See Silverback Cecil for the First Time this Saturday!

Thu Oct 16 18:00:07 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)  |  SF Zoo Blog (https://www.sfzoo.org/blog/)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Exclusive Members Preview: See New Silverback Cecil!

Our newest resident, Cecil, the 26-year-old male silverback gorilla who arrived in August to lead our Western lowland gorilla troop, is ready to make his official debut and Zoo Members can see him exclusively this Saturday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon!

Since his arrival from the Louisville Zoo in early August, 26-year-old male silverback gorilla Cecil has been acclimating to his new home and getting to know his new family troop. We wanted to make sure he, Bawang, Kimani, and Monifa, were given plenty of time
—and at their own pace—for introductions, before opening up the Jones Family Gorilla Preserve to visitors. We thank you for your patience and support.

Cecil was born at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1998 and moved to the Louisville Zoo in 2004, where he was part of a young bachelor group. Bachelor groups are a common social grouping modeled after wild gorilla behavior, allowing maturing silverbacks to develop socially, physically and hormonally.

Now, having reached full maturity, Cecil was identified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) as a candidate to lead a family group. His genetics offer a strong match for the Zoo’s gorillas, and hopefully a breeding recommendation will be given in the future.

For now, all gorillas are given access to their outdoor habitat, but sometimes may opt to spend time inside. This Saturday, Zoo Members can see Cecil for the first time as part of a special Members preview from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on October 18^th. The habitat will be open to the general public thereafter.

Welcome Cecil!
Our New App is Here!
https://san-francisco-zoo-gardens.app.attractions.io
Finding your way around SF Zoo has never been easier! Download our new official app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today, and use the app on your next visit!

Even seasoned Zoo visitors will get a lot out of the app, which highlights daily activities such as keeper talks and events. See what's new, check out animals around the Zoo, shop and even order food online! Plus, purchase tickets and food, and become a Zoo Member, right at your fingertips!

Let us know what you think! (mailto:marketing at sfzoo.org, jackelenr at sfzoo.org?subject=App%20Feedback) The app is the best way to get the latest information about your upcoming visit and it's free! (Photo by Marianne Hale)
Download Today (https://san-francisco-zoo-gardens.app.attractions.io)
Bid on our Silent Auction!
https://e.givesmart.com/events/GYG/i/
One of the best ways to support SF Zoo's upcoming ZooFest 2025: Silverback Soirée, our annual gala fundraising event, on Saturday, October 18, is by bidding on our silent auction!

Bid on a variety of unique animal art and gift items in our silent auction, which runs now through Monday, October 20, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. We enlisted the talents of many of our animals, from wolverines, to black bears, and giraffes to orangutans, to create one-of-a-kind, colorful abstract art, even paw/handprints, and finger paintings on canvas. You'll also find custom handmade animal-themed quilts, digital illustration prints and more!

This year’s ZooFest theme celebrates the arrival of our new male silverback, Cecil, who recently joined our troop of Western lowland gorillas at the Jones Family Gorilla Preserve.

ZooFest 2025’s co-chairs are Kerry Deichen and Janie Friend. The event honors Dr. Gloria Hing, San Francisco Zoological Society Emeritus Board Member and longtime donor.

Your support this year is more important than ever.
Bid Now! (https://e.givesmart.com/events/GYG/i/)
Next Weekend! Boo at the Zoo!
Join us for our most popular family event, Boo at the Zoo, on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.! All activities, including crafts, candy treats, and music, will take place in the Playfield area of the Zoo. You won't want to miss our animal residents receive their pumpkin treats and enrichment, it's always a fun and exciting time!

Be sure to dress in costume for our Costume Parade and Contest at noon near the Elinor Friend Playground! Dress up as your favorite animal, superhero, or princess for our panel of judges, everyone's a winner!
Register for Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes Walk
https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=10312&pg=entry
Join us at the largest global event for the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community with Breakthrough T1D Walk (https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=10312&pg=informational&type=fr_informational&sid=2452) , where every step drives research, advocacy, and support to improve lives until a cure is found. This family-friendly event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities to raise T1D awareness.

The event takes place on Sunday, November 2, 2025. Registration and general check-in start at 7:30 a.m., program begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 1.16-mile route starts at 9 a.m. All walkers are welcome to enjoy the Zoo from 11 a.m. till closing.

Find out how you can participate
—
walk, volunteer or donate! (https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/TR?fr_id=10312&pg=entry)
CONSERVATION
Support Rhino Conservation

https://givebutter.com/zRPh3N

With Halloween around the corner, the American Association of Zoo Keepers San Francisco invites you to "Boo-ling" (bowling!) for Rhinos (BFR), on Sunday, October 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Presidio Bowl in San Francisco.

This ticketed event raises funds to support rhino and habitat conservation efforts with proceeds benefiting International Rhino Foundation, LEWA Wildlife Conservancy and Action for Cheetahs in Kenya, which shares a portion of its landmass with LEWA. Sanctuaries like these not only save rhinos (and cheetahs), but entire ecosystems.

Tickets can be purchased via thislink (https://givebutter.com/zRPh3N) . The evening includes pizza, soft drinks, a silent auction, a Spooktacular costume contest, and of course, bowling! Children under 12 are free with paid adult admission.

Come help AAZKSF strike out extinction.

NEWS TO KNOW
This Sunday! Share Your Passion for Wildlife!
https://www.sfzoo.org/volunteer-programs-draft/docents/

If you love animals and want to inspire others to care for wildlife, you'll want to join SF Zoo's Docent program! Docents connect guests to the wonders of the natural world through storytelling, education, and conservation action.

Our next Docent Information Session (https://www.sfzoo.org/volunteer-programs-draft/docents/) will take place at the Lurie Education Building on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. Enjoy engaging presentations, a behind-the-scenes tour, a hands-on biofact demonstration, light refreshments, and free parking.

If you enjoy learning, teaching, and being outdoors with a great group of passionate individuals, we encourage you to become a Zoo Docent!

Space is limited—reserve your spot today! RSVP: join at sfzoodocents.org (mailto:join at sfzoodocents.org) .
Little Learners Spots Available
https://www.sfzoo.org/little-learners/

Little Learners, our in-person program geared to early learners ages 3 to 5 years old, is back for its Fall Session, taking place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from October 14 to November 15, 2025.

Your little one will be immersed in the ABC's of our Zoo animals, as we focus on fun facts and connections to science with Session 2 covering animals starting from the letter F through J. Students enjoy a presentation and games of Zoo animals that start with each week's letter, and a meet and greet with some of our resident animals.

Learners will enjoy singing songs, games, and art and science activities, and learn animal movements and stretches that they can do at home!

The five-week program is comprised of 90-minute sessions:
* Tuesdays: 9:30 - 11 a.m. or 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.
* Thursdays, 9:30 - 11 a.m. or 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.
* Saturdays, 9:30 - 11 a.m. (AM session only)

Space is limited—register today.
Register Today! (https://www.sfzoo.org/little-learners/)
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects all people with wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action.

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