San Francisco Zoo

San Francisco Zoo
African Savannah
Map
37°43′59″N 122°30′11″W / 37.73306°N 122.50306°W / 37.73306; -122.50306
LocationSan Francisco, California
Land area100 acres (40 ha)
No. of animals1000+ (2015)[1]
No. of species250+ (2015)[1]
MembershipsAZA[2]
Major exhibitsAfrican Savanna, Gorilla Preserve, Grizzly Gulch, Primate Discovery Center (Lemur Forest), Cat Kingdom, Penguin Island, Red Panda Treehouse, Insect Zoo
Public transit access
Websitewww.sfzoo.org

The San Francisco Zoo is a 100-acre (40 ha) zoo located in the southwestern corner of San Francisco, California, between Lake Merced and the Pacific Ocean along the Great Highway. In October 2024, A SF city report described the zoo as ‘unsafe for visitors and animals,’ The zoo's main entrance (one located on the north side across Sloat Boulevard and one block south of the Muni Metro L Taraval line) is to the west, on the ocean side. The SF Zoo is owned by the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department,[3] and managed by the San Francisco Zoological Society,[4] a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.[5] under a public-private partnership since 1993, receives $4.2 million annually from the city. As of 2016, the zoo housed more than one thousand individual animals, representing more than 250 species. It is noted as the birthplace of Koko the gorilla, and, from 1974 to 2016, the home of Elly, the oldest black rhinoceros in North America.[6]

Described as "The worst-run city zoo in America" by critics,[7] The San Francisco Zoo has faced criticism over its leadership and management practices, with concerns raised about animal welfare, outdated facilities, and misaligned priorities. A city report described the zoo as ‘unsafe for visitors and animals,’ further intensifying scrutiny on its conditions.[8] Despite a recent internal investigation by the San Francisco Zoological Society affirming CEO Tanya Peterson's position,[9] critics argue that her tenure has been marked by neglect and poor conditions for the animals.[7] High-profile projects, such as a proposed $70 million panda plan,[10] have drawn ire for diverting resources from necessary improvements.[11] SF Zoo Watch, are calling for reforms, suggesting that the zoo's management be transferred to an organization focused on conservation and animal welfare.

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference facts was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference aza_list was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Lee, Stephanie (Dec 11, 2011). "Lawyer leading S.F. Zoo back from dark chapter – Sunday Profile: Tanya Peterson". sfgate.com. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Diversity & Inclusion". San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
  5. ^ Suozzo, Andrea; Schwencke, Ken; Tigas, Mike; Wei, Sisi; Glassford, Alec; Roberts, Brandon (2013-05-09). "San Francisco Zoological Society, Full Filing - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
  6. ^ Har, Janie (2016-01-01). "Oldest black rhinoceros in North America turns 45". CTVNews. Retrieved 2022-12-16.
  7. ^ a b "Opinion | Worst city zoo in America? Why the San Francisco Zoo needs a total overhaul". The San Francisco Standard. 2024-09-26. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  8. ^ Duggan, Tara (October 10, 2024). "San Francisco Zoo described as 'unsafe for visitors and animals' in scathing city report". San Francisco Chronicle.
  9. ^ Duggan, Tara (September 18, 2024). "S.F. Zoo's embattled CEO keeps job after months-long internal investigation". San Francisco Chronicle.
  10. ^ Duggan, Tara (June 22, 2024). "Here's the new estimate for how much pandas at the S.F. Zoo could cost". San Francisco Chronicle.
  11. ^ "Opinion | The broken and neglected San Francisco Zoo is no place for giant pandas". The San Francisco Standard. 2024-04-23. Retrieved 2024-09-28.