Mother's Day Weekend $5 Special! 💐

Thu Apr 30 10:02:57 PDT 2026

Become a Member (https://www.sfzoo.org/membership/)   |   Donate (https://www.sfzoo.org/donate-today/)    |   Get Tickets (https://www.sfzoo.org/?keyword=General%20Admission)
UPCOMING EVENTS
$5 Admission During Mother's Day Weekend!
https://www.sfzoo.org/calendar/mothers-day-weekend/
Treat Mom to a special visit to the Zoo on Saturday and Sunday, May 9 & 10 as we celebrate Mother's Day all weekend long! All general admission tickets are just $5.00, with no restrictions.

Come see some of our special mothers, such as female giraffe Barbro, mom to daughters Ingrid and Sarah, and our beautiful Western lowland gorilla moms, Bawang and Monifa, not to mention our many Magellanic penguin and black-tailed prairie dog mothers!

For guests who can’t make it over Mother’s Day Weekend, the Zoo honors EBT/SNAP and Museums for All discounts for anyone with an EBT/SNAP card. Named cardholders with a matching photo ID can receive up to four admission tickets at $5 each, and are available for purchase at our ticket windows. In addition, a free day for San Francisco residents is offered on the first Wednesday of every month with valid identification.

While general admission for all is $5.00 per person, additional discounts, such as $1.00 off with Muni receipt, do not apply.

Get Your $5 Ticket Today (https://www.sfzoo.org/?keyword=General%20Admission)
Join us for K-POP Day!
https://www.sfzoo.org/calendar/k-pop-day/
On Saturday, May 23, our Elinor Friend Playground area will transform into a K-POP paradise with high-energy performances by favorite local groups, and fun, themed activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our first-ever K-POP Day event features DJ music by Peter Lo, and is in partnership with KPOP Nara (https://www.instagram.com/kpopnarasf/) .

Among the local groups performing are K-Pop-Up SF (https://www.instagram.com/kpopupsf/) , Ruby Slippers Dancers (https://www.instagram.com/therubyslippersdance/) , Off the Grid (https://www.instagram.com/otgdance/) , One Motion (https://www.instagram.com/onemotiondancecrew/) , Eclipse (https://www.instagram.com/eclipse.kpop/) , Enjoy Dance Studios (https://www.instagram.com/enjoydancestudio/) , Rae Studios (https://www.instagram.com/raestudiossf/) and Montage Dance Productions. (https://www.instagram.com/montagedanceproductions/) Throughout the day, guests can enjoy Random Dance Play (RDP) set to popular K-pop songs, customize and decorate photo and trading card holders at the top loader decoration station, get their own custom caricatures and faces painted, and indulge in special food items.

Guests are encouraged to create videos and content to post, and those tagged #sfzoo may be shared with the Zoo’s vast followers.

“K-pop,” short for Korean popular music from South Korea, blends pop, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music with high-fashion, and synchronized choreography. K-pop groups are known for their intense fandoms around the world, and their visual appeal and performance styles.

K-POP Day at SF Zoo takes place rain or shine, and is free with paid general admission to the Zoo.

Join the BioBlitz Project on May 10

https://www.sfzoo.org/calendar/bioblitz/

Got an eye for wildlife? Join our BioBlitz on Sunday, May 10! Download the free iNaturalist app and submit photos of wild species that you see throughout the Zoo! You can find a wide variety of local birds, insects, mushrooms, reptiles, and plants!

The app will compare similar local species and suggest identifications, and our BioBlitz Project will automatically accumulate all observations made here during the event. Stop by the Great Hall at the Education Center at 10 a.m. on May 10 to learn about the app and some tips on what you might find while you stroll the Zoo.

By participating, you will help us to better understand the diversity of species found in this special corner of San Francisco! The first 500 participants will receive a collectible button.
ANIMAL NEWS
New Female Gorilla and Return of Blue-Eyed Black Lemurs!

With the arrival of male silverback Western lowland gorilla, Cecil, last summer, we set the wheels in motion to eventually bring in another female to be a part of our growing troop.

This week, we welcomed "Dara," a 22-year-old female and proven mother, having given birth during her time living at the Como Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her transfer here was based on a recommendation by the AZA's Species Survival Plan for Western Lowland Gorillas. SSP coordinators felt she would be a good fit with not only Cecil, but our females as well.

As is the case with new animals, Dara will be in mandatory quarantine for the next 30 days, after which she will slowly be introduced to the rest of the troop. We anticipate guests will be able to see her by the beginning of June.

In addition to Dara, we are also excited to again be home to critically endangered blue-eyed black lemurs. Also from Como Zoo are 15-year-old female West and 9-year-old male Murphy who will live in the Lipman Family Lemur Forest’s outdoor aviaries. Since we have long had this species under care here, our staff is experienced in caring for this incredibly rare and beautiful lemur species. We will let you know when they will be available for viewing! (Photos courtesy of Como Zoo)
NEWS TO KNOW
Extended through May!
https://www.sfzoo.org/photo-contest/

Aspiring wildlife photographers, amateur and professional shooters, and animal lovers who happen to be at the right place at the right time with their smartphones, we've got the contest for you!

We've extended our contest until the end of May! Enter our
Spring Photo Contest (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1c8ufihsJ4YGbTfAWzAr7IXiforDaGFciuPAjtVJS6jY/edit?ts=69c42d59) , open to anyone who wants to submit (up to five) of their favorite photos of SF Zoo animals for consideration. Winners will be selected from several categories:
* Kids (12 and under)
* Youths (ages 13-17)
* Adults (18+)
* Zoo staff and Zoo volunteers and Docents may also enter in separate categories

At the end of the contest, our judging panel will select the top 3 in each category and the photos will be posted on our various social media channels and our website. Click the button below for contest rules and submission details.

Enter today! (https://www.sfzoo.org/photo-contest/)
Wildlife Needs Storytellers—Become a Zoo Docent!
https://www.sfzoo.org/volunteer-programs-draft/docents/
Are you passionate about animals and conservation? Docents help guests discover the wonders of the natural world through storytelling, education, and action.

Become a Zoo Docent and be a part of a wonderful insider community, where you can enjoy the camaraderie of individuals passionate about wildlife, education, and sharing your knowledge about animals and the natural world.

Our next Docent Info Session will take place this Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m. at the Lurie Education Center, located by the main Zoo entrance. Enjoy a fun presentation with plenty of time for questions. You'll also experience a Zoo tour guided by current Docents.

Space is limited—reserve your spot today! To RSVP, please email join at sfzoodocents.org (mailto:join at sfzoodocents.org) .

Learn More (https://www.sfzoo.org/volunteer-programs-draft/docents/)
MEMBER NEWS
Members Morning—This Saturday!
Members! Join us this Saturday, May 2, when we open the doors early just for you! Members Morning is a time when Zoo Members can visit an hour early from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., before the general public arrives.

Beat the crowds, get optimal parking, and enjoy the early morning sights and sounds of our animal residents
—
especially those just waking up! Members Morning takes place the first Saturday of the month.
Discounted Visits to Exploratorium in May

Zoo Members! Visit Exploratorium from Saturday, May 2 through Sunday, May 31, and receive 50% off up to 6 tickets on your visit.

As one of the City's most unique and interactive museums, Exploratorium offers over 650 hands-on science and art exhibits designed to foster curiosity and inquiry-based learning, and is renowned for its educational programs and activity-based learning.

NOTE: On Sunday, May 10 Exploratorium is their pay-what-you-wish community day. Zoo members are welcome to visit and pay as little or as much as they want, though it will be extra busy that day.
CAMPS & CLASSES
Slots for Summer Camp Still Available!
https://www.sfzoo.org/conservation-camp/

Students in 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th grade—we've got an exciting summer in store for you! Registration for Summer Zoo Camp (https://www.sfzoo.org/conservation-camp/)  is currently open for Pre-K through 6th grade, and we have plenty of slots available for our older elementary grades. As our most popular camp program, you won't want to miss out on an exciting summer!

Each week-long session offers kids wildlife-themed programs, featuring hands-on activities, learning opportunities, and outdoor fun to get your kids' creative juices flowing and open their eyes to the wonders of nature!

As Junior Zoologists and Conservation Rangers, your week-long (or two-week session) includes animal/habitat exploration and activities, learning about animals, their habitats and ecosystems, plus science and play! Campers are grouped by grade level and experience the Zoo in small groups.

See our website  (https://www.sfzoo.org/conservation-camp/) for regular Member Discounts and Codes.
Learn More (https://www.sfzoo.org/conservation-camp/)
SUPPORT
Dine & Donate May 4-8 to Support SF Zoo

https://dibufala.com/

Our second location for the 2026 Dine & Donate program is Mozzarella Di Bufala (https://dibufala.com/) on West Portal Avenue!  From Monday to Friday, May 4–8, dine-in, order pick-up or delivery, and mention the “SF Zoo Dine & Donate Program” and 20% of the sale will go back to the Zoo!

This charming West Portal gem has a unique menu of Italian and Brazilian dishes and the owner is a long-time Zoo Member. If you can’t make it there, they will also deliver, using their own delivery drivers, not a third party. Please support this local restaurant and the Dine & Donate program while enjoying delicious pizza and entrees. Thanks to our friends at Mozzarella Di Bufala for their participation!
Become a Monthly Champion for Wildlife
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/f7dF3g?vid=1pwv5y

Introducing the Wildlife Collective, a new, recurring giving program to support San Francisco Zoo & Gardens!

When you join Wildlife Collective, your monthly gift provides steady, reliable support for the Zoo’s animal residents, important conservation programs, and the work of our dedicated care teams.

Instead of a one-time gift, your automatic monthly contribution ensures animals receive exceptional care every single day.

Monthly giving is one of the most powerful ways to support wildlife conservation. It’s easy, flexible, and makes a lasting impact.

Your Monthly Impact
* $25 per month – Wildlife Care Partner

Helps provide fresh, quality produce, specialized diets, and veterinary supplies that keep animals healthy and thriving.
* $50 per month – Habitat Protector

Supports habitat maintenance and ongoing improvements so animals live in environments designed for their comfort and welfare.
* $100 per month – Conservation Champion

Helps fund critical conservation, education, and animal wellness programs that support wildlife both at the zoo and in the wild.

Join the Wildlife Collective today and become part of a passionate community dedicated to protecting animals and the natural world—every month of the year.
Become a Monthly Donor (https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/f7dF3g?vid=1pwv5y)
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.

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