Oakland Zoo Closed — Effective Tuesday, March 17

‍Oakland, CA – March 16, 2020…In accordance with Alameda County’s order for residents to ‘shelter in place’ for the well-being of public and staff related to COVID-19precautionary measures, Oakland Zoo will be closed Tuesday, March 17 and remain closed until the order is lifted.

“We are committed to the effort to reduce the transmission of COVID 19 to our community, our staff, and our visiting public. One of our core values at Oakland Zoo is of compassion, and our taking care of each other. Health safety for all is a priority for us. This is a stressful time for all with many unknowns. We look forward to welcoming back our staff and visitors at the earliest opportunity possible.” Dr. Joel Parrott, President & CEO, Conservation Society of California — Oakland Zoo.

Staff able to work remotely will do so. Animal Care and Veterinary Hospital staff will continue to be onsite for ongoing routine care and management of the more than 750 animals at Oakland Zoo, while practicing precautionary measures such as social distancing and hand washing as advised by the California Department of Health. Essential staff needed to maintain grounds and other systems will also remain onsite with the aforementioned precautionary measures in place.

Animal Care staff and Veterinary Hospital teams are in touch with zoonotic disease specialists to ensure our animals are protected from any health risk. At this time, there have been no reports of animals inhuman care or wildlife becoming infected due to human contact with COVID-19.

Nature and wildlife-based education programs that can be enjoyed and practiced at home are being now developed by Oakland Zoo’s Education Department and will be offered through the Zoo’s website in the coming days.

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For more information, go to our FAQ page.

Contact:  

Erin Harrison

Oakland Zoo

eharrison@oaklandzoo.org

Cell: 415-601-1619

Isabella Linares

Oakland Zoo

ilinares@oaklandzoo.org

Cell: 650 – 776 -9589

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ABOUT OAKLAND ZOO AND THE CONSERVATION SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA:

Oakland Zoo, home to more than 850+ native and exotic animals, is managed by the Conservation Society of California(CSC); a non-profit organization leading an informed and inspired community to take action for wildlife locally and globally. With over 25 conservation partners and projects worldwide, the CSC is committed to conservation-based education and saving species and their habitats in the wild. Oakland Zoo is dedicated to the humane treatment of animals and is accredited by theAssociation of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the national organization that sets the highest standards for animal welfare for zoos and aquariums.

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