A Guide to the New Zoo in Elk Grove

Expert Animal Care

The New Zoo will be dedicated to implementing the best practices in animal care and welfare while maintaining the health of each inhabitant and cultivating thriving environments. This process will center around upholding up-to-date and ideal welfare practices through cultivating an environment that focuses on the needs of the zoo's wildlife. The New Zoo will create partnerships with animal health organizations and implement the highest quality of care for each species.

Active Conservation Efforts

Various conservation efforts will be promoted at the New Zoo, as well as sustainable initiatives and spreading awareness for protecting wildlife. The New Zoo will aim to engage visitors through the lenses of the animals and the dangers that they typically face in the wild. It will be encouraged to learn more about conserving and maintaining various wildlife throughout each habitat. Additional sustainable practices will be placed into generating aid for local and international conservation goals.

Interactive Educational Programs

Have your little ones enjoy an array of educational experiences! This potential wildlife center will feature innovative learning resources and welcomes budding zoologists of all ages. Along with online excursions across the zoo, special learning programs will immerse young adventurers from schools and camps into the lives of each fascinating creature. Through utilizing innovative technology and diving deeper into the lives of each zoo inhabitant, there will be various multifaceted and exciting approaches in spreading awareness about conserving wildlife around the globe.

Awe-Inspiring Animal Encounters

There will be no shortage of one-of-a-kind moments with an array of creatures at the New Zoo. Don't miss delving into a fun experience like a meet-and-greet with an animal. From memorable animal encounters to strolling through nature-filled spaces, this zoo sets the perfect scene for unique moments with your loved ones. Don't miss marveling at a wide range of animals with a backdrop of breathtaking surroundings, which will be enhanced by the space's focus on imbuing an inviting ambience for all zoo-goers.

The New Zoo project will take a multi-year approach with different phases. There are multiple goals to tackle for this project, including design and development plans. A feasibility study was created and shown to the Elk Grove City Council in 2022, which led to creating more planning and design goals for the New Zoo. The design process was further developed from summer 2022 to fall 2023. Additional resources during this time included the environmental impact report, which was presented for public responses. In 2024, the Elk Grove City Council will make a decision regarding the approval of the multifaceted elements of the project, which will lead into the last design and construction phase.

The Elk Grove City Council will vote on May 8, 2024 with the potential approval of plans for the construction of the New Zoo. Check back for more information.

For zoo project updates and information, visit www.elkgrovecity.org/zoo.

1. The Sacramento Zoo is home to nearly 500 native, rare and endangered animals representing over 125 unique species from around the world.
   

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2. Originally known as “the little zoo in the park,” the Sacramento Zoo was founded in 1927 with just 40 animals, including birds, raccoons, and several monkeys.
   

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3. The zoo is known for its conservation efforts, particularly for rare and endangered species such as the red panda, thick-billed parrot, and the okapi. Not only does it support conservation projects on-site as part of its mission, over the past decade, the Sac Zoo has donated more than $1 million to critical conservation efforts around the globe.
   

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4. Ever dream about getting up close and personal with a giraffe? Now’s your chance. At the Tall Wonders of Africa exhibit visitors have the opportunity to feed the giraffes or stand on the viewing deck for an eye-to-eye encounter.
   

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5. The zoo has a unique Reptile House, which features a collection of more than 200 reptiles, amphibians and others who call the Reptile House home from around the world.
   

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6. In addition to its animal exhibits, the Sac Zoo offers a range of educational programs for all ages, including summer camps, classes, and behind-the-scenes guided tours.
   

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7. The Sac Zoo is home to several rare and unusual species, including the fossa (a carnivorous mammal from Madagascar), the red river hog (a wild pig from Africa), and the okapi (a cloven-hooved mammal also known as the “zebra giraffe”).
   

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8. Staffed by a team of skilled veterinary professionals, the zoo’s The Animal Health Center provides the highest quality care for the zoo’s many animals. The Sacramento Zoo has had a collaborative partnership with the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine since the 1970s and because of this partnership, the Sacramento Zoo plays an important role in the education and training of aspiring zoo veterinarians.
   

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9. You’ll find the zoo within William Land Park which also has rock gardens, ponds, Fairytale Town, sports fields and walking paths to enjoy. The location may be moving to the City of Elk Grove — The Sacramento Zoological Society and the City of Elk Grove are exploring expansion and relocation of the region’s zoo to create a new vision for a wild tomorrow and home where inspiration and wonder will spark joy for visitors for generations to come.
   

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10. After almost a century of providing visitors with an opportunity to connect with wildlife from around the world, the Sacramento Zoo is facing a critical challenge: the current site is in need of extensive renovations and lacks sufficient space for many of its animals. Beloved residents, such as giraffes, big cats, and apes, lack sufficient space due to the landlocked 14.7-acre site. Additionally, the lack of a visitor parking lot at the current location presents a challenge to expanding access and increasing attendance. To address these issues, the Sacramento Zoological Society's Board of Trustees is exploring the possibility of building a new zoo, which would allow for the creation of expansive natural habitats, bolster conservation programs, and serve the educational mission by accommodating more guests.
    

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