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Oakland Zoo: A Wild Adventure in the Oakland Hills

Explore wildlife from around the world at the Oakland Zoo, with interactive exhibits, conservation programs, and stunning views of the Bay Area.

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Nestled in Oakland's Knowland Park, the Oakland Zoo is home to over 850 animals from around the world. With a focus on conservation and education, the zoo offers a variety of exhibits, including the California Trail, and family-friendly activities. From rescued animals to interactive play structures, the Oakland Zoo provides an engaging experience for all ages.

A brief summary to Oakland Zoo

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets and parking online in advance to save money and guarantee a spot.
  • Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly.
  • Ride the gondola to the California Trail first to avoid long lines later in the day.
  • Bring a stroller or baby carrier for young children, as the zoo is built on a hill.
  • Check the zoo's website for special events and discounts.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Oakland Coliseum BART station, take a taxi or rideshare service directly to the Oakland Zoo. The BART ride to the Coliseum station from downtown Oakland costs approximately $3.00 - $6.00. A taxi or rideshare from the Coliseum to the zoo will cost approximately $18 - $22. Alternatively, AC Transit line 46L runs on weekdays only and stops directly outside the zoo. Check the AC Transit website for the 46L line schedule.

  • Driving

    From I-580 East, take the Golf Links Road/98th Avenue exit. Turn onto Golf Links Road and follow it into the Oakland Zoo. Parking at the zoo costs $13 if purchased online in advance, or $16 if purchased at the entry. Parking is free for Oakland Zoo members. Consider reserving parking in advance, especially on weekends, as the lots can fill up quickly.

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Discover more about Oakland Zoo

The Oakland Zoo, officially established on June 6, 1922, by naturalist Henry A. Snow, has evolved into a leading institution in animal welfare, rescue, and global conservation. Managed by the Conservation Society of California, a non-profit organization, the zoo is dedicated to inspiring community action for wildlife both locally and globally. Originally located in downtown Oakland, the zoo moved several times before settling in its current location in Knowland Park. Today, the zoo spans 525 acres in the Oakland Hills and houses over 850 native and exotic animals. The zoo's exhibits are geographically organized to reflect the ecosystems of the animals' native habitats. The Oakland Zoo is divided into several 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, features native California species such as grizzly bears, gray wolves, and California condors, and offers stunning views of the Bay Area. The Children's Zoo offers interactive exhibits and play structures, including a goat and sheep petting yard, a reptile and amphibian discovery room, and a fruit bat exhibit. The zoo is committed to conservation, with a strategic plan focusing on species and habitat protection, wildlife trade mitigation, and human-wildlife coexistence. The zoo participates in local conservation efforts, such as rescuing mountain lions and reintroducing native frogs, and global initiatives, such as protecting chimpanzees in Uganda. The Oakland Zoo also has a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, the largest wild animal veterinary facility in Northern California. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including a gondola ride that provides panoramic views of the Bay Area, a train that circles through the Australian Outback area, and a carousel. The zoo also offers educational programs and events, including Glowfari, a nighttime lantern festival.

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