Oakland Zoo Celebrates ‘Oaklanders Discount’ First Day Through Measure Y

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Oakland, CA – February 8, 2023… Today marks the official launch of an ‘Oaklanders Discount’ on Zoo admission for all Oakland residents. The discount marks the fulfillment of Oakland Zoo’s promise to Oakland residents with the passing of Measure Y – a ballot measure in Oakland that passed last November with 63.07% of the vote.

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As of today, Oakland residents will now receive a 25% discount on admission to the Zoo, with no restrictions or black-out dates.

In addition to subsidizing the discount, funding from Measure Y will go toward modernizing and upgrading the Zoo facilities, improving animal care, expanding the Zoo’s capacity for rescuing wildlife, providing more educational opportunities for children, expanding free community access, and ensuring financial resilience for the Zoo.

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“We are very grateful to our Town for their support in passing Measure Y; this enables and empowers us to dramatically increase our future impact with our Oakland community,” says Nik Dehejia, CEO of Oakland Zoo.

In celebration of the day, the Zoo was joined by Sheng Thao­— Mayor of Oakland, TrevaReid— District 7 Council Member & the Oakland Roots SC. The Roots were the first Oakland guests at the Zoo and were welcomed by Sheng Thao, Treva Reid, and Oakland Zoo’s CEO Nik Dehejia.

“Now, visiting the Oakland Zoo will be even more affordable for Oakland residents. I was proud to support Measure Y, and it's great to see the Zoo so quickly implement this voter-passed initiative. With a 25% discount to residents, there is no better time to see all our animal friends,” said Sheng Thao, Mayor of Oakland.

Access to animals and nature is vital in the greater urban community, where nearly 19 percent of residents live at or below the federal poverty line. The Zoo’s focus on improving accessibility for the community will go beyond just a discount to the Zoo. Revenue from this measure will enable the Zoo to provide free admission to 10 percent of its annual attendance to low-income families and students in Oakland.

“I am grateful to the voters who passed Measure Y for all Oakland residents to benefit from discounted admission to explore our beautiful zoo with increased access to the educational programs and events. I am especially thankful for Nik Dehejia's leadership, working with our office and District 7 residents who proposed numerous opportunities—including reduced admission—and expanded community partnerships being implemented,” said Treva Reid, District 7 Council Member.

For more information on the Oaklanders Discount, please visit oaklandzoo.org/tickets

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