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The Oakland Zoo is committed to providing the best animal care and species specific habitats for all of our animals. In the wild animals are always using their senses to detect potential danger or food in their surroundings. In an effort to replicate these natural behaviors animals are introduced to different smells, sounds, textures, and tastes. These sensory stimulating objects are called enrichment items. Look for these items next time you visit.
Our African Savanna is located in the lower Zoo, past the gondola station, just behind the giraffes. Here you’ll find an enormous four-acre area enclosure for our amazing elephants, a spacious tree-filled enclosure for our lions, two aviaries filled with beautiful birds and mammals, and an expansive home for our zebras.
A transformational project that furthers our commitments to animal care, education, and conservation, California Trail provides a chance to interpret one of the great stories of change in California and emphasizes the role of humans in shaping the ecology of the San Francisco Bay Area. Through live native animal and plant habitats, the Zoo highlights the delicate balance between plants, animals, and humans, and the impact of change on all three. From casual visitors to serious students and scientists, all can join in the effort to nurture and create a better California.
Our ADA-accessible, all-electric, eight-passenger gondolas transport guests on a four-minute ride, from the main Zoo, up and over the rolling hills of Knowland Park to California Trail. There, at 650 feet above sea-level, the gondolas arrive at the 3-story Kaiser Permanente Visitor Center, which houses The Landing Café.
The hillside between the lower Zoo and California Trail is a protected site preserving native plant habitats for local wildlife, including the endangered Alameda Striped Racer snake. Volunteer to help care for Knowland Park and learn why native plants are vital to healthy ecosystems.
Along the Trail you can learn how to carry your experience home. Interactive learning will encourage further understanding and inspire visitors to join conservation efforts here in California.
Pause to reflect on the breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and seven Bay Area counties. See how the region has evolved since the California Trail animals ruled the land.
The Landing Café offers chef-inspired cuisine and breathtaking views. The menu features hand-tossed pizzas, artisan burgers and sandwiches, and gourmet salads, and the observation deck provides panoramic views of six Bay Area counties.
Children learn through play. In this expansive outdoor space, children can run, jump, slide, hide, spin, soar, and build in five play zones inspired by the different ecological zones that the California Trail animals call home.
Located near the lower entrance of the Zoo, the Wayne and Gladys Valley Children’s Zoo encourages children to learn through exploration and play.
Discover and follow animal footprints as they meander through the Zoo; where will they lead? Dig in the sand alligators; what will you find? Quietly search the Reptile and Amphibian room; what will you hear? Watch the otters swim and play in the Otter Den, see what it feels like to crawl through a tortoise shell, hop across the Lily Pad Pond, uncover ancient life-sized fossils, and cross the wooden rope bridge to see the lemurs relaxing in the sun. Don’t forget to stop by the play structure and climb on the spiderweb.
Visit the Petting Yard and gently pet the goats and sheep.
HoursAs you make your way through the zoo have an experience like no other. Meet one of our staff or docents while they bring around small animals for you to have an up close encounter!
Find out what’s on the stage of the Clorox Wildlife Theater! You may find a live animal encounter, Zoo Trivia hosted by our Teen Wild Guides, or a fun family performance to sit and enjoy.
While exploring and playing in the Children's Zoo, you might see teens roving with animal artifacts or stationed near an animal. These amazing volunteers are our Teen Wild Guides and they've got interesting animal facts to share with you!
This is your welcome gateway to Oakland Zoo. Here you'll find our gift shop, Tuskers restaurant, and of course, the fabulous flamingos and spoonbills! Formerly Flamingo Plaza, this area was renamed Parrott Plaza in 2021 in honor of former Oakland Zoo President and CEO Dr. Joel Parrott, who retired in 2021 after 37 years at the Zoo.
The Tropical Rainforest region is home to animals including chimpanzees, white-handed gibbons, siamangs, cotton-topped tamarins, and squirrel monkeys. See several species of bird and reptiles, and our majestic tiger habitat complete with pond and waterfall.
Ever wonder why some of the enclosures have a river of water around them? Or, why the blue and gold macaws don't fly away? Some species, like our white-handed gibbons and siamangs, are not great swimmers. In the wild, they avoid crossing streams and rivers. In an effort to create the most natural space possible and keep them safe, the Oakland Zoo opted for a river instead of glass windows. It’s easier for you to view them, and it’s more natural for our animals. As for the macaws, we have taught them that spending time on their ever-changing cluster of trees is rewarding and safe. Because of this, we do not need to trim their wing feathers. The keepers join the macaws in their habitat multiple times throughout the day and offer them snacks, novel things to chew on, positive opportunities to interact, and other enrichment that makes their exhibit exciting all day long!
Australia is home to some amazing and unique animals. Here at the Zoo you will find emus, wallabies, and wallaroos roaming about. Want to see them? Jump on the Express Train (located in the Rides area), sit back, and relax as you tour Wild Australia.
From the Tiger Trek rollercoaster and the Conservation Carousel to the Oakland Zoo Express Train to Wild Australia, we have many rides that are tons of fun!
Unlimited Rides Wristbands available at $20 for General Admission & $15 for Oakland Zoo Members. Discounted ticket books available at $45 for 16 tickets.
Fly high like an eagle and glide like a condor in your favorite avian plane. Soar high, take in the view, and enjoy your flight!
Tickets: 1
Height Requirements: 36"-58"
Enjoy a leisurely ride with some of the world's most amazing animals on the Conservation Carousel. The "wildlife" you ride with need our help, and your ticket purchase goes to support endangered animals in the wild.
Tickets: 1
Height Requirements: Under 42" must be accompanied by an adult (Adults stand free when supervising child under 42'')
Take a trip back to 1922 through Oakland Zoo’s history before you make it to your final destination of Wild Australia. View wallaroos, wallabies, and emu from the train and enjoy the stunning views of the Bay Area.
Tickets: 2 (children under 2 are free)
Height Requirements: Under 48" must ride with an adult
Want to go fast like a cheetah, a gazelle, or even an ostrich? Race in style in your favorite speedster!
Tickets: 1
Height Requirements: Must be between 36"-54"
This ride will thrill kids and adults alike. Loads of twists, turns, and all around fun; this kiddie coaster will give you a roaring good time. Hang onto your tail!
Tickets: 1
Height Requirements: Children between 36"-48" must ride with an adult or be 48" or more to ride alone
Take a ride on the open air adventure chair! This classic 20-minute, round-trip ride gives you aerial views of animals and the Zoo. Please note: The Sky Ride is located inside the Zoo and requires entry into the Zoo.
Tickets: 2 (or $5)
Height Requirements: Children must be 16 and older and 58” or over to ride without an adult
Oakland Zoo actively supports conservation programs in California—and around the globe.
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