Announcement on our Chimpanzee Program

Thu Nov 20 09:30:25 PST 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)
NEWS TO KNOW
Twiggy Leaving for the East Coast
“Twiggy” (also known as “Connie”), our 39-year-old female chimpanzee, will be moving to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore shortly, as she was deemed a good fit with their chimps, two of which she is familiar with.

With this move, we are also announcing that we will temporarily place our chimpanzee program on hiatus, with the future transfer of chimps, “Gombus” and “Michael,” sometime early next year. As they are a bonded pair, it is important that they be moved together.

This was a difficult decision as chimps have been a part of SF Zoo for as long as its history. However, this opportunity allows us to focus on critically endangered Bornean orangutans and contribute to their North American population. More news to come!

In the meantime, we hope you will come say farewell to Twiggy in the coming weeks as we prepare her for her journey to her new home. (Photo by Justin Guiel)
Andean Condor Breeding Opportunity
"Claudia" (also known as "Callista") will be moving to the Nashville Zoo later this year to pair with their male Andean condor as part of a Species Survival Plan recommendation as her genetics are valuable within accredited zoos.

Hatched in 1985, Claudia came to the Zoo in 2016 from the Turtle Back Zoo in New Jersey and is a favorite among staff and guests who visit her at her outdoor habitat at Puente al Sur. On sunny days, you could often see her basking in the sun with her enormous wingspan spread wide or staying close to the perimeter of her yard when her favorite people are nearby.

According to her primary caretaker, among her favorite things are playing with sticks, tearing apart paper, rubbing her face all over on a nice patch of freshly raked dirt, and Christmas trees. Her favorite foods are ground-up meat and rat hearts. While a date has not been announced, we hope you will stop by to see her in the coming weeks to say farewell.
Adopt Cecil This Holiday Season
https://sfzoo.sfz-passport.sfzoo.org/packageDetails/210/navItem/Adopt-an-Animal?_cid=451022030.1761587253
Imagine the surprise and delight when your gift recipient discovers they have become a ZooParent to Cecil, our silverback gorilla!

For a limited time only, we are offering a special Adopt-An-Animal gift that includes a plush silverback gorilla, a certificate and fact sheet. For just $49.99, your gift will go a long way this holiday season to support the Zoo's wildlife conservation programs, and our gorilla troop. To ensure a timely Christmas delivery, please orders must be placed no later than December 15th.

Adopt a Silverback (https://sfzoo.sfz-passport.sfzoo.org/packageDetails/210/navItem/Adopt-an-Animal?_cid=451022030.1761587253)
Senior Mandrill Passes Away
We are sad to report that our beloved Angie passed away this week, after it was determined that her quality of life had deteriorated significantly.

At the time of her passing, Angie was the oldest female mandrill in a North American accredited zoo; we recently celebrated her 35th birthday alongside the other members of her troop, where she enjoyed many of her favorite treats. She could be identified by her large cheek pouches, which she used to store her forage to enjoy later on.

Angie was born at the Tulsa Zoo in 1990 and came to us from the San Diego Zoo over 15 years ago. She was a favorite among staff, as she was very sweet and gentle. As an older animal, she received increased geriatric care as she aged. Though she was not one of the troop's breeders, she was present for the births of three infants, and for many years, close to Dora, now the oldest female mandrill in zoos and male Kiburi. Mandrills typically live around 20 years in the wild, and into their 30s under human care. She will be missed by all.
Gift Ideas with a Conservation Slant
https://www.sfzoo.org/gift-giving-and-forwarding-conservation/
If you're thinking of some out-of-the-box gift ideas this holiday season, our Conservation Liaison, Leticia Francis, is sharing a host of creative and conservation-focused alternatives for your gifts this year!

Among her favorite holiday gifts are wildlife-friendly silks and raffia made by local artisans in Madagascar. Conservation Through Poverty Alleviation in Madagascar (
CPALI (https://www.cpali.org/) ) works with talented artisans who make a host of ornaments, runners, and wall-hangings, and can be purchased on their web site to support local communities in Madagascar.

Another option to help save the environment and species is by purchasing Bird-Friendly Coffee (https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/bird-friendly) , which helps to promote biodiversity through shade-grown coffee, and allows canopy cover to remain for bird species.

Learn about more conservation-focused gift ideas by checking out Leticia's blog post (https://www.sfzoo.org/gift-giving-and-forwarding-conservation/) .

Learn More (https://www.sfzoo.org/gift-giving-and-forwarding-conservation/)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Cirque du Soleil ECHO
https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/san-francisco/echo/buy-tickets
Cirque du Soleil is back in San Francisco with their newest show! Cirque du Soleil ECHO brings modern and surprising twists under the Big Top with a story of connection, intention, and the bond between humans and the animal kingdom.

Packed with vibrant characters, inspiring music, contemporary abstract costumes, astounding lighting and projections, and never-before-seen acrobatics, ECHO brings audiences on a journey through a universe of color, wonder, and infinite possibilities. You can experience the magic of Cirque du Soleil ECHO, starting November 20 through January 18, 2026, under the Big Top, Oracle Park. All ages are welcome! Tickets available here (https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/usa/san-francisco/echo/buy-tickets) .

Special Zoo Day Performance

Performers from Cirque du Soleil ECHO will be at the Zoo on Friday, December 5 at 11 a.m. to give a special live performance just for Zoo guests! The event will take place promptly at 11 a.m. at the Lion Fountain, adjacent to Penguin Island.
Mark Your Calendars!
And just like that, the holidays are upon us! The "halls" are decked and festive, and everything is merry! This time of year is extra special as families get a chance to spend quality time together and what better place than a visit to the Zoo! We've got some special dates to look forward to, and as a reminder, our operating hours are now 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
* Saturday, December 13 - Come see our animals enjoy their holiday gifts during our annual Joy to the Animals celebration. We'll have a schedule of times available when each animal area presents its treats! Meet Santa Claus, details to follow!

* Saturday & Sunday, December 20 and 21 - Enjoy performances by our strolling carolers, The Merrie Olde Christmas Carolers, the oldest and largest professional caroling company in the county, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.!

SF Zoo is open every day of the year, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Come celebrate the season with us!
Slots Still Available for Thanksgiving Week Fall Camp!
https://campscui.active.com/orgs/SanFranciscoZooCamps?orglink=camps-registration&e4q=c6cf9693-b73e-4a0e-9045-ef0e0df0503f&e4p=ee294429-9992-4eb8-8913-9e96129e43ff&e4ts=1762209674&e4c=active&e4e=snlvcmpscui00001load&e4rt=Safetynet&e4h=36fa311286fe5b5c7be6bf6bbfe61c38#/selectSessions/3686136
Join us for Autumn Adventures in the Animal Kingdom, our themed Fall camp program that highlights exploring nature through art and focuses on indigenous stories of animal migrations, hibernations, and seasonal changes. Campers will explore the Zoo and learn about animals preparing for fall and winter.

This special three-day camp takes place during the week of Thanksgiving, Monday through Wednesday, November 24-26.

Group Times:
* Pre-K (9 a.m. to noon)
* Kindergarten (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
* 1st and 2nd Grades (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
* 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

Cost: $450 for non-members and $400 for members. Member discount code: Use WINTERMEM25 at checkout.

Space is limited for this popular program. Registration ends on November 21, 2025. Sign up today!

Register Today! (https://campscui.active.com/orgs/SanFranciscoZooCamps?orglink=camps-registration&e4q=c6cf9693-b73e-4a0e-9045-ef0e0df0503f&e4p=ee294429-9992-4eb8-8913-9e96129e43ff&e4ts=1762209674&e4c=active&e4e=snlvcmpscui00001load&e4rt=Safetynet&e4h=36fa311286fe5b5c7be6bf6bbfe61c38#/selectSessions/3686136)
MEMBER NEWS
Members Morning on Dec. 3
https://www.sfzoo.org/membership/
Members! Come early on Wednesday, December 3 as part of a special Members' Morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. You'll have access to the Zoo upon arrival at the Gatehouse to enjoy the Elinor Friend Playground and see animals usually active in the morning.

The Zoo opens at 9:30 a.m. to the general public for our monthly resident Free Day. Show an identification with your residential address to receive free admission to the Zoo all day.
Become a Member (https://www.sfzoo.org/membership/)
Discount Offer for Zoo Members

https://www.sfzoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CSC-Employee-Store-San-Francisco-Zoo-Members_Nov2025.pdf

Take advantage of Columbia Employee Store discounts to take care of your holiday shopping! Our friends at Columbia Sportswear Company are offering Zoo Members up to 50% off select styles and an extra 10% off your entire purchase from their family of brands: Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna.

Visit the Employee Retail Store located at 1414 Harbour Way South in Richmond, or at 32111 Union Landing Blvd in Union City,
from November 7 through 30.
Please print or show this exclusive invitation (https://www.sfzoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CSC-Employee-Store-San-Francisco-Zoo-Members_Nov2025.pdf) to access the store. Invitees may bring up to four additional guests with each visit. Valid in-store only.
https://san-francisco-zoo-gardens.app.attractions.io/
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects all people with wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action.

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=4ef67f273d) or unsubscribe from this list (https://sfzoo.us12.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=05b8326f4402b997fe7a097e3&id=5c6c9b68a4&t=b&e=7683a9aed3&c=4ef67f273d) .
https://www.facebook.com/sanfranzoo/
https://twitter.com/sfzoo
https://www.instagram.com/sanfranciscozoo
https://www.youtube.com/sfzoo
https://www.sfzoo.org

============================================================
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mail.digitalkingdom.org/pipermail/house/attachments/20251120/054cf1b5/attachment-0001.htm>