Press Room: Media Information

All media requests are handled through the Public Relations Department. We require that you contact the PR Department before coming to the Zoo so that we can make your time here as efficient as possible. For national and international media that do not require on-site assistance, we also handle your interview and informational requests by phone or email.

Public Relations Office: (415) 753-7201 or e-mail mediarelations@sfzoo.org

The San Francisco Zoo will offer complimentary admission to members of the working media. Please contact the Public Relations office in advance of your visit to make the necessary arrangements. Media will need to show their credentials or provide a business card when securing their memberships.

All Zoo visitors can grab photos and video for their private, personal use only. Video and photos must be taken from the general public viewing area and must be a minimum distraction to our guests, staff and animals.

The PR department handles requests to come to the Zoo for photography and videography shoots, whether it is commercial, private, or media-related. Outside companies are required to request the use of the Zoo facilities and images of its animals for advertising, film, documentary and video productions, books, consumer products, CD/ROMs, packaging, and stock photography. If permission is granted, it would involve payment of a standard licensing or location fee. You can request permission by e-mail.

Please e-mail your request to mediarelations@sfzoo.org or call Zoo Public Relations at (415) 753-7174. Written requests are preferred and should include a summary of your project, detailed needs and expected activities, number of persons involved, date of shoot, and estimated time allotted.

As a nonprofit organization, the San Francisco Zoo relies on these donations to continue its mission of wildlife conservation and education, and for animal enrichment and exhibit improvements. The Zoo reserves the right to deny usage and materials requests for any reason.

Location fess are set by the San Francisco Zoo depending upon a variety of factors, such as the nature and purpose of the project, its intended market, its potential promotional value to the Zoo, and the potential disruption to the Zoo.

2007/2008 Standard Location Fee – Video

2007/2008 Standard Location Fee – Still Photos

Additional fees may also apply if Zoo staff other than public relations personnel is required, including:

For complex requests, the maximum daily location fee will be $10,000. Payment of all agreed fees and additional fees incurred during the project must be made 15 days after shooting. Any billing requirements must be discussed and approved prior to commencing filming on-site.

The San Francisco Zoo reserves the right to limit the use of animals in any outside production. No animals may be handled or exhibits entered, except with special permission and accompanied by a designated Zoo staff member. No outside vehicles are permitted on Zoo grounds during public hours, except with special permission.

Animals cannot be manipulated in any way, or moved off-site, unless by special permission, and only with Zoo staff. The only animals that are used off-grounds are the animals used in the Zoo's educational outreach programs. Animals on exhibit may be viewed only from public viewing areas, unless specific authorization is given to go behind-the-scenes, accompanied by Zoo public relations representative.

• Video productions or photo shoots that require closing animal or public areas must be requested at least two weeks in advance.
• We prefer not to close public areas, because we are expected to be open year-round. Last minute shoots are feasible, contingent on use of animals in specific exhibits.
• The animals' needs must be considered.
• We may not be able to accommodate off-hour filming.
• Requesting parties may not bring plants or animals onto Zoo grounds.

You may use Zoo images in printed materials but must provide photographer credit (if Zoo-supplied photo), or credit to the San Francisco Zoo. The San Francisco Zoo has thousands of images on file and can provide images for your needs. To request animal images, please contact the PR Department.

The San Francisco Zoo has an updated video library with b-roll footage available for videographers or news media. Please e-mail your request to mediarelations@sfzoo.org or call Zoo Public Relations at (415) 753-7201 x 7082. Also include a summary in what context the footage will be used.

To be added to the mailing list for press releases and calendar of events releases, please e-mail mediarelations@sfzoo.org and send your mailing address or e-mail, and information on your media outlet. Updated press releases will also be posted on the Web site.

Zoo archival materials are available, including current and historical photographs and some historical documents. Many items are unique or fragile and cannot be released. However, we may be able to accommodate requests for historical images for publications or video productions.

Public Relations Contact Information: (415) 753-7201 x 7082 or e-mail : zooguide@sfzoo.org