Zoo’s existence.

All activities are included with regular admission tickets.
"The Great Migration" Virtual Reality Experience is Here!
In the latest addition to the Zoo's virtual reality film experiences, witness how millions of free-roaming animals make their way through the peaks and perils of Africa's savannah terrain, from the Maasai Mara river in Kenya to the majestic landscape of Tanzania's Serengeti, in search for a better life across the animal kingdom.

The Zoo will continue to also show Gorilla Trek, the award-winning 360-degree film about the unique family dynamics that pit one silverback mountain gorilla against another for control of the gorilla family.

Located in the VR Zone of San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, this virtual reality experience will literally change the way you view animal conservation.  Tickets will be available at the experience and are separate from Zoo admission tickets.

Learn More Here (https://www.sfzoo.org/gorilla-trek-vr-experience/)
Father's Day BikeAbout Tickets Still Available!
Join us for an extra-special BikeAbout on Father’s Day, which includes a continental breakfast served immediately following the guided tour! This bike tour will focus on what paternal care looks like throughout the animal kingdom. Pedal your way through the Zoo during this 60-minute riding tour as our knowledgeable staff shares fun animal facts and conservation stories.

Father's Day BikeAbout dates and times
Sunday, June 16 – 9am (meet at Zoo's main entrance at 8:45am)

SFZS Member – $45 per peddler
Non-member – $55 per peddler
FREE for children piggy-backing on an adult’s bike

Discounted Zoo admission available for purchase at ticketing windows on day of tour.
Proof of BikeAbout required for discount.
Have a Question? Send an e-mail to guidedtours at sfzoo.org

More Info & Tickets (https://www.sfzoo.org/tours-2/)
'Zen at the Zoo' tickets available for this Sunday!
Our outdoor yoga classes gained national attention last year, and it is back for season 2.  Held in the middle of the Leanne B. Roberts African Savanna, these classes are suitable for all skill levels of yoga practitioners. You will flow between postures while building strength, endurance, balance, and mental focus. Expect a well-rounded practice involving sun salutations, standing and seated postures, and a strong focus on the power of breath.

Upcoming 2024 Dates
Sunday, June 9
Sunday, June 23
Sunday, July 14
Sunday, July 21

Information & Tickets (https://www.sfzoo.org/zen-at-the-zoo/)
Sunset Fridays VIP Tables Are Selling Out!
Sunset Fridays, an after-hours event for the whole family, will debut its' second season on Friday, July 5, and will run on consecutive Fridays through August 30 from 5 to 7 pm at the Playfield Lawn. Guests will enjoy live music, outdoor bars, kid-friendly activities, ambassador animals, and more.

In addition to everything you receive with a regular ticket, you can have access to a private VIP tent with even more benefits!  VIP tents have private seating for six people and include:

- Seasonal and locally-sourced hors d’oeuvres platter
- Array of alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and canned cocktails)
- Bottled Water
- Complimentary parking for up to six vehicles

Proceeds from sales of VIP Tents go towards supporting the Zoo’s mission.
Reserve your VIP Tables here (https://www.sfzoo.org/sf-zoo-sunset-fridays/)

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The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects all people with wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action.
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