Countdown to Kick-Off of Sunset Fridays!

[San Francisco Zoo & Gardens]

Countdown to Kick-Off of Sunset Fridays!
In just one week, we will host our very first Sunset Fridays’ event, which will run consecutive Fridays starting July 5 through August 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment on July 5 by Damir Stosic Band, gourmet bites including a new pizza section, activities, vendor booths, the Elinor Friend Playground, plus access to the Youth Exploration Zone!

Sunset Fridays is generously sponsored by our partners Coca-Cola, Highlands 41 Wines, Cutwater and Henna Garden. Be sure to visit Cutwater Cantina where our official canned cocktail beverage sponsor will present exclusive products not found in stores, pick up some free giveaways and more!

We’re also debuting our official Sunset Fridays merchandise such as apparel, mugs and fleece blankets, come check it out!
With July 4th taking place on Thursday, join us to kick-off our summer series on Friday, July 5th!  Zoo Members receive free admission to the evening soiree (be sure to show your membership card at entry). Tickets for non-members are $12 per person 12 and over (children 11 and under are free). Visitors who have a general admission ticket can attend at no additional charge.

Purchase Tickets (https://www.sfzoo.org/sf-zoo-sunset-fridays/)
Pride Month
As we wrap up Pride Month 2024, we wish to express our commitment to inclusivity and diversity both in our workplace and among our audience as we proudly raised our rainbow flag all month long. We are truly fortunate in San Francisco where so many firsts have taken place within the LBGTQ community that have had worldwide significance. When it comes to the care and conservation of wildlife, everyone shares a common connection and the knowledge that everyone can make a difference. Happy Pride!
95th Anniversary – Landmark Structures and Move to Naturalistic Habitats
We all recognize the landmark structures built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) from 1935-1940, as the Zoo was one of the thousands of projects to bring jobs to millions of Americans after the Great Depression. Designed by renowned architect, Lewis Hobart, the layout covered 48 acres of land and included towering buildings like the aviary (now called the South American Tropical Rainforest and Aviary) to the Elephant and Lion Houses, to smaller structures like the lion fountain and the 200-foot-long reflection pool (now Penguin Island). Hobart’s inspiration came from visiting top zoos around the country and basing the model developed by the Hamburg Zoo in Germany using moats to separate the animals and the public with the goal of providing visitors with unobstructed views of the animals.
Over time, more consideration was made to provide animals with naturalistic habitats, removing concrete and replacing with softer substrate, while planting grasses and trees. Later habitats, such as the Jones Gorilla Preserve, Australian WalkAbout, Leanne B. Roberts African Savanna and the Lipman Family Lemur Forest showcased naturalistic habitats, some in a mixed species environment. The majority of the WPA structures continue to be renovated, keeping the integrity of the historic structure, as seen in the Great Ape Passage dayroom and expanded, such as the outdoor Big Cat grottos.

Visit the last weekend in June and if you’re the 95th guest, you may be chosen to win an opportunity to name one of our endangered animals!
Become Immersed in Conservation through Virtual Reality
One of the most unique and mesmerizing experiences ever is happening now at SF Zoo! Experience our virtual reality (VR) attraction, now featuring two exciting 360-degree films at the VR Zone located by the wolverine habitat and Puente al Sur. Become one with critically endangered mountain gorillas as you travel to the extinct volcanoes of Rwanda where you’ll witness the unique dynamics of a gorilla family through VR goggles on a motion platform seat in the “Gorilla Trek” documentary.

And you’ll have an option to view the newest VR experience, “The Great Migration,” a stunning and impressive look at the incredible journey of Africa’s Great Migration. Each year, millions of wildebeests, zebras and antelopes traverse East Africa’s grasslands as predators lurk along the way.
We invite you to join us on these epic adventures! Reservations are not required; tickets can be purchased at the site for $8 per person.
Become a Zoo Docent!
You may have spotted our fantastic Zoo Docents during your visits. These dedicated individuals are our greatest assets; they play a vital role in bringing SF Zoo's mission to life by sharing captivating facts and stories about our animal residents, wildlife, and conservation efforts.

As a Docent, you'll forge new friendships, enjoy camaraderie, and develop a deeper understanding and connection with animals and nature. Your passion and knowledge will help connect people with our animal ambassadors, inspire conservation efforts, and enhance our guests' experiences.
(Photo by Christine Fong)

Join us on Sunday, July 21st, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a Docent Program Informational event. This event will be held at the Zoo in the Lurie Education Building and will provide information about becoming a Zoo Docent. Attendees can look forward to presentations, a Zoo tour, a hands-on biofact cart demonstration, light refreshments, and complimentary parking.
Animal Enrichment Lab Now Open
On your next Zoo visit, come by the Family Farm to take part in our newest venture – the Animal Enrichment Lab – where you can help us build a variety of toys and activities for our animals, specifically the Hyacinth macaws and Salvin’s Amazon parrots that recently moved into renovated aviaries. The lab is stocked with supplies to make enrichment devices, such as tubes, mats, puzzle feeders, hangers and complex bird toys for parrot enrichment. These birds require plenty of devices, both types and quantity, to promote positive well-being, increase time spent foraging, and express natural behaviors while exploring their new habitats. In addition to birds, daily enrichment can be made for the farm animals in the red and yellow barns. With summer camps here, it has been fun to demonstrate how household “trash” can be recycled into “treasures” for Zoo animals!

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