See Our Rescued Axolotls + More This Spring!

Thu Apr 3 10:46:43 PDT 2025

Become a Member (https://www.sfzoo.org/membership/)   |   Donate (https://www.sfzoo.org/donate-today/)    |   Get Tickets (https://www.sfzoo.org/?keyword=General%20Admission)
CONSERVATION
Spotlight on Axolotls
https://www.sfzoo.org/axolotl/
An animal that seems to have crossed over to pop culture appeal over the last few years is the axolotl (https://www.sfzoo.org/axolotl/) (Ambystoma maxicanum), an amphibian species that has not only become popular as pets but is one seen in different forms of commercialism, art, merchandise and iconography. Yet, while these captivating salamanders, with the "friendly face," are seen everywhere, the reality is that wild axolotls are a critically endangered species, and a favorite of the illegal wildlife trade. Their wild populations number only between 50 to 1,000 individuals in their native range in Mexico. According to the IUCN Red List, axolotls are found in only three sites in the southern part of Mexico City - the canals of Xochimilco, Chalco Lake and Chapultepec Lake.

At the Zoo, the five axolotls (one male and four females) that reside at our Conservation Corridor, were confiscated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and placed here as a permanent home. The Zoo works cooperatively with USFWS and the Wildlife Confiscations Network to ensure the care and welfare of confiscated wildlife. The axolotls you see here differ in coloration from ones that you might find in the pet trade. As these axolotls are wild, they display the natural shades of brown and black, which is their primary pigment and helps them to camouflage. Certain genetic mutations can vary their pigment cells resulting in a variety of colors, such as pink, and often under captive breeding situations.

Axolotls are a protected species and are threatened by many factors, including pollution, human development and tourism, the illegal wildlife trade, invasive species and disease. Conservation initiatives include conservation education, habitat restoration and bio-remediation. Visit our axolotls at the Conservation Corridor, located between Koala Crossing and Great Ape Passage.
NEWS TO KNOW
Summer Zoo Camp Slots Still Available!
https://www.sfzoo.org/conservation-camp/
There's still time to register your child for our popular Summer Conservation Zoo Camp, as we have a number of slots still available. This unique weeklong summer camp features educational tours, hands-on activities and games, creative projects, close-up animal encounters and more! Members receive a special discount, and you can apply for financial aid until April 13.

Campers are grouped by grade level who will experience and explore the Zoo in small groups led by Zoo Camp instructors, staff and volunteers. Zoo Camps foster curiosity and creativity through STEM-based skills such as investigation, collaboration, problem-solving, communication and more through fun art and science activities. These valuable experiences go a long way to connecting young minds to animals and nature, and their future roles to protect our planet.

We offer eight weekly dates starting June 16. Daily times for pre-K campers is 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for Kinder through 6th grade campers. After care is available from 3:30 to 5 p.m. with restrictions. Learn more (https://www.sfzoo.org/conservation-camp/) .
Pockets of Joy - Pocket Gardens Around the Zoo
Located throughout the Zoo are small "pocket" gardens that are themed with a variety of plants, cactuses, succulents, tropical plants and flowers. Each garden was designed by our talented horticulturists to enchant and delight the onlooker! Each garden tells a story, from the fairy gardens displaying whimsical, miniature doors or small cottages, to beautiful succulent gardens that thrive in our coastal climate. Here are a few!

Dune Garden - The original land here was once primarily sand dunes. Small shrubs and plants help to anchor the dunes, preventing erosion and keeping the flowing sand in place. In our small sand dune garden near the Lion Fountain, find dune tansy, coyote brush, coast iris and beach strawberry.

Succulents Galore! - Our most prominent succulent and cactus gardens are located next to the Leaping Lemur Café, by the Bornean orangutans, and another garden by the mandrill habitat with tall cactus plants occupying center stage. Species include the rare golden barrel cactus (Kroeneinia grusolnii), Mexican snowball (Echeveria elegans), Aloe arborescens and stonecrop.

Native Gardens - Our native gardens are planted throughout the Zoo, and as such, they serve as a sort of "bridge", providing pollinators plants in which to pollinate within the Zoo, from Entry Village and the Lurie Education Center courtyard all the way to Grizzly Gulch! In California alone, there are approximately 6,500 species, subspecies and plant varieties that occur here naturally and endemic only to California. One such plant is the San Francisco spineflower (Chorizanthe cuspidata) so rare that it is an endangered species.

Fairy Gardens - It is said that if you plant a miniature garden for fairies that they bring good luck! We have several fairy gardens on grounds - by the steps and pathway leading to the Eugene Friend Carousel Plaza and a hidden one around Great Ape Passage. The enchanting gardens feature branches, stumps and flowering plants with tiny fairy-sized doors.
New Healthy Offerings in Lemur Café
https://www.sfzoo.org/become-a-member/

Just in time for Spring are our newest healthy menu options now available at the Leaping Lemur Café! On your next visit, experience our new Flavors of Asia, hearty meals in a bowl to satiate your cravings!

Buddha Bowl - Quinoa, green kale, edamame, sweet potatoes, broccoli, pickled cabbage, carrots and miso tahini dressing
Fog City Ramen - Miso shoyu broth, wheat egg noodles, shredded carrots, edamame, corn, green onions, egg, and pickled ginger
Sweet & Sour Chicken Bowl - Grilled chicken, onions, peppers, pineapple, scallions, and jasmine rice
Beef Chili Bowl - Housemade beef chili, rice, shredded cheddar , cornbread
Beef Chili over Fries - Housemade beef chili, fries, shredded cheddar

Zoo Members receive 10% off select food and beverage items. Please see cashier for details.
National Zoo Lovers Day is April 8th
https://www.sfzoo.org/become-a-member/

Spread the word! National Zoo Lovers Day is back on April 8 and we are here for it! This special designated day was created to recognize the important work zoos do in protecting and caring for endangered species, the many contributions to wildlife conservation and educating the public about wildlife and their habitats.

One way you can celebrate National Zoo Lovers Day is by visiting SF Zoo and other accredited zoos and aquariums around the country. This is also a great time to consider making a donation (https://www.sfzoo.org/donate-today/) to the Zoo, however small or large. And we love to see your posts on social media! Be sure to tag us using #sfzoo and we'll repost some of your posts on our social media channels!

By visiting the Zoo, you support us in so many ways, and a big shout out to our dedicated Members! If you haven't become a Zoo Member yet, your membership offers unlimited visits 365 days a year.  We hope to see you on National Zoo Lovers Day, Tuesday, April 8!
Become a Member (https://www.sfzoo.org/become-a-member/)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Come Celebrate our Planet!

In honor of the 55th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, we are celebrating our amazing planet with a weekend of activities as part of EarthFest on Saturday and Sunday, April 26 & 27. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., we'll be hosting a special "pop-up village" at the Sculpture Learning Plaza and Elinor Friend Playground featuring conservation partners and engaging activities, including learning about the importance of living sustainably, craft-making and more!

We join our fellow accredited zoos and aquariums from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums in this "Party for the Planet" to support healthy habitats, work to save animals from extinction, and encourage clean environments through Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle initiatives. Happy Earth Day!
Meet the Easter Bunny!

Meet the Easter Bunny on Sunday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of our special Easter celebration! The Easter Bunny will be available for photos and meet-and-greets by the Sculpture Learning Plaza, adjacent to the Elinor Friend Playground.

In addition to one-on-one time with the Easter Bunny, come participate in special arts and craft-making, then take in the beautiful Spring blooms at our various gardens!
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects all people with wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action.

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