Welcome Interim Co-CEOs Jeff & Cassandra!

Fri Aug 8 09:01:25 PDT 2025

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NEWS TO KNOW
In Good Hands
We are delighted to welcome the two individuals who have taken the helm of San Francisco Zoo & Gardens as San Francisco Zoological Society's Board of Directors embark on a national search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer that will lead us through our next exciting chapter of development, growth, and fulfillment of our mission of conservation and education.

Introducing Cassandra Costello, who, as our incoming Chief Operating Officer, and Jeff Pace, our Chief Financial Officer, will together serve as co-Chief Executive Officers during this interim phase. Ms. Costello brings extensive experience in San Francisco government and non-profits sectors, having served as Chief of Staff for two members of the Board of Supervisors, and was Deputy Director at San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department. She most recently worked as Chief Strategy Officer for the San Francisco Travel Association, where she spearheaded operations, external affairs, and strategic planning for the organization.

Mr. Pace has served as CFO of the Zoo for over a year, overseeing the finance, accounting and operations teams. He previously spent more than 25 years in executive financial, operational, and real estate nonprofit leadership roles at various philanthropic organizations across the Bay Area, including St. Anthony Foundation.

In their interim roles, they plan on working with Zoo staff, city, industry leaders and others, to learn, understand and move the Zoo forward with its many initiatives, projects and programs. Ms. Costello will oversee daily operations, while Mr. Pace will continue the work of facilitating financial growth.

In the coming weeks, you'll hear from our co-CEOs via this forum, and we hope you'll say hello when you see them walking around the Zoo! Welcome Cassandra and Jeff!
Farewell to Beloved Jaguar

We are saddened to share that our 13-year-old male jaguar, Lamont, has passed away after he began suffering from sudden and severe mobility issues due to intervertebral disc disease, also known as a slipped disc. Following extensive evaluation, including consultation with an outside veterinary neurologist, our animal care team made the very difficult decision to humanely euthanize him to prevent further suffering. Sadly, disc disease is not unusual in big cats and there are no viable treatment options.

Lamont was born at the San Diego Zoo and later transferred to Sacramento Zoo, where he lived the majority of his life. He was placed at SF Zoo per a recommendation by the Association of Zoo & Aquarium’s Jaguar Species Survival Plan, and had been the first jaguar here in over 24 years.

Lamont was a special cat. According to carnivore specialist Hilary M., she said that "it never ceases to amaze me being in the presence of these forces of nature. Every so often, one particular animal really stands out. Lamont was one of those souls. There was never a moment being around him that you weren't keenly aware of what and who he was."

"Lamont was an incredible intelligence—quick to learn new behaviors, a good problem solver, and interested in everything around him," said Hilary. "We are going to miss him fiercely, From the way he held his shank bones with his front paws and ate them like ice cream cones, and how he cached all of his toys in his nestbox, and yes, being a cat, we will miss how he would cram himself into a cardboard box."

Lamont was a majestic, powerful presence and an amazing ambassador of his species. He will be missed by staff, volunteers, and the many guests who came to know him.
Biggest Single-Day California Red-Legged Frog Release
Since 2016, SF Zoo, in partnership with the National Park Service, Yosemite Conservancy, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish & Wildlife, has worked to restore federally threatened California red-legged frogs in Yosemite National Park. Over the course of this multi-year program, over 3,700 juvenile and adult frogs have been released in Yosemite Valley. Before then, the species had not been seen in the park in a half a century!

We are excited to report that we recently completed our largest release ever in a single day as 561 Zoo-reared California red-legged frogs were airlifted and reintroduced to two remote lakes in Yosemite Valley. We applaud the work of our conservation team and our partner biologists in this collaborative effort to save threatened and endangered species in California. A shout out to Yosemite Helitack, the search and rescue crew, who flew the frogs to their new homes, and the biologists who hiked with the frogs to their release site after Zoo staff gave final health checks, packed them individually for transport and drove them to Yosemite.

All California red-legged frogs in Yosemite National Park were raised by zoo conservationists or are offspring of zoo-reared frogs. Protecting vulnerable species like red-legged frogs maintains the park’s biodiversity as nature envisioned, but it takes time, patience and a sustained effort to be successful.

Our on-site San Francisco Zoological Society and Yosemite National Park Conservation and Recovery Facility is supported by the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums Zoo-Park Partnership Program, a partnership between Yosemite National Park and SF Zoo, which is considered a model conservation effort for threatened and endangered species in California.
Save Gorillas by Donating Small Electronic Devices

Each year, we participate in the Gorillas on the Line (GotL) campaign, working with ECO-CELL, an electronics recycling company, to tally and recycle old electronic devices that we collect throughout the year.

The month of August represents our last GotL collection drive of the year and in honor of the forthcoming arrival of our new silverback, Cecil, we hope you can support this important gorilla conservation effort by donating your small electronic devices.

Recycling your cell phones helps to protect valuable gorilla habitat through lessening our dependence on coltan, a mineral mined in Central Africa. Drop off your electronic devices at one of our three drop-off locations: gift shop, Membership office and at the Sunset Fridays conservation table. Gorillas on the Line.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Rock out at Sunset Fridays!
https://www.facebook.com/people/Dunes-Classic-Rock-SF-CA/100090909257775/

Spend your Fridays with us during our free Members weekly event! Sunset Fridays is back this week with performances by The Dunes (https://www.facebook.com/people/Dunes-Classic-Rock-SF-CA/100090909257775/) , a San Francisco classic rock band, playing your favorite rock n' roll hits!

Sunset Fridays takes place on the Playfield Lawn. Enjoy live, local music, outdoor bars, kid-friendly activities, the Elinor Friend Playground, historic Dentzel Carousel, Sculpture Learning Plaza, food and beverage concession areas and see animals in the Exploration Zone!

Zoo members enjoy free admission to Sunset Fridays! Tickets for non-members are $14 per person, 12 and over (children 11 and under are free). Visitors who have a general admission ticket can attend at no extra charge. Tickets can be purchased online or walk-up at ticket window; advance reservations are not required. Folding chairs are allowed; no outside alcoholic beverages please.

For a list of weekly performers, VIP tent rentals, ticket and event information, visit the Sunset Fridays page. (https://www.sfzoo.org/sf-zoo-sunset-fridays/) (Photo courtesy of The Dunes)
Slate to State Truck Tour Aug. 10 & 11
https://www.slate.auto/en

On Sunday and Monday, August 10 & 11, we are welcoming the Slate to State Truck Tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Entry Village. Slate (https://www.slate.auto/en) has been showcasing their all-new electric truck at locations on the West Coast all summer long and will be displaying their newest customizable vehicle with representatives on-hand to meet the community.

According to Slate, their EV is "the most personalizable, radially simple vehicle out there. A Slate vehicle is a two-door electric pick-up truck that's thoughtfully designed and engineered to be customized again and again to transform into whatever you need it to be: even an SUV. And it's designed to be affordable."

As the first vehicle of its kind designed to transform easily from a two-seat truck to a five-seat SUV, Slate's representatives will be there to talk about the countless ways drivers can adapt their Slate vehicle to fit their needs, from car wraps and colors to wheel accents and upgrades for a truly personalized vehicle.
Dog Days is Back!
https://www.sfzoo.org/special-programs/

Bring your furry friend to the Zoo as we welcome back Dog Days at SF Zoo, our popular dog-friendly day! Our next Dog Days will take place on Thursday, August 28. Advance registration on our website is required and is available between 8 a.m. on August 19 through 12 p.m. on August 21. We will select registered dogs and dog owners for participation randomly as we are only able to accommodate a limited number of dogs each day. Selected participants will be contacted via email on August 22.

Please be advised that dog owners must comply with the following to participate:
* Dog owners are responsible for their dogs and they must be well-behaved.
* Dogs must remain on leash and controlled by an adult that is at least 18.
* Owners must clean up after their dogs.
* Owners will be asked to leave an area if Zoo animals become agitated.
* Failure to comply with any of the above may result in being asked to leave the premises.

To be eligible for the random drawing for Dog Days, please register by filling out the form on our Special Programs page (https://www.sfzoo.org/special-programs/)  during the allotted time frame.

Guests are allowed one dog per reservation and each dog must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. Dogs may only access areas where there is a physical barrier that separates Zoo animals and dogs. Dogs are not allowed in the South American Tropical Rainforest & Aviary, African Aviary, Children's Zoo Family Farm, Wildlife Theater and Nature Trail.
SUPPORT THE ZOO
https://app.lifelegacy.io/notify?partner=sf-zoo
August is Make-a-Will Month—and there's no better time to help the animals you love and ensure their future with a simple gift in your will.

With just a few clicks, you can create a free will through our Life Legacy Planned Giving platform and leave a lasting gift to San Francisco Zoo & Gardens.

Why? Because your legacy can help ensure a safe, thriving home for our beloved animals and protect wildlife for generations to come. From majestic lions to waddling penguins, playful red pandas to towering giraffes, your gift supports wildlife conservation, animal wellness, and a wild world worth preserving.

It's quick. It's meaningful. And it's your chance to leave the world a little wilder than you found it.

Make a will. Make it count. Make it wild.

If you've already included us in your will, please let us know (https://app.lifelegacy.io/notify?partner=sf-zoo) , so we may extend our thanks.

Ready to write your legacy? (https://app.lifelegacy.io/notify?partner=sf-zoo)
Explore the Rewarding World of being a Docent at the Zoo!
https://www.sfzoo.org/volunteer-programs-draft/docents/

Our Docents are invaluable to our Zoo, passionately sharing fascinating stories about our animals, wildlife, and conservation initiatives.

As a volunteer Docent, you’ll meet like-minded people, build lasting friendships, and deepen your connection with nature.

Join us on Sunday, August 17th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lurie Education Building for a Docent Informational Event. We’ll have presentations, a zoo tour, a hands-on biofact cart demonstration, light refreshments, and complimentary parking.

Space is limited—RSVP today by emailing join at sfzoodocents.org (mailto:join at sfzoodocents.org)
Learn more about the Docent Program! (https://www.sfzoo.org/volunteer-programs-draft/docents/)
ZOO MEMBERS
BOGO for Members - New Dinosaur: Evolution

https://www.sfzoo.org/vr-experience-rides/

Members can see the newest virtual reality film experience with a Buy One, Get One free discount! This BOGO is good until the end of August by showing your Membership ID at the VR Zone.

Journey millions of years to the end of the Cretaceous Period to see dinosaurs like you’ve never seen before in Dinosaur: Evolution, (https://www.sfzoo.org/vr-experience-rides/) a sensory-loaded, immersive experience that goes beyond extinction. You’ll see as the dinosaurs’ final chapter unfolds, and who ultimately survives and flourishes in the aftermath of global devastation due to a cataclysmic asteroid impact.

Ultimately, Dinosaur: Evolution invites us to reflect on the fragility of our own species. Despite all our progress, we too may face an existential reckoning—this time one of our own making in the form of climate change.
Member Discount at Columbia Sportswear Thru Sept. 1st

Zoo Members are invited to shop at the Columbia Sportswear Employee Store during its summer sale from August 8 to September 1, 2025.

The employee store is stocked with the latest products from their family of brands, including Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna, with all items 40% off full retail pricing. In addition, their summer sale is currently offering 70% off on select items while supplies last.

To take advantage of this offer, please show this PDF invitation (https://www.sfzoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CSC-Employee-Store-San-Francisco-Zoo-Members_Aug2025.pdf) (printed or shown on your mobile device) and proof of Zoo Membership at the Richmond Columbia Sportswear Employee Retail Store located at 1414 Harbour Way South, Ford Pointe Suite 1005 or the Union City Columbia Sportswear Company Employee Store located at 32111 Union Landing Blvd.
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects all people with wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action.

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