Everything You Need To Know About San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco Zoo houses more than 1,500 animals of over 250 species. The zoo's own site confirms this figure, while its "By the Numbers" page lists 5,901 individuals across 266 species, and a separate PDF counts 7,629 total animals across 287 species when including conservation-program animals.

The 100-acre San Francisco Zoo continuously renovates its exhibits. As a member of the Species Survival Plan, San Francisco Zoo is dedicated to maintaining healthy populations of endangered species including black rhinos, gorillas and Madagascan radiated tortoises.

If you are planning a trip to the zoo, read below for what you need to know.

San Francisco Zoo Main Attractions

Leanne B. Roberts African Savanna

The Leanne B. Roberts African Savanna exhibit allows visitors to experience native African species without leaving the States.

The three-acre exhibit welcomes visitors within a covered walkway which leads to an open area where multiple species thrive together including giraffes, zebras, crowned cranes and ostriches. The open space imitates the African savanna where animals can move and interact freely.

A pathway within the exhibit also leads directly to the Jones Family Gorilla Preserve, where visitors can watch the largest African primates in their most natural environment.

Puente Al-Sur

Spanish for 'Bridge to the South', The Puente Al-Sur exhibit allows visitors to experience the biodiversity of Latin America. With giant anteaters, black-necked swans and Maguari storks roaming grounds that also include grasses and plants native to South and Central America, there is no need to take a flight down south – only a bridge.

San Francisco Zoo's Popular Animals

Black Swans

These elegant birds glide on the river found within the Puente Al-Sur exhibit. Black swans are typically found in Australia, as well as ornamental ponds and lakes within Western Europe, Japan and Singapore. They are a rare sight in North American zoos.

Red Kangaroos

Watch the resident kangaroos hop, skip and jump in the Australian WalkAbout exhibit. Native to Australia, kangaroos are one of the most popular animals at San Francisco Zoo. The kangaroos interact and move freely within the exhibit.

Koalas

Spectate at koalas sleeping and eating at Koala Crossing. Koalas were widely known to be on the brink of extinction decades ago. Due to conservation efforts, koalas are now legally protected by the Australian Government. San Francisco Zoo's Koala Crossing exhibit is a closely natural habitat where koalas can munch on eucalyptus leaves and doze for most of the day without the risk of predation.

San Francisco Zoo Dining Options

Leaping Lemur Café

The menu at the Leaping Lemur Café offers indoor and outdoor dining. Visitors can choose from an array of international foods including gourmet sandwiches, salads, pizza, hamburgers and Asian specialities. An expansive choice of beverages is also offered, including a variety of local beers.

How To Get To San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco Zoo is located on Sloat Boulevard & Great Highway, San Francisco, CA 94132, United States. There are multiple ways to get to the zoo via car from the North Bay, East Bay and South Bay.

Visitors who take Muni public transport will receive a $1 discount off the price when they show their receipt, transfer or monthly pass at the ticket window. Take the Muni L Taraval line outbound or Muni bus lines 23 and 18. All three routes stop at the zoo.

San Francisco Zoo Opening Hours

The zoo is open daily, with opening hours between 10:00 to 17:00. Check the zoo's official website for current last admission times, as one visitor source notes last entry at 4:00 p.m., but no official source confirms the last admission policy or any member exception.

San Francisco Zoo Tickets & Packages

Check the zoo's official website for current adult ticket prices, as non-official visitor pages report varying admission figures that conflict with each other. Similarly, check the zoo's official website for current senior ticket prices, current children's ticket prices and age brackets, and current San Francisco resident rates, since the search results do not include the official current admission page.

Members enjoy free admission and San Francisco residents receive discounted rates. Additionally, guests with disabilities and past and current members of the US military receive San Francisco Resident rates.

San Francisco residents are required to bring proof of residency in order to receive discounted tickets. Children under the age of 3 who are also residents enter for free.

Accommodation Near San Francisco Zoo

Hampton Inn San Francisco – Daly City

Located just 5 miles from San Francisco Zoo, this 3-star hotel is modern and well-decorated, both within its private and public quarters. The hotel boasts amenities including a gym, game room and business centre.

Tourist Attractions Near San Francisco Zoo

Alcatraz

The island of Alcatraz is an iconic landmark of San Francisco. One of the most secure prisons ever built, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary has imprisoned some of America's most notorious criminals. The island is also renowned for being the site of one of the most intricate escape attempts. Visitors can take a tour around the island and step into the cells of some of the most villainous individuals in modern American history.

Golden Gate Bridge

Visit the most recognisable feature of San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge is declared as one of 'The Wonders of the Modern World' and is possibly the most photographed bridge in the world. 110,000 people cross this bridge every day.

Final Thoughts on San Francisco Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo is one of the most popular tourist landmarks in The City by The Bay. Visitors can expect a day of discovery and fun when they visit one of the most diverse zoos in the U.S. Whether you're planning a family outing or a solo adventure, the zoo offers something for everyone, from the African Savanna to the Latin American Puente Al-Sur exhibit.