At San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, we believe learning should be an adventure for everyone! That’s why we’re so excited to spotlight a hidden gem on Zoo grounds that brings art, education, and accessibility together: the Sculpture Learning Plaza.
Located in a beautiful, shady area near the Pachyderm Building, this interactive outdoor space blends nature and sculpture in a way that’s both fun and educational for all ages and abilities.
🦁 Where Wildlife Meets Wonder
The Sculpture Learning Plaza features a collection of artistically crafted animal sculptures that aren’t just there to admire—they’re meant to be touched, explored, and learned from! Kids (and kids at heart) are encouraged to interact with the pieces, making it a hands-on experience that connects visitors with wildlife through play and discovery.
Each sculpture represents a species cared for at the Zoo and is accompanied by interpretive signage that teaches guests about that animal’s size, habitat, and conservation status. It’s a great way to spark curiosity and deepen understanding in a fun, approachable setting.
🔠 Learning in All Languages: Braille, English, Spanish & Chinese
One of the most special features of the Sculpture Learning Plaza? It’s fully inclusive.
Braille has been integrated throughout the exhibit—bringing tactile learning to life and making it more accessible for guests who are blind or visually impaired. But that’s not all! Interpretive signage is also available in English, Spanish, and Chinese, helping us reflect the rich diversity of our San Francisco community and international visitors.
This commitment to inclusivity ensures that everyone, no matter how they learn or what language they speak, can enjoy the magic of the animal world.
✨ Why This Matters
The Sculpture Learning Plaza represents our broader mission: to inspire appreciation, knowledge, and respect for all living things. By incorporating accessible learning tools like braille and multilingual signage, we’re taking important steps toward building a Zoo that’s welcoming and educational for every visitor.
It’s not just about seeing animals—it’s about understanding them, and recognizing that conservation, education, and empathy go hand in hand.
📍 Plan Your Visit
The next time you’re at the Zoo, don’t miss the chance to visit the Sculpture Learning Plaza. It’s a peaceful place to pause, reflect, and engage with wildlife in a new way. And who knows? You might just walk away with a new favorite animal or a fun fact to share at your next family dinner.
👣 Walk, touch, read, and discover—because learning comes in all shapes, textures, and languages.
Thank you to our major donors, Barry and Marie Lipman as well as Lynne and Marc Beniofff, for making these beautiful and accessible gardens possible.
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📍 Plan your next visit at www.sfzoo.org