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Hours 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Last Entry 4:00 pm

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SF Zoo

Koret Animal Rescue & Conservation Center (ARC)

Our animal ambassadors play a key role in connecting our guests with wildlife, as they represent the only Zoo animals visitors can actually see up-close. Over 60 birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians are housed and cared for at the Koret Animal Rescue & Conservation Center (ARC). The ARC is a training ground for future ecologists, conservationists, biologists, zoologists and animal care staff, through its teen, young adult and adult volunteer programs.

Programs

Educational programs make up the ARC’s primary role at the Zoo. These include:

  • Nature Trail Teen Volunteer Program – Guests can meet animals along the Nature Trail and learn from our teen volunteers! Our volunteers are trained to care for animals, talk about conservation and answer guests questions.
  • Junior Zoologist, ARC Adult Volunteers and ARC Interns – Our volunteers and interns help to care for the many animals in the ARC. They also conduct training sessions and host presentations, such as Wildlife Theater shows and Raptor Talks. Look for ARC programs and other Zoo activities below!
Zoo Activities & Programs

Volunteers are the Backbone

The ARC relies on the support of hundreds of volunteers, from teens to adults. If you are interested in volunteering and would like to be part of something truly amazing, please join us as a volunteer!

Teen Volunteers
Adult Volunteers

ARC Facility

The ARC allows the public to see what has traditionally been behind-the-scenes. Viewing windows give visitors all year round a glimpse into this dynamic, working facility and its residents. Adjacent to the building, you can get extremely close to amazing raptors in their free-flight aviaries.

A Second Chance

What makes the ARC animals so appealing is hearing each animal’s amazing personal story, most of which involve a second chance. Some were born under human care and could never be wild. Some are former pets whose owners could no longer care for them while others are injured wild animals unable to look after themselves. All of our animals have an important message of conservation to tell.

Animals & Exhibits