ZooCalifornia, US

Sacramento Zoo

The Sacramento Zoo offers an intimate wildlife experience for all ages.

About

The Sacramento Zoo offers an intimate wildlife experience for all ages.

Nestled within the beautiful William Land Park, the Sacramento Zoo provides a captivating journey into the animal kingdom, showcasing a diverse collection of over 500 animals across 14.3 acres. This accredited institution is dedicated to wildlife conservation and education, offering visitors an engaging opportunity to connect with creatures from around the globe. Its manageable size makes it an ideal destination for families, ensuring an enjoyable experience without feeling overwhelming.

Visitors can marvel at iconic species such as the majestic African lions, the graceful giraffes, and the playful red pandas. Key exhibits include the "Small Wonders of Africa" featuring aardvarks, Wolf's guenons, and red-billed hornbills, and the "Tall Wonders" giraffe habitat which offers eye-level viewing. Don't miss Sasha the jaguar, the entertaining meerkats, or the North American river otters known for their sociable antics. The Reptile House offers a fascinating look at various scaly and slippery creatures, from vibrant green tree pythons to unique amphibians like axolotls.

A visit to the Sacramento Zoo is a memorable experience, combining wildlife appreciation with interactive activities. Beyond animal viewing, guests can enjoy giraffe feedings, a charming Conservation Carousel, and a fun Zoo Train ride. The zoo's commitment to accessibility, including sensory bags and quiet rooms, ensures a welcoming environment for visitors with diverse needs. It's a place where learning and adventure converge, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for the planet's biodiversity. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.

The Sacramento Zoo began its journey on June 2, 1927, originally known as the "William Land Park Zoo." It opened its doors with a modest collection of 40 animals spread across 4.2 acres. Over the years, the zoo saw significant growth, expanding to its current size of 14.3 acres in the early 1960s. The Sacramento Zoological Society was formed in 1958 to support the zoo and raise funds, eventually taking over day-to-day operations in 1997. The zoo adopted its current name, the Sacramento Zoo, in 1970. Notable additions over its history include the arrival of an elephant named SUE in 1949, a new penguin exhibit in 2007, and a spacious giraffe barn in 2009. In recent years, the zoo has explored options for relocation to a larger site in Elk Grove to accommodate modern exhibit standards and expand its conservation efforts, a discussion that has been ongoing for decades.

What to do here

Enjoy animal viewing, attend scheduled keeper talks or feedings if available, ride the Conservation Carousel or Zoo Train, and let children play in the jungle gym playground. Consider behind-the-scenes tours for unique animal experiences.

Seasonal info

Summers in Sacramento can be very hot, so dress lightly and stay hydrated. Seasonal events like the "Boo at the Zoo" for Halloween, "Ice Cream Safari," and "Family Overnight Safari" provide unique experiences. The zoo also features a beautiful garden of California-native plants.

Accessibility

The Sacramento Zoo offers paved pathways and accessible viewing areas throughout. Wheelchair rentals are available at the entrance, and restrooms are ADA-compliant. The zoo has partnered with KultureCity to provide sensory bags (equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, etc.) and quiet rooms for visitors with sensory sensitivities.

Don't miss

Giraffe Encounters

An exciting opportunity to feed the giraffes from an elevated viewing deck.

African Lions

Witness these majestic big cats up close, often near glass panes.

Red Pandas

Look for these charming, elusive creatures, especially active in the mornings.

Reptile House

Home to a variety of snakes, lizards, turtles, and amphibians like the colorful Green Tree Python and unique axolotls.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Duck

Wood Duck

Canada Goose

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Asian Lady Beetle

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early

Visit in the morning, especially during warmer months, when animals are typically more active and the crowds are smaller.

Pack Snacks and Water

Outside food and drinks are permitted, which can save money and keep energy levels up, especially for families. Picnic areas are available.

Plan for Giraffe Feedings

Check the schedule for giraffe feeding times (usually 10 am and 2 pm) for a unique interactive experience.

Utilize Sensory Bags

If anyone in your group has sensory sensitivities, pick up a free sensory bag from Guest Services.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

While the zoo is relatively flat, there's still plenty of walking involved on paved pathways.

Consider a Membership

If you plan to visit multiple times a year, a membership often provides the best value and may offer discounts at other zoos.

Frequently asked questions

: Free street parking is available around William Land Park. A recommended option is the parking lot next to Fairytale Town on 15th Ave, directly across from the zoo entrance.
: Most visitors can explore the entire Sacramento Zoo and see all the animals within 1 to 2 hours due to its compact size. If you have young children or combine your visit with other attractions in William Land Park, it could extend to 3-5 hours.
: Yes, the Sacramento Zoo has partnered with KultureCity to offer sensory bags (including noise-canceling headphones and fidget tools) for free at Guest Services. They also provide quiet rooms for those needing a calm space.