Oakland Zoo Awards, Accreditations and Accolades

The award-winning Oakland Zoo has been recognized both regionally and nationally for its guest experience, animal welfare-focused habitat designs, conservation work, and more. Some notable achievements are below.

Oakland Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1988
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) endorses Oakland Zoo as a leader in captive animal welfare

Awards

2024

Best Zoo or Aquarium, Parents Press Magazine
Best Amusement Park, Parents Press Magazine
Best Animal Encounter Camp - Zoo Camp, Parents Press Magazine
Best Nature and Outdoor Camp - Zoo Camp , Parents Press Magazine
Top 27 Best Zoos in the US, U.S. News & World Report

2023

Best Zoo, Best Summer Camps, & Best Birthday Party Venue, Parents Press Magazine
Best Zoo, Aquarium, and Nature Center in the East Bay, Bay Area Parent Magazine
Top 26 Best Zoos in the US, U.S. News & World Report
Top 10 Best Zoo Exhibits (California Trail), USA Today Readers' Choice

2022

Top 10 Best Zoo Exhibits (California Trail), USA Today Readers' Choice
24 Best Zoos in the US, TimeOut
Best of Oakland (Nonprofit Groups, Summer Camps, & Winter Camps), Oakland Magazine Readers' Choice Awards
25 Best Zoos in the US, RoadAffair
Best Local Family Entertainment & Best Zoo, Aquarium, and Nature Center in the East Bay, Bay Area Parent Magazine
Best Zoo, Best Summer Camps, & Best Birthday Party Venue, Parents Press Magazine
25 Best Zoos in the USA for Families, Traveling Mom
17 Best Zoos in the US, The Family Vacation Guide
25 Best Zoos in the US, VacationIdea

2021

Best Zoo Exhibit (California Trail), USA Today Readers' Choice
Best Zoo or Aquarium, Best Animal Encounter Summer Camp, Best Holiday and Vacation Camp, Best Nature and Outdoor Summer Camp, Best Amusement Park (top 5), Parents Press Magazine
31 Best Zoos to Visit in the United States, WanderWisdom
45 Best Zoos in the US, AlwaysPets
33 Largest Zoos in the World Where You Can Spot The Rarest Fauna And Have Ultimate Fun in 2021, TravelTriangle
5 Best Zoos in the United States, California.com
19 Best and Biggest Zoos in the World, VickyFlipFlop Travels
Best Light Show (Glowfari), Diablo Magazine

2020 and earlier

Best 30 U.S. Zoos by U.S. News & World Report, 2019
North America Conservation Award for our ongoing work to save the endangered California condor, Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), 2017