Special Programs
Experience a connection to our animal residents in an entirely different way! Our Special Programs create new ways for you to enjoy everything the Zoo has to offer, and your purchase supports the Zoo’s mission. Watch for special member discounts!
Teddy Bear Clinic
Members Only Event: Reservations Required
Sunday, September 21st 8:45am – 11:30pm
Bring your Teddy, your Plushie, or your Lovie down to the San Francisco Zoo for a checkup at our Teddy Bear Clinic. Come meet the Veterinarian Team along with their assistants that help keep all of the Animals at the Zoo healthy and happy.
You’ll stop by our waiting room in the Service Yard to see the Nutrition Center and how we keep everyone fed and on the right nutritional diet. The Horticulture Team will also onsite to show you how we feed some of our herbivores. And because a healthy digestive track has to end somewhere, the Environmental Services Team will be available to give you the scoop on poop.
Afterwards it’s time for your friend’s checkup by our Vets and Vet Tech Assistants to get their clean bill of health.
Please be sure to have a reservation for each child on your membership
Only one Teddy/Plushie/Lovie per child
Reservations required: Link Coming Soon!
Dog Days at SF Zoo
Guests may bring their well-behaved, leashed dog to the Zoo on specially announced dates during Dog Days at SF Zoo. Dogs may only attend on designated dates and with advance reservation as only a limited number of dogs may be on Zoo grounds at any one time.
Dog owners must comply with the following to participate:
- Owners are responsible for their dogs
- Dogs must be well-behaved
- Dogs must remain on leash and controlled by a guest that is at least 18 years of age
- Owners must clean up after their dogs
- Owners and dogs may be asked to leave an area if Zoo animals become agitated by their dog
- Failure to comply with any of the above may result in being asked to leave the premises.
How to Register
Interested individuals must complete this form only during the registration dates to be eligible for the random drawing. Multiple entries will be removed. Only selected participants will be notified by email.
Once the timeframe is closed, Guest Services will randomly select emails to contact. Guests are allowed just one dog per reservation and each dog must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age.
Entry to the Zoo
Once you are selected to attend Dog Days, you will receive a time slot when you and your dog will be allowed to enter the Zoo. Guests will receive a map designating where you may safely bring your dog.
Dogs may only access areas where there is a physical barrier that separates Zoo animals and dogs. Dogs are not allowed in the South American Tropical Rainforest & Aviary, African Aviary, Children’s Zoo Family Farm, Wildlife Theater and Nature Trail.
Upcoming Dates
Thursday, August 28, 2025 – advance registration dates are August 19, 20, & 21 until 12pm. Randomly selected emails for participation will be contacted via email on August 22, 2025.
Thursday, September 11, 2025 – advance registration dates are September 2, 3, & 4 until 12pm. Randomly selected emails for participation will be contacted via email on September 5, 2025.
Thursday, September 25, 2025 – advance registration dates are September 16, 17, & 18 until 12pm. Randomly selected emails for participation will be contacted via email on September 19, 2025.
Zen at the Zoo
Imagine performing yoga poses as giraffe and zebra graze nearby, that is the ultimate zen! This year, SF Zoo is offering its first-ever Zen at the Zoo, featuring Vinyasa Flow. This one-hour outdoor class will be conducted in the “Donga,” the public viewing area that sits right in the middle of the Leanne B. Roberts African Savanna.
2025 Dates
- Saturday May 17
- Saturday June 14
- Saturday July 19
- Sunday August 17
- Sunday September 14
- Saturday October 18
Suitable for all skill levels of yoga practitioners, Vinyasa Flow unites breath to movement while offering a variety of poses. You will flow between postures while building strength, endurance, balance, and mental focus. Expect a well-rounded practice involving sun salutations, standing and seated postures, and a strong focus on the power of breath. Details here.
Members: $25 per session
General Public: $50 per session (includes Zoo admission ticket for the full day)
(Go to the Special Programs tab on the ticketing page; Members click on the Member Tickets for the discount)