Event Planning

Plan your next event at the San Francisco Zoo! Surprise and delight your guests with an unforgettable party at one of our unique venues. From whimsical parties to elegant affairs, we will make your next event wild and unforgettable. The San Francisco Zoo is an excellent place to host a picnic, theme party, wedding ceremony, reception, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, birthday party or a family reunion – anything you can dream we can plan! And don’t forget we’ll handle all of your catering needs too! 

The Zoo's on-site caterer, Taste of the Wild Catering, will work closely with you to create the perfect menu and plan every detail from décor to music; photography to valets. Call Taste of the Wild Catering at (415) 753-7236 for more information or to schedule a tour of our facilities.

Menus

Taste of the Wild Catering will help you create the perfect menu for your event. Our professional chefs have extensive culinary experience and will delight your palate with creative menus and savory dishes.

Taste of the Wild Catering Menu (PDF)

For more Photos of events, click here.

Venues

(Not all venues are listed. Please call to speak to our group sales manager about other options.)

Site rental fees include available power, lighting, security, custodial services, and an on-site coordinator. Additional charges will be assessed for extra set-up or breakdown time over four hours, or additional security needs. All facility rental fees include a minimum amount of security. Due to the size and nature of some events, additional security and/or staff time may be required at an additional cost.

The Bernard Osher Great Hall

The Bernard Osher Great Hall in the Connie and Bob Lurie Education Center embodies charm and rustic elegance. This large, cozy room features a stone fireplace, high beam ceilings, natural colors and lighting that engages you with decorative cast-iron fixtures. Adjacent to this wonderful room is a useful spacious foyer connecting “The Wetlands Patio” which is ideal for an wedding reception, corporate dinner or special event.
Day and Evening Rentals.

African Savanna

You don’t have to go to Africa to have a Safari. The Savanna evokes one of the most familiar landscapes found in Africa and features an array of mammals and birds in a multi-species environment. Here in the deck-like centerpoint of the Savanna your guests will be able to see giraffe, zebra, greater kudu and other exotic animals. The perfect place for your next cocktail reception or wedding ceremony.
Reception only accommodates 150 guests. Evening Rental Only 6 to 8 p.m.

The Lorikeet Meadow Tent

This new striking structure is a perfect setting for a company picnic, large wedding or exciting event. This site is best when accommodating groups of 150 for casual picnics or up to 400 for grand productions.
Day and Evening Rentals. Available April through October only.

The Leaping Lemur Café

The Leaping Lemur Café is striking with its octagonal shape, wood beams overhead, and glass walls circling the room, providing a view of the flamingoes. Create a night of elegance or an evening of fun with flare, let your imagination run wild.
Evening Rentals Only, 6 to 11 p.m.

Lemur Private Event Room

Our private event room located inside of the Leaping Lemur Café is just the perfect setting for a board lunch, baby shower, a champagne brunch, or bridal shower. This sectioned-off room is surrounded by greenery and looks onto the home of the chimpanzees. It has a secluded entrance and is the main room for our birthday parties.
Day and Evening Rentals.

The Carousel Building

Feel the Magic of being a child again and host your next event on the Carousel! Our historic Dentzel carousel was built in 1921 and features only hand-carved animals. This building is ideal for all types of events and adds a unique and whimsical entertaining component to your evening, especially when coupled with one of our other venues.
Evening Rentals Only, 6 to 11 p.m.

The Playfield Lawn

This is a wonderful, large outdoor picnic area that can easily accommodate up to 2000 people. One side is covered with lush trees and the other is a playground, great for all events especially those with families involved.
Day Rentals Only.

Nyala Picnic Area

Just off of the Eagle Lake Trail is an exclusive area of the Zoo for an impressive private party or picnic. This area is suitable for groups with up to 70 guests. Set deep within the Zoo, you’ll be in proximity to our Lion House, Asian rhino and more!. Picnic tables are included with rental fee.
Day Rentals Only.

Classroom 1 & 2

Located in the Connie and Bob Lurie Education Center, these rooms are great for small retreat meetings or use in conjunction with the Great Hall, as your breakout sessions, bridal room or for silent auctions.
Day and Evening Rentals.

Classroom 1

Classroom 2

Admission is not charged for events after 5 p.m. Parking is $8 during the day and is complimentary for events after 5 p.m. Inquire with your catering sales manager for group admission rates when booking your event.

Group Sales Contact Information: (415) 753-7236