Monarch, a California
grizzly, was the first inhabitant. Today, Monarch would have plenty of
company. Since its opening in the late-1920s, the ever-evolving San
Francisco Zoo has become northern California's largest zoological
park and conservation center. Situated on 65 acres next to
the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco Zoo is home to more than
250 species of animals, all featured in naturalistic habitats.
Some of the most popular exhibits include Gorilla World,
one of the world's largest naturalistic gorilla habitats; the Lion
House, home to African lions and the highly endangered Sumatran and Siberian
tigers; Koala
Crossing, home to six koalas (the second largest colony in North America);
and Penguin Island, an exhibit that mimics the Patagonian coast of
South America.
The Children's Zoo offers kids and adults the opportunity to learn about domestic and exotic animals. You can pet and feed the barnyard animals (goats, sheep, and donkeys), as well as observing a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods (giant millipedes, scorpions and tarantulas).
Location
The San Francisco Zoo is located at 45th and Sloat Boulevard. Driving
directions can be found at the Zoo's Web
site. All-day parking in the zoo's parking lot costs $4. Parking is
free along Sloat Boulevard. Taking public transportation to the zoo
is recommended, however, because parking is limited. Guests who use
public transportation
receive $1 off the admission price to the zoo.
Hours of operation
The San Francisco Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 365 days
a year. The six-acre Children's Zoo is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4
p.m. Extended weekend hours and special summer hours (from Memorial Day through
Labor Day) are 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission
Adults
$10
Seniors (over age 65)
$7
Youths (ages 12-17)
$7
Children (ages 3-11)
$4
Children (ages 2 and under)
Free
San Francisco residents can buy discounted tickets with
valid proof of residency. Admission to the zoo is free on the first Wednesday
of every
month, but attendance may be limited in the best interest of the animals.
Contact information
Main office: (415) 753-7080 (recorded voicemail and operator)
Visitor services: (415) 753-7057
TTY: (415) 753-8141
Disabled access
The zoo has designated routes and exhibit areas that provide disabled
access. Use the gate map at the main entrance to learn about route
accessibility. Wheelchairs are available for daily rental at the Main
Gift Shop (located
in the Mother's Building) or at the Sloat Gate gift kiosk. Admission
price for disabled guests is discounted 50 percent off basic general
admission. For more information
about accessibility, call (415) 753-7057.
Special considerations
Strollers and wagons are are available for daily rental at the Main Gift Shop (located in the Mother's Building) or at the Sloat Gate gift kiosk.
No bicycles, tricycles, scooters, skateboards, or in-line
skates are allowed in the zoo.
Visitors can watch the zookeepers hand-feed the penguins every day at 3 p.m. The feeding of the big cats takes place every day (except Monday) at 2 p.m.
The San Francisco Zoo offers a variety of food choices.
The current food service menu can be found at the zoo's Web
site.
Picnic tables and outdoor seating are available throughout
the zoo.
Feeding the animals is strictly prohibited, except in the barnyard area of the Children's Zoo.
Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.
