Care & conservation
Behind every encounter at the Zoo is a larger story about daily care, scientific stewardship, and the work required to protect wildlife for the future.
How we care for animals
Every animal at San Francisco Zoo receives individualized, expert care each and every day. Our veterinarians, animal care specialists, and wellness professionals work to ensure that all our animal residents are not just healthy, but thriving. That means thoughtfully designed habitats, enrichment programs that stimulate natural behaviors, and a continuous commitment to improving how we care for the species in our trust. And that commitment doesn’t end at our gates.
Conservation is the key
We are an active participant in local and global conservation efforts, working alongside leading organizations to protect species and restore habitats in the wild.
Over the years, we have played a meaningful role in conserving locally threatened species — including the California bald eagle, San Francisco gartersnake, the Western pond turtle, and the Sierra Nevada mountain yellow-legged frog — and by participating in Species Survival Plan programs that coordinate the responsible care and breeding of threatened species across accredited institutions worldwide.
Conservation also shapes how we operate every day, from sustainable practices across our grounds to partnerships fighting illegal wildlife trafficking and supporting the protection of wild habitats around the world.
Go deeper
Continue into the pages and experiences that connect education, advocacy, and community action.
常见问题解答
A few of the ways our teams translate care into meaningful conservation outcomes.
Zoos may not be able to perfectly replicate the wild, but we can (and do) provide expert care, thoughtful environments, and a genuine commitment to each animal’s quality of life through individualized enrichment programs and continued monitoring for signs of stress or discomfort.
Your visit already makes a difference. Ticket sales directly support animal care and conservation work. Becoming a member, adopting an animal, or making a donation goes further still. Find out more.
Yes, and the evidence is real. For example, the Zoo plays a leading role in protecting the Sierra Nevada mountain yellow-legged frog, a Bay Area native once pushed to the brink. Conservation is slow, difficult work, but absolutely necessary.
