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At home and around the world, Oakland Zoo works hard to constantly provide the best in animal wellbeing practices and programs. Whether in human care—or living in the wild—every animal deserves a home that fosters the best quality of life, both physically and psychologically.
"...Oakland Zoo has long prioritized common sense and welfare, and PETA looks forward to continued collaboration on improving the welfare of captive wildlife across the U.S."
Brittany Peet, Esq., Director, Captive Animal Law Enforcement
PETA Foundation
We provide care, rehabilitation and sanctuary for animals rescued from human-wildlife conflict or natural disasters, like wildfires.
We’ve pioneered new standards of care that improve our animals’ wellbeing; some of those standards are now used by zoos worldwide.
We partner with animal rights organizations to end animal abuse happening across the country, at venues like roadside zoos and traveling circuses.
We lobby for legislature to protect animals at the local, state, national level, to enact laws that protect all animals, both in captivity and in the wild.
Oakland Zoo pioneered the protected-contact management method, a practice now benefitting elephants at zoos throughout the U.S. For decades, Oakland Zoo has been working hard to protect captive elephants everywhere from exploitation, mistreatment, and mismanagement.
Working closely with remarkable organizations like PETA and the Humane Society of the United States, Oakland Zoo plays a critical role in rescuing captive bears, lions, tigers, and other animals living in inhumane conditions.
Wildlife trafficking is a multibillion-dollar industry that benefits criminals at the expense of innocent animals. See what Oakland Zoo is doing nationally to end the illegal wildlife trade, and how you can help.
Far too many exotic animals suffer or perish in substandard conditions as privately owned pets. Oakland Zoo is Taking Action to promote responsible pet ownership, and to rescue and re-home improperly owned animals.
Oakland Zoo provides life-saving medical care to wildlife from many species, including bears, mountain lions, California condors, and more. Many of these animals come to us as young orphans that cannot return to the wild, and have been given permanent sanctuary at the Zoo.
At Oakland Zoo, training and enrichment is based on the affective experience of every animal. Learn about our species-specific programs, recognized for excellence worldwide.
Based on how each species lives in nature, Oakland Zoo strives to create expansive habitats that engage all aspects of an animal's life—physically, socially, and psychologically.
Have you ever wondered what skills you need to work with animals at the Zoo? It takes a lot more than just cleaning up after and feeding the animals. A big part of this work is behavioral observations. Learn how making observations is an important part of being a scientist!
In September 2023, the Zoo held its second Toss the Tusk event to raise awareness about the devastating effects of the illegal wildlife trade. Over 400 items were relinquished, but what happens to them afterwards?
Make a difference today.
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