Sacramento Zoo

Sacramento Zoo

Giraffe

Student groups on Golden State excursion will not want to miss a visit to this beloved landmark! The Sacramento Zoo, today, is a far cry from its humble beginnings as a tiny four-acre attraction that opened in 1927 as the William Land Park Zoo, with a small menagerie of just 40 animals assembled from the collections of parks about the city. In 1949, the zoo’s first elephant was acquired with funds raised from a drive sponsored by the local newspaper; 6 years later, a companion joined her. In the ‘60s, the zoo increased in size to its current 14.2 acres and exciting new habitat sprung up everywhere thanks to a $300,000.00 zoo improvement bond.

A lone grizzly and two lively orangutans took up residence in 1965; in 1970 the name was changed to Sacramento Zoo; back then, admission was just twenty-five cents! Now home to over 140 native, rare and endangered species, the wonderful, foot-and-family friendly Sacramento Zoo inspires in its visitors’ appreciation, respect and a connection with wildlife and nature through its many wonderful exhibits and programs highlighting a three-fold objective of education, recreation, and conservation. A self-guided animal art tour treats visitors to a wide array of fine works around the park; Giraffe Encounter allows a delightful interaction with long-necked occupants from the Tall Wonders Deck.

A fantastic local browse program allows donations of non-toxic tree and shrub clippings and trimmings to help feed the animals; this popular zoo attraction relies on the generosity of community members and kind patrons to ensure it remains a safe home and haven for its multitude of grateful furred and feathered, finned and winged residents!