Spring is here! See gardens in bloom!

Thu Mar 20 09:03:37 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 Black Rhino
https://www.sfzoo.org/black-rhinoceros/
SF Zoo is home to two rhino species, the Eastern black rhino (https://www.sfzoo.org/black-rhinoceros/) (Diceros bicornis michaeli) and Greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), of which the black rhino is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In addition to habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal poaching for their horns (for Chinese medicines and ornamental use) continues to decimate populations of the black rhino.

Conservation efforts are focused on protecting black rhinos and their habitats, such as strengthening protected areas and improving security with anti-poaching patrols. In addition, implementation of technology to track poachers and their activities, and to detect smuggled rhino horn has helped, and work to protect important rhino habitat is a priority. Significantly, efforts are being made to try to reduce the demand for rhino horn and stop the flow of illegal poaching but it is an uphill battle.

SF Zoo has been served as home to many black rhinos over its long history, including our current 16-year-old male, "Boone." Many of the progeny of our previous black rhinos, including the incomparable "Elly," have contributed greatly to generations of North American black rhino populations. You can currently see Boone staying active with his array of enrichment tools across from Cat Kingdom.
World Bear Day

If you've visited lately, you may have noticed that our grizzlies and black bears have mostly completed their period of torpor and are more active than when they were in their energy conservation mode.  And just in time because this Sunday, March 23 is World Bear Day, which recognizes the importance of bears and ensuring healthy ecosystems for bears and other wildlife.

In their respective ecosystems, bears are at the top of their food chains, and help to maintain the health and balance of their environments as the apex predators. Of course, bears also disperse seeds through their droppings, encouraging plant diversity, and helping to support other wildlife.

Bears are, in fact, threatened or endangered due to factors that include habitat destruction, logging and farming, hunting for medicinal purposes, and climate change. On this World Bear Day, we hope you'll visit us, or take a moment to read up and learn some cool things about bears!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Drinks, Bites & Zoo Insights on March 22
https://www.sfzoo.org/calendar-of-events/
SF Zoo is one of a handful of zoological parks to apply 3D printer technology to benefit its zoo residents, creating behavioral devices - such as puzzles and toys - that help to stimulate animals both physically and mentally. Join us this Saturday, March 22 at 2:30 p.m. as Emily Walco, PhD, our Wellness & Conservation Research Associate, presents, "A Day in the Life of an Animal Welfare Scientist: Using 3D printing, magic and observation to understand and improve animal wellbeing," as part of our exclusive Member series, "Drinks, Bites & Zoo Insights."

The event is free to Zoo Members and is open to all age groups and includes adult beverages, non-alcoholic drinks and hors d'oeuvres and takes place at the Osher Great Hall. Space is limited. RSVP to membership at sfzoo.org (mailto:membership at sfzoo.org?subject=RSVP%20to%20Drinks%2C%20Bites%20%26%20Zoo%20Insights) .
Spring into Action - Become a Zoo Docent!

Have you noticed our incredible Zoo Docents during your Zoo visits? These enthusiastic individuals are invaluable to SF Zoo, passionately sharing fascinating stories about our animals, wildlife, and conservation initiatives.

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

Join us on Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. - 12 noon 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.

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today!

RSVP to join at sfzoodocents.org (mailto:join at sfzoodocents.org)
NEWS TO KNOW
Spring has Sprung!
This week marks the first day of Spring, also known as the vernal equinox, but really, for us, it's all about the bounty of flora that will soon cover every corner of the Zoo! The rainy season is still underway and you can already see that many of our gardens are exhibiting some early blooms, from daffodils to proteas and even our official state flower - the California poppy! The poppy will be prevalent in many of our primary gardens, such as Gail's Fragrance Garden and Greenie's Conservation Garden, which is truly a sight to behold.

If there is ever a time to take the saying "stop and smell the roses" literally, it's on your next visit! A visit to the Zoo can just be about taking time out of your busy schedule to appreciate the little things, like beautiful gardens and being outdoors.

You can further support the maintenance and replanting of our beautiful gardens by making a donation today here (https://sfzoo.sfz-passport.sfzoo.org/packageDetails/53/keyword/Donations?keyword=Donations&queueittoken=e_sfzoo~q_5762c546-932d-4897-8e7a-2ed78605217b~ts_1742403589~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_f342188e1f5655f8b8333393d796714e0f5a339166dec232a75919d23c472c9a) . (Photo by May Woon)
Vote for SF Zoo as Best of the Best!

https://www.bayareaparent.com/san-francisco-and-marin-ballot-2025/#/gallery?group=509047

There are now two opportunities for you to show your support of SF Zoo! Bay Area Parent's annual Best of the Best annual reader survey and the 2025 Best of Parents Press! We would be honored to have you choose SF Zoo as your entertainment venue for both parents' publications.
* Bay Area Parent's Best of the Best link to vote (https://www.bayareaparent.com/san-francisco-and-marin-ballot-2025/#/gallery?group=509047)
* Best of Parents Press' Best of 2025 link to vot (https://parentspress.com/best-of-parents-press-ballot/) e (https://parentspress.com/best-of-parents-press-ballot/)

Bay Area Parent serves the San Francisco Bay Area and focuses on parenting and family-related content through its magazine, website and events. SF Zoo has regularly been named among their Best of the Best each year. Parents Press is known as the Bay Area’s “go-to” parenting guide and since 1980, has published its informative magazine monthly as a free resource. SF Zoo was named in the Top 5 in their Best of 2024 for San Francisco, Marin and North Bay.
SF Zoo Named as Top Zoo by MSN
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/the-8-best-and-5-worst-zoos-in-the-u-s-according-to-experts/ss-AA1Adzs0?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=964088f029e54f659a8f3cd3876a777b&ei=63#image=6

MSN.com recently posted a piece called, “The 8 Best Zoos in the U.S., According to Experts,” and we ranked as their sixth “best” zoo! Congratulations to our friends at zoo that also scored high, and though we do not know all of their criteria, the writer cited our commitment to creating environments that reflect the animals’ natural habitats. The experts also recognized us for our conservation initiatives, in particular, endangered species breeding programs and our work to protect native wildlife in the Bay Area.

Our location in a major metropolitan area also received kudos, as we are able to connect with a large and diverse audience, to foster a greater understanding of the importance of wildlife preservation. See MSN’s story (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/the-8-best-and-5-worst-zoos-in-the-u-s-according-to-experts/ss-AA1Adzs0?ocid=entnewsntp&pc=U531&cvid=964088f029e54f659a8f3cd3876a777b&ei=63#image=6) .
Creating a Legacy of Hope
https://www.sfzoo.org/donate-today/

Spring is here, and the Zoo is buzzing (and roaring) with new life!

Just like our lemurs leap and our lions prowl, you have the power to take action today to protect wildlife for generations to come. By including San Francisco Zoo & Gardens in your estate plans, you ensure that animals like "Jimmy G.", our snow leopard, and our beloved penguins always have a safe, thriving home. It’s a legacy worth roaring about! Let us know if you’ve already included us, or start your lasting impact today.

Create your legacy now!  (https://app.lifelegacy.io/notify?partner=sf-zoo)
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects all people with wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action.

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