Celebrate California's Biodiversity this Weekend

Fri Sep 5 09:01:24 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/)
CONSERVATION
California Biodiversity Day
https://www.sfzoo.org/animal-connections-feedings/
The State of California is among the most biodiverse regions on the planet, home to more animal and plant species than any other state in the U.S., many of which are found no where else on earth. Sadly, California's rich biodiversity and decline in native species and ecosystems are negatively impacted by such factors as climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species and pollution, in addition to overfishing and hunting. As such, concerted efforts are being made to protect California's biodiversity for our future.

On Saturday and Sunday, September 6 & 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., our conservation team will be hosting a special two-day event to celebrate California Biodiversity Day (https://www.sfzoo.org/animal-connections-feedings/) . Come to the entrance of the Exploration Zone to learn about the conservation work being done at the Zoo to protect our coastal ecosystems and biodiversity, and what government and policy actions are in place protect species and the environment, such as establishing national parks and reserves and restoring ecosystems. Learn what actions you can take to make informed consumer decisions, and how you can support conservation.

We'll be joined by our partners from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and The Marine Mammal Center. Find information booths manned by our Docents, conservation team, horticulture staff, Environmental Services (EVS) staff and Animal Rescue & Conservation Center (ARC). This event is free with paid Zoo admission or Membership. (Great blue heron by May Woon)
NEWS TO KNOW
Nature Trail 2025 - What a Summer!
https://www.sfzoo.org/nature-trail-program/

This summer saw the first full Nature Trail program return in several years (last year we hosted a scaled-back Nature Trail) and it was great to see our many youth volunteers enthusiastically sharing animal and conservation facts to our visitors. You may have noticed that this year, we created outdoor enclosures for many of our reptile ambassadors. By providing them with shelter and heat, especially during the cool SF days, they are much more comfortable when outdoors.

We congratulate our Nature Trailers for their dedication to the program! Participating in this coveted summer "job" offers many benefits, from gaining important public speaking skills, to building camaraderie with fellow youths, and getting to hang out with animals! As we close out the summer with youths returning to school, we are happy to announce that Nature Trail will return on weekends this Fall. If you are interested in becoming a Nature Trail volunteer, learn more here (https://www.sfzoo.org/nature-trail-program/) .
Wild About Wildlife? Volunteer as a Zoo Docent!
Do you love animals and want to inspire others to care for wildlife? Docents bring the Zoo to life through storytelling, education, and conservation action.

Join us for a Docent Information Session on Sunday, August 17 at 10 a.m. at the Zoo's Lurie Education Center. Enjoy engaging presentations, a behind-the-scenes tour, a hands-on biofact demonstration, light refreshments, and free parking.

Space is limited−reserve your spot today! RSVP: join at sfzoodocents.org (mailto:join at sfzoodocents.org) . Learn more about the Docent Program (https://www.sfzoo.org/volunteer-programs-draft/docents/) .
Register for Little Learners!
https://campscui.active.com/orgs/SanFranciscoZooCamps?orglink=camps-registration&e4q=257c421c-0392-48bd-8d23-6888a1a5f407&e4p=b24913d9-9b9d-4f1e-99fa-fe9ea59b1444&e4ts=1756930930&e4c=active&e4e=snlvcmpscui00001load&e4rt=Safetynet&e4h=a5b9c47ecf9c9b19c2f689921133915f#/selectSessions/3688233
Introduce your littlest learners to the wonders of the animal kingdom through imaginative play, songs and fun experiences through our Little Learners (https://www.sfzoo.org/little-learners/)  program! One of our most popular educational programs has returned for a series of Fall programming dates. The 90-minute in-person sessions for children ages 3 to 5 bring learning to life through animals, letters of the alphabet, and hands-on fun in the Little Learners Cabin.

Each session offers:
* Fun facts and stories about Zoo animals whose names begin with the Letter of the Day
* A "meet and greet" with some of our resident animals
* Songs, movement, and art and science activities

Upcoming Sessions:
* Little Learners - Session 1 (A-E): September 9 - October 11, 2025
* Little Learners - Session 2 (F-J): October 14 - November 15, 2025

Available Days & Times:
* Tuesdays: 9:30-11 a.m. or 12-1:30 p.m.
* Thursdays: 9:30-11 a.m. or 12-1:30 p.m.
* Saturdays: 9:30-11 a.m. (AM session only)

Register (https://campscui.active.com/orgs/SanFranciscoZooCamps?orglink=camps-registration&e4q=257c421c-0392-48bd-8d23-6888a1a5f407&e4p=b24913d9-9b9d-4f1e-99fa-fe9ea59b1444&e4ts=1756930930&e4c=active&e4e=snlvcmpscui00001load&e4rt=Safetynet&e4h=a5b9c47ecf9c9b19c2f689921133915f#/selectSessions/3688233)
UPCOMING EVENTS
ZooFest 2025: Silverback Soirée
https://www.sfzoo.org/zoofest-2025/
One of San Francisco’s most anticipated and unique events is back and tickets are now available for ZooFest 2025: Silverback Soirée, our annual gala fundraising event.

ZooFest 2025 takes place on Saturday, October 18, 2025. This year’s 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.

Guests will enjoy a special 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception at the Osher Great Hall where they can meet ambassador animals up-close and personal from the Zoo’s Animal Rescue & Conservation Center (ARC). Dinner, exciting live auction, and dancing follows in the vibrantly decorated Big Tent, catered by McCalls and live music performed by Pure Ecstasy.

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

Your support this year is more important than ever. Get ready for a fun night benefiting a great cause!

Reserve your table or ticket today! Exclusive VIP opportunities are also available. For more information, email zoofest at sfzoo.org (mailto:zoofest at sfzoo.org)

Buy Your Ticket Today! (https://www.sfzoo.org/zoofest-2025/)
This Saturday! Kids & Art at Art Safari
https://www.sfzoo.org/art-safari/

Join us this Saturday, September 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., as we host Art Safari (https://www.sfzoo.org/art-safari/) in partnership with the Kids & Art Foundation (https://kidsandart.org/) in observance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Guests can participate in animal-themed arts and crafts, from painting to sidewalk chalk drawings to origami. This fun, interactive day will take place around Carousel Plaza by the entrance of the Exploration Zone.

Kids & Art Foundation supports pediatric cancer patients and their families using therapeutic art experiences, offering safe places for kids to express themselves artistically. According to the Foundation, art helps them to process and validate their feelings and experiences while offering hope during treatment.

Art Safari is open to youth under 18 and is free with paid Zoo admission, and for Zoo Members. The Kids & Art team of dedicated Bay Area artists and volunteers will help guide young artists through the creative process. Art Safari will also include face painters, costumed characters and music.
Yoga in the Donga
https://www.sfzoo.org/zen-at-the-zoo/
Enjoy the amazing late summer weather by joining us for Zen at the Zoo, the popular outdoor yoga workout that takes place in the middle of our African Savanna!

Our second to last Zen at the Zoo of the year takes place on Sunday, September 14 from 9 to 10 a.m.. You won't want to miss this hour long class where you're surrounded by zebra and giraffe. Suitable for all levels of yoga practitioners, Vinyasa Flow unites breath to movement while offering a variety of poses. You will flow between postures while building strength, endurance, balance and mental focus.

Members: $25 per session
General Public: $50 per session (includes Zoo admission for the full day)

Register Here (https://www.sfzoo.org/zen-at-the-zoo/)
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects all people with wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action.

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