Explore the San Francisco Zoo and Its Fascinating Wildlife Exhibits

 

Situated on the southwest corner of the city, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the San Francisco Zoo showcases various exotic wildlife exhibits worldwide. These exhibits are nestled among mature Monterey cypress and eucalyptus trees. The zoo opened in the 1920s and has made significant progress recently. It now houses more than 930 animals, including approximately 245 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates spread across 100 acres.

The San Francisco Zoo is great for adults who love wildlife and children. Children will especially enjoy attractions such as the hands-on Children’s Zoo, the flock of shockingly pink flamingos, Grizzly Gulch, the giant anaconda, and the timeless Little Puffer train.

Things to see at the San Francisco Zoo

From the moment visitors arrive, their experience begins, as a view into the African Savanna from the parking lot greets them before entering the zoo through a modern interpretation of a California craftsman bungalow-style building with ticket booths, restrooms, and a gift shop.

Inside, the zoo is divided into regions, and exhibit highlights include a world-renowned lemur forest for five endangered Madagascar lemur species, a soothing setting for a family group of western lowland gorillas, and an Australian exhibit with its kangaroos and wallaroos.

Magellanic Penguins Colony

One of the zoo’s most popular exhibits is a large breeding colony of Magellanic penguins. Visitors can join the penguins for lunch at 2:30 p.m. daily. The zoo also houses a primate center, home to rare endangered monkeys.

The experience begins with the three-acre African Savannah region—the most significant area at the zoo. This area houses a mixed-species collection of giraffes, zebras, antelopes, ostriches, and birds. Near the savanna, walk through an African aviary, a wood-and-netted high enclosure with lush landscaping, and a small pond home to the African open-billed stork, Hadada ibis, and some peafowl.

Next door, the Lion House inside the Cat Kingdom is home to rare Sumatran and Siberian tigers and African lions. Visitors to the zoo can watch the big cats get fed every day at 2 p.m., except on Mondays. Nearby is the Gorilla Preserve, a large grassy area sprinkled with trees and a few rock projections. From several sections around the perimeter, visitors can view mandrill and Patas monkeys, chimpanzees, and the area’s main attraction—lowland gorillas.

San Francisco Zoo Puffer Train Ride

The Little Puffer at the San Francisco Zoo is a cherished piece of history that has operated since 1925. Originally acquired by entrepreneur Herbert Fleishhacker, this miniature steam train has been a beloved attraction at the zoo for generations. It’s more than just a ride; it’s a journey through time, providing a unique perspective on the zoo’s past.

A ride on the Little Puffer costs $7 per person, and children under three ride free when accompanied by a paid adult. The train operates from 10:30 am to 4 pm, so plan your visit accordingly. A special passenger car is designed to hold a wheelchair, ensuring everyone can enjoy the ride.

Children’s Activities at the  San Francisco Zoo

The six-acre Children’s Zoo is a short walk away. Inside the family farm, it offers kids and their families close-up encounters with unusual breeds of domesticated animals like goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.

• Kids can touch reptiles and amphibians and walk along a nature trail with a dozen stations, each with log benches or little fenced enclosures for viewing animals like wild turkeys.
• There is also an Insect Zoo and a meerkat and prairie dog exhibit, where kids can crawl through tunnels and play in the sand, just like the fantastic burrowing species.
• Adjacent to the Children’s Zoo is a large lawn and playground area with a food stand, the Leaping Lemur Café, and a 1920s Dentzel model carousel housed in a round wood domed structure.
• Little Puffer, a historic miniature train with a scenic route, circles Bear Country and South America and is one of the zoo’s most popular attractions.
• Other areas at the zoo are Bear Country on the edge of the South America exhibit, including Grizzly Gulch and Eagle Island — a small wooded island in the middle of a scenic pond area for the bald eagle.

San Francisco Zoo Discount Tickets:

San Francisco Zoo Tickets Buy Now

The zoo is open 365 days a year so you can visit anytime from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The cost of admission varies by age, with discounts for San Francisco residents. If you’re a local, don’t forget to bring proof of residency to enjoy the lower rates. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  San Francisco Zoo, 1 Zoo Road, San Francisco, California. Visit the zoo website for detailed information about visiting. https://www.sfzoo.org/

If you want a more personal experience, consider booking a guided tour. These tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo and its inhabitants. Remember that reservations are required for these tours, so it’s best to plan.

The San Francisco Zoo isn’t just a place to see animals; it’s a place to learn about them. The zoo is dedicated to conservation and education, making it a great destination for a family outing or a solo adventure. Come on down and get to know our animal neighbors!

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Nearby San Francisco Zoo Points of Interest

Lands End Park San Francisco

Lands End Park is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and the city skyline. It’s a favorite spot for hiking, with various trails winding through the park, including the popular Coastal Trail. This trail is not just about the views, though. It also contains secrets, including secluded beaches, abandoned shipwrecks, and old army batteries—Park website.

Presidio of San Francisco

The Presidio is a great place for both outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. Its 1,500 acres of lush forests, beaches, and overlooks are worth exploring, including the famous Battery Bluff and the historic Fort Point. The Presidio Officers’ Club offers exhibitions that trace the Presidio’s past and present, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in its history. Presidio website.

California Academy of Sciences

The academy is home to the Steinhart Aquarium, one of Earth’s most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums. It houses nearly 60,000 live animals representing more than 1,000 unique species, providing an unprecedented view of underwater and terrestrial habitats. The aquarium showcases species that are displayed nowhere else in the world and offers exhibits about cutting-edge research in little-known ocean ecosystems; visiting the aquarium full of discovery. Visit the Academy website.

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