Celebrate Lunar New Year This Weekend

Fri Feb 20 09:31:05 PST 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)
NEWS TO KNOW
New Zoo CEO & Executive Director Named

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Cassandra Costello as our new Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director following an extensive national search.

Since joining the Zoo in August 2025 as Chief Operating Officer and interim Co-CEO, Cassandra has focused on connecting families and visitors with the Zoo through community programs, public events, and expanded access initiatives. She has worked alongside staff, volunteers, and partners to support animal care and conservation efforts while strengthening collaboration across the organization and with partners throughout the City and the broader zoo community.

Prior to joining the Zoo, Cassandra held leadership roles across San Francisco’s public and nonprofit sectors, including Chief Strategy Officer at SF Travel, Deputy Director of Property for the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, and Chief of Staff at San Francisco City Hall. With a longstanding personal connection to the Zoo and a deep commitment to its mission, she brings both professional experience and community perspective to the role. We look forward to continuing to build the Zoo’s future together under her leadership.
Spring Forward!
Get ready to spring forward on March 8 with the start of Daylight Saving Time! This also means that daily Zoo hours will revert back to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., which will commence on Sunday, March 8.

With the recent wet weather, we are already seeing early signs of spring with new buds and some blooms in our various gardens, even tall green grasses in animal areas!

UPCOMING EVENTS & PROMOTIONS
Celebrate the Year of the Horse this Weekend!

This Saturday and Sunday, February 21 & 22, enjoy a special weekend of Lunar New Year activities, including performances by local dance groups. This year honors the Year of the Horse, and guests can visit the variety of horse breeds that reside at the Zoo, including miniature horses and the critically endangered Przewalski’s horse.

As a special incentive to visit, individuals born under the Year of the Horse (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014 and 2026) receive free admission during this weekend event with valid I.D. Guests can show their ID as they enter the Gatehouse.

Performing three shows on Saturday, February 21 are members of the Chung Ngai Dance Troupe, 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Elinor Friend Playground. On Sunday, February 22, the Flying Angels Chinese Dance Company will perform two shows, at 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

The Year of the Horse celebration, which takes place rain or shine, is free with paid Zoo admission.
Buy One Get One Free - High School/College Students!
https://www.sfzoo.org/?keyword=MarchPromotional

Calling all high school and college students! Visit SF Zoo during the month of March and bring a friend for free!

This BOGO is valid every day in March! This is a great time for a day trip with friends, get some fun videos for social, see some of our amazing animals, and stretch your legs after a long week at school. You might even want to treat your date to a fun adventure!

You can purchase your BOGO ticket online (https://www.sfzoo.org/?keyword=MarchPromotional) or at the ticket window with your student I.D. starting March 1, 2026.

When purchasing your ticket online (https://www.sfzoo.org/?keyword=MarchPromotional) , select a student admission ticket for any date in March, add it to your cart, and the additional ticket should automatically appear in your cart.

Please note that students 14 and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult. See you in March!
CAMPS & CLASSES
Register Now for Summer Zoo Camp!
https://www.sfzoo.org/conservation-camp/
Registration opens on February 25 at 10 a.m. for Summer Zoo Camp (https://www.sfzoo.org/conservation-camp/) , our most popular camp program!

Each week-long session offers kids Pre-K through 6th grade unique 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! We believe that by growing up connected with nature, children will likely continue to inquire, explore, and work to protect our natural world.

Camp families can sign up for one or two weeks of 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.

New for 2026—Early Bird Member Discount Rates!

Double your discount by signing up between February 25 and March 8 for the Early Bird Member Discount Rate.

Early Bird Discount: $100 off - Full Day Camps, Kinder through 6th Grade
Early Bird Discount: $50 off - Half-Day Camps, PreK only

Special rate expires: Sunday, March 8, 2026
Early Bird Member Code: EBMEM26
See website (https://www.sfzoo.org/conservation-camp/) for regular Member Discounts and Codes.
MEMBERS NEWS
Member Benefits Throughout Appreciation Month!
https://www.sfzoo.org/membership/
February is Member Appreciation Month, (https://www.sfzoo.org/membership/) with special offers and benefits all month long!

If you have been thinking about becoming a Zoo Member, or are ready to renew your membership, visit our website for more information.
* February 15-21 - Train BOGO special (weather permitting)
* February 21 & 22 - Deep Discount Weekend at Zoo Gift Shop (receive 20% off!)
* February 22-28 - Free carousel rides

Member Appreciation Month is our way of thanking you for being a big part of our Zoo family. We look forward to sharing the Zoo, our animals, and exciting events all year long!
Become a Member (https://www.sfzoo.org/membership/)
Columbia Retail Discount

https://www.sfzoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CSC-Employee-Store-San-Francisco-Zoo-Members_Feb2026.pdf

Zoo Members are invited to shop at the Columbia Employee Store located in Richmond to receive up to 40%–70% off on brands such as Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna. This offer is valid through March 1, 2026.

For store access, provide the attached PDF invitation (printed or shown on your mobile device) plus your Zoo membership card. Members may bring up to four additional guests. This offer is not valid online. See invitation below for details.
View Invitation (https://www.sfzoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/CSC-Employee-Store-San-Francisco-Zoo-Members_Feb2026.pdf)
SUPPORT
Bricks & Tiles Available Until March 1
https://www.sfzoo.org/brick-tile-fundraiser/
Celebrate life's moments and be part of SF Zoo's history with the purchase of a personalized marker!

Our beautifully crafted clay bricks and tiles are the perfect way to memorialize a beloved family member or animal, congratulate new parents, celebrate achievements or birthdays, or share appreciation for someone special.

Your customized brick or tile will be installed permanently on Zoo grounds and supports our wildlife education and conservation programs. The deadline to order is March 1, 2026.

Purchase Yours Today (https://www.sfzoo.org/brick-tile-fundraiser/)
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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