A Guide to the Sacramento 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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Zoo Hours: Entry is from 9 am to 4 pm. Grounds open until 5 pm.

Location: 3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822. The Sacramento Zoo is just south of downtown Sacramento on the corner of Sutterville Road and Land Park Drive, just off the I-5 freeway, inside of William Land Park.

Parking: Parking is free and on-street throughout Land Park.

Admission: Prices change daily- for more information and to purchase Sacramento Zoo tickets in advance, view the calendar here. Members visit all year for FREE!