About the Zoo: Overview

The San Francisco Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and represents a uniquely successful partnership between the City of San Francisco and the San Francisco Zoological Society.

We designed the Zoo with the underlying belief that interaction and activity lead to conservation action. We hope that caring for specific animals will inspire people to care for all wildlife and that this is the first step in the journey to becoming a conservationist.

The San Francisco Zoo is a multi-faceted place:

A recreation area where people can relax and have fun
A center for wildlife that provides exemplary care for rare and endangered species
A community organization serving the people of the Bay Area
An educational center providing formal and informal learning programs for children
and adults.
A park and nature center showcasing native plants and gardens
A bird sanctuary and bird watcher's paradise

Despite the many reasons that draw people here, we know that once they arrive at the Zoo, they will inevitably fall in love with wildlife, and that upon their departure from the Zoo they will begin their journey to become conservationists. We hope that you too will join us on this journey.