San Francisco Zoological Gardens

San Francisco Zoological Gardens and its collection

San Francisco Zoological Gardens, opened in 1929, is a zoo in San Francisco, United States.

Under a public-private arrangement in place since 1993, it receives $4.2 million a year from the city. As of 2016 it held over a thousand animals of more than 250 species. A commission judged many of the enclosures to fall below basic welfare standards and urged a strategic redesign.

History

It was first called Fleishhacker Zoo, after its founder Herbert Fleishhacker, a banker and president of the parks commission. Planning of construction began in 1929 beside the Fleishhacker Pool, then the largest swimming pool in the country, on a site that already held a children's zoo, a playground, a Dentzel/Illions carousel of about 1921 and the Mother's Building. A bond issue in 1997, campaigned for on the strength of the orangutans and chimpanzees, raised $48 million.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include California bald eagle, black-and-white ruffed lemurs and African lions.

Things to do

Things to do include Eugene Friend Dentzel Carousel, Little Puffer miniature steam train and Elinor Friend Playground.

What the venue says

• The signature central eatery serves world flavors, including American grill favorites, hearth flatbreads, artisan pizzas, and diverse global dishes with indoor and outdoor seating available.
• Paid parking available on-site: $15.00 weekdays / $20.00 weekends (first come, first served). Free street parking along Sloat Boulevard; disabled guests with a placard park free.
• Strollers and wheelchairs are available for daily rental in the Friend and Taube Family Entry Village, so please leave your bicycles, tricycles, scooters, skateboards, and rollerblades at home.
• We also offer a complimentary “sensory bag,” which can be checked out at the Membership Office.
• Service dogs may be taken to any area in the Zoo except where animals are free-roaming.