Happy New Year! Our Year is Just Getting Started!

Thu Jan 8 09:44:56 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
Kids are Free all January Long!
https://www.sfzoo.org/winter-fun/
We are kicking off the new year by offering free admission to children, ages 11 and under, throughout the month of January.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy the Zoo, be outdoors, and see some amazing animals if you haven't visited for a while, or even if you come here regularly. The maximum number of kids is five per adult. If you purchase your tickets through our website (https://www.sfzoo.org/?keyword=General%20Admission) , please note there is a $1 processing fee per ticket (including the free kids' ticket). There is no fee if you purchase the tickets in person at our ticket windows.

In addition, EBT/SNAP and Museums for All discounts are now in effect. Named EBT/SNAP cardholders with a matching photo ID can receive up to four admission tickets at $5 each and can be purchased when you visit.

Free passes are also available now if you are members of San Francisco Public Library or other local libraries. To obtain your free ticket, visit the Discover & Go website (https://sfpl.discoverandgo.net/) and log in with your library card credentials to print or download your free ticket.

Online Tickets (https://www.sfzoo.org/?keyword=General%20Admission)
Saying Goodbye to Freckles & Eno
We started off the new year with some sad news with the passing of two beloved animals that occurred on the same day.

Freckles was the most recognizable of our Magellanic penguin colony. His coloration was white with black spots, or "freckles," due to his leucism, a genetic condition that causes a loss of pigmentation. He was diagnosed with a neurological condition and in December, he declined significantly. Despite intensive care, his quality of life had deteriorated and the difficult decision was made to discontinue his care. Freckles leaves his long-time mate Frenchie and four offspring.

Eno was the last of any red-bellied lemur species in a North American zoo, and passed away at age 34. Red-bellied lemurs typically live until age 30 under human care (and between 20
–25 in the wild). Eno had previously been diagnosed with kidney disease and was being closely monitored by his care team. Unfortunately, his health declined due to complications from this condition.

We honor the lives of these special animals, who served as important ambassadors of their species, and the many dedicated Zoo staff who cared for them for so many years.
Annual Christmas Bird Count
https://ebird.org/checklist/S291064840
This week, in honor of National Bird Day, we are not only celebrating our fine, feathered resident bird species, but also wanted to share some fun news about migratory and local species that visit the Zoo. In December, we participated in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, a census of birds that takes place throughout the Western Hemisphere. Several volunteer birdwatchers descended on the Zoo to count wild birds on-site for several hours, at which time they observed 492 individual birds comprising 51 different species!

Among the species they observed were three different hawk species (Cooper’s, red-shouldered and red-tailed), two woodpecker species (Hairy and Nuttall’s), 25 American crows and 12 common ravens, 40 Anna’s hummingbirds, and quite a variety of robins, finches, jays, kinglets, wrens, sparrows and warblers. You can guess they also counted gulls, and not just Western gulls commonly seen here, but several different species (American herring, California and glaucous-winged) as well!

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is an important survey as the data allows us to better understand birds so we can better protect them.

See List Of Birds (https://ebird.org/checklist/S291064840)
Donate Your Old Phones to Save Wild Gorillas
Start the new year with conservation action. If you have old cell phones, outdated electronic gadgets, or if you received a new tablet or e-reader over the holidays and don't know what to do with your old one, bring them to the Zoo during our first cell phone drive of the year over Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend, January 17-19.

By recycling your cell phones, tablets, or smartwatches, you are directly benefiting gorilla conservation, through raising funds for conservation and helping to protect wild habitat. We want to start off our 2026 Gorillas on the Line campaign with a strong start and help us achieve our goal of collecting 400 electronic devices this season, an increase of 112 more than last year. Thanks to you, our total collected was 288 devices comprising 160 lbs. of recycled e-waste.

Come visit the Conservation Booth in Entry Village to learn more about how recycling your cell phones can help forward wildlife conservation. Drop off your electronic devices in the Gorillas on the Line (GotL) donation boxes located in our Zoo Gift Shop or Membership Office.
Nature Trail Applications Now Online!
https://www.sfzoo.org/nature-trail-program/
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Nature Trail, (https://www.sfzoo.org/nature-trail-program/) a major milestone for this popular, grassroots, community-based youth volunteer program nestled along a scenic, wooded trail inside the Exploration Zone.

Nature Trail started in 1976 with just 10 teen volunteers, and over the years, this program has fulfilled the role of career catalyst, defining the course individuals take in life. The youth who participate gain invaluable experience, especially for those who want to further their education in wildlife biology, zoology, or environmental education.

Nature Trail is the jewel of the Animal Rescue and Conservation Center's (ARC) educational outreach programming, and they are happy to announce that they are now accepting applications for Nature Trail participants this summer. Teens ages 12
–
14 are eligible to apply below!

Apply Now (https://www.sfzoo.org/nature-trail-program/)
MEMBER NEWS
February is Member Appreciation Month!
https://www.sfzoo.org/membership/
In appreciation for your ongoing support and visits, we are designating February as 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 ready to renew your membership, visit our website for more information.
* February 1-7 - Early entry for Members - 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
* February 7 & 8 - Deep Discount Weekend at Leaping Lemur Café (receive 20% off!)
* February 8-14 - Bring an additional guest (per membership)
* 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 and 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/)
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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