Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens

Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens and its collection

Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens, opened in 1963, is a zoo in Santa Barbara, California, United States.

It occupies the former Child Estate and holds more than 500 animals, capybara and California condors among them; one of its giraffes had a bent neck. A 2 ft narrow gauge train runs on the grounds.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include Masai Giraffe, Humboldt Penguin, Red Panda, Chinese Alligator and Asian Small-Clawed Otter.

Things to do

Things to do include Giraffe Feeding, Zoo Train, Climb for Condors Rock Wall, Goat Brushing and Keeper Talks.

Conservation and approach

Field programmes cover monarchs, red-legged frogs, western pond turtles, southern sea otters and western snowy plovers, and Masai giraffes have both conceived and given birth here. An arrangement made in 2023 with CSU Channel Islands is to provide a conservation outpost on that campus, containing classrooms, offices and space for animal care, holding and breeding.

What the venue says

• Goat Brushing
• Penguin Fish Toss
• Theater Gone Wild
• The Ridley-Tree House Restaurant serves delicious grilled items, sandwiches, salads, and other tasty delights. Relax in our garden courtyard while you eat. Enjoy sandwiches, kid-friendly meals, light snacks, or ice cream along with sweeping ocean and mountain views at our hilltop cafe, the Wave.
• Zoo Parking $11 per vehicle (one free vehicle with SB Zoo Membership) Accessible parking is free with a current placard or license plate Bicycle parking is free; racks are available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Wheelchairs are available for rental on a first-come, first-served basis for $7/each, $6/each for SB Zoo Members at the main gift store near the Zoo’s entrance.
• Electric convenience vehicles (ECV) are available to rent for $30/each, $25/each for SB Zoo Members, plus a $10 deposit.
• Accessible parking is free with a current placard or license plate