95th Anniversary - A Look Back

[San Francisco Zoo & Gardens]

Join Us at Father's Day BikeAbout!

95th Anniversary – A Look Back
As we continue our 95th anniversary celebration this month, let’s take a look back at the formation of the San Francisco Zoological Society, which was established in 1954 to help the Park Commission operate and fund projects for the city-run San Francisco Zoological Gardens. After its incorporation, this new non-profit membership organization went to work to assist in the beautification, enhancement and improvement of the Zoo grounds of the then nearly 30-year-old park. In the beginning, the only sources of revenue were membership dues and some private donations, as admission was free.

Generous donors allowed the Society to fund the purchase and transportation of new animals, equipment, and medical supplies. In 1958, membership totaled 444 members with 13 members of a Board of Directors. Later, the City asked the Society to operate concessions and manage a paid Children’s Zoo. Revenue from these operations would fund the first educational programs and new animal habitats.

By 1959, the Society took over operations of the now defunct Storyland, a three-acre outdoor play area featuring 26 scenes from well-known fairy tales and nursery rhymes, later becoming a Children’s Zoo with domestic animals and an animal nursery where “baby” animals from the main zoo were cared for, including chimpanzees and an elephant!


We’ve come a long way! In 1993, the City of San Francisco shifted management and operations to the Zoological Society, while the City continues its ownership responsibilities.

Since then, the Society has advanced the Zoo significantly, including the major transformation you see today, and the continuation of key renovations and upgrades, plus all new habitats. Importantly, our philosophy changed to one of wildlife conservation. It’s a history within our history, and as a Zoo Member, you are part of our story.
Father's Day BikeAbout Limited Tickets Still Available!
Don't miss out on our exclusive VIP Father's Day BikeAbout. This year's celebration features a continental breakfast served immediately following the guided bike tour!

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

Pedal through the Zoo on the exclusive 60-minute ride as our expert staff share fun animal facts and conservation stories, all focused on the unique aspects of paternal care in the animal kingdom.

Ticket Prices:
SF Zoo Member – $45 per peddler
Non-member – $55 per peddler
FREE for children piggy-backing on an adult’s bike

Discounted Zoo admission is available for purchase at the ticketing window on the day of the tour. Proof of BikeAbout is required for the discount.

Still Have a Question? Send us an email to guidedtours at sfzoo.org

Get Tickets Here (https://sfzoo.sfz-passport.sfzoo.org/packageList/keyword/Guided%20Tours,VIPTours?keyword=General%2520Admission&queueittoken=e_sfzoo~q_8cc90cf5-63d6-413c-a263-301d2319e471~ts_1718223405~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_6e7c404e291c166cdf54fe6396df4e46f3331fbf466a05ee5f7803bc845f331d)
Pride Merch Arrives in the Gift Shop!
SF Zoo proudly stands in solidarity with the LGBTQA+ community. We are excited to announce the arrival of new Pride-themed merchandise in our Gift Shop! Our Pride collection features themed water bottles and t-shirts, as well as a variety of other toys and treats, including rainbow stone animals hand-carved in Kenya. Every purchase supports the Zoo's mission to connect all people with wildlife, inspire caring for nature, and advance conservation action. Celebrate Pride with us by taking home a Pride-themed souvenir that contributes to wildlife education and conservation.

Visit our Gift Shop during your next visit and show your Pride!

============================================================
The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects all people with wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action.
** Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/sanfranzoo/)
** Twitter (https://twitter.com/sfzoo)
** Link (https://www.instagram.com/sanfranciscozoo)
** YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/sfzoo)
** Website (https://www.sfzoo.org)
Copyright © 2024 San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Sloat Blvd &, Upper Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94132, United States

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences (https://sfzoo.us12.list-manage.com/profile?u=05b8326f4402b997fe7a097e3&id=5c6c9b68a4&e=7683a9aed3&c=66b6ad3c4c)
or ** unsubscribe from this list (https://sfzoo.us12.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=05b8326f4402b997fe7a097e3&id=5c6c9b68a4&t=b&e=7683a9aed3&c=66b6ad3c4c)
.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mail.digitalkingdom.org/pipermail/house/attachments/20240614/c4126fd9/attachment-0001.htm>