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Oakland Zoo: A Wild Adventure in the Oakland Hills

Discover wildlife from around the world and California at the Oakland Zoo, a leader in animal welfare and conservation.

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Nestled in Knowland Park, the Oakland Zoo is home to over 850 native and exotic animals. Established in 1922, the zoo has grown into a leading conservation and animal welfare organization, offering visitors a chance to connect with wildlife from around the globe and California's own backyard.

A brief summary to Oakland Zoo

  • Monday 10 am-2 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-2 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-2 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-2 pm
  • Friday 10 am-2 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-2 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-2 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets and parking online in advance to take advantage of plan-ahead pricing and guarantee your spot.
  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid crowds and find parking easily.
  • Ride the gondola to the California Trail first thing, as lines tend to get long later in the day.
  • Bring a stroller for young children, as the zoo's terrain can be steep in places.
  • Check the zoo's website for special events like Glowfari and seasonal closures.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Coliseum BART station, take the AC Transit bus line 46L (weekdays only) directly to the Oakland Zoo. The bus drops off at Mountain Blvd & Golf Links Rd, a short walk to the zoo entrance. The bus runs hourly between approximately 6:45 AM and 8:00 PM. A single ride on AC Transit costs $2.50.

  • Driving

    From I-580, take the Golf Links Road exit and follow the signs to the Oakland Zoo. The zoo is located at 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, CA 94605. Parking at the zoo costs $13 if purchased online in advance or $16 upon arrival. Limited free street parking is available on Golf Links Road, but be sure to check parking restrictions.

  • Ride Share

    Take a ride share from Oakland's Jack London Square to the Oakland Zoo. The ride is approximately 8.4 miles and 14 minutes. A taxi will cost between $30 and $45.

Unlock the Best of Oakland Zoo

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Discover more about Oakland Zoo

The Oakland Zoo, located in the Oakland Hills within Knowland Park, has been a beloved Bay Area destination since 1922. Starting as the Snow Zoo by Lake Merritt, it has evolved through several relocations to its current expansive naturalistic setting. Today, managed by the Conservation Society of California, the zoo is home to over 850 animals, emphasizing conservation, animal welfare, and education. The zoo is divided into several distinct regions, including Adventure Landing, the African Savanna, the California Trail, and the Wayne and Gladys Valley Children's Zoo. The California Trail, opened in 2018, showcases native California wildlife such as grizzly bears, gray wolves, mountain lions, and California condors, accessible via a scenic gondola ride offering stunning views of the Bay Area. The Children's Zoo offers interactive exhibits and a petting yard. Oakland Zoo is committed to conservation efforts locally and globally. They participate in species and habitat protection, work to mitigate wildlife trade, and promote human-wildlife coexistence. The zoo also operates a wildlife rehabilitation program, taking in and caring for animals rescued from wildfires and human-wildlife conflicts. With a focus on education, the Oakland Zoo provides various programs for schools and community groups, aiming to inspire the next generation of conservationists.

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