History
The San Francisco Zoo's history reflects over a century of transformation, marked by milestones in animal care, conservation, and community engagement. The story begins in 1856, during the Gold Rush days, when James Capen "Grizzly" Adams displayed grizzly bears in a basement at Clay and Leidesdorff Streets, a rudimentary ‘zoo’ reflecting San Francisco’s early fascination with wildlife. This fascination grew, leading to the opening of Woodward’s Gardens on 4 May 1866 by entrepreneur Robert B. Woodward, one of San Francisco’s wealthiest man who owed his fortune to the Gold Rush and silver mining. Located in the Mission District, Woodward’s Gardens included animals like sea lions, swans, and deer, offering San Francisco its first true animal exhibits before closing in 1890 as the city’s development encroached on the space.
In 1889, media magnate William Randolph Hearst, curious about the existence of California grizzlies, tasked reporter Allen Kelly to capture a live grizzly as proof. This led to the arrival of Monarch, a massive grizzly bear, who became a beloved figure at Woodward’s Gardens and later Golden Gate Park. Monarch’s image eventually inspired the bear on California’s state flag (read more). His presence sparked public interest in establishing a more formal zoo, a vision taken up by Herbert Fleishhacker, a local banker and philanthropist.
Fleishhacker officially founded what would become the Herbert Fleishhacker Zoo on 12 June 1929. He chose a 12-hectare site in southwestern San Francisco and quickly expanded it to 50 hectares. It was designed as part of a larger recreational area that included the Fleishhacker Pool - the largest (saltwater) swimming pool in the U.S.A., the Fleishhacker Playfield for picnics and recreation, the Mother's Building - a haven for women and their children, and an original Dentzel Carousel. Fleishhacker’s early Zoo featured animals relocated from Golden Gate Park, including zebras, monkeys, and elephants. The latter being Fleishhacker’s favourite species. In 1929, while on a cruise around the world, Fleishhacker met animal collector and hunter George Bistany in Manila. He commissioned Bistany to diversify the Zoo's collection and soon appointed him as the Zoo's first Director.
George Bistany obtained his considerable knowledge of animal husbandry as an animal collector and hunter, mainly in Asia. This knowledge made him the man suited for the job that awaited him, building exhibits, shelters and corrals for (exotic) species at the newly acquired site of Fleishhacker. He also needed to train the keepers in the care and handling of wild animals and birds, because they were used to taking care and feeding of a limieted array of species, hoofstock and hay-eating animals. So, when word reached San Francisco that Bistany had chartered a shipment of leopards, tigers, pig-tailed macaques, lions and elephants, people started to panic. The small Zoo had neither the facilities nor the expertise to care for these creatures. Bistany himself saved the day by personally overseeing the shipment, improvising cages and delivering impromptu lectures about the care of each species.
Bistany considered the well-being of the animals his top priority and took pride in the success of his breeding programmes. Cleanliness, in the kitchen, as well as in the hospital and exhibits – was his motto.
Fortunately, the Zoo was able to built its first major new exhibits and grew its infrastructure in the 1930s due to the depression-era Works Progress Administration (WPA) at a cost of $3.5 million. Under successive directors, including George Bistany and Edmund Heller, the Zoo expanded its animal collection and developed naturalistic enclosures inspired by conservation science. Bistany, the skilled animal handler, laid the foundation for modern animal husbandry practices, while Heller, a renowned zoologist, collaborated with architects, such as prominent San Francisco architect Lewis Hobart, to design WPA-supported habitats that better simulated animals' native environments. This resulted in the creation of iconic features such as Monkey Island, Lion House, Elephant house and innovative moated bear grottos. These spacious, moated enclosures were among the first bar-less exhibits in the U.S.A. Opening day for the new Fleishhacker Zoo was a festive occasion on 6 May 1940.
On 27 February 1941 the Zoo’s official name became the "San Francisco Zoological Gardens". This name change, proposed by founder Herbert Fleishhacker, was intended to give the Zoo a regional identity and elevate its status beyond a simple collection of animals. The addition of "Gardens" reflected an emphasis on creating a space that integrated naturalistic landscapes with animal exhibits, in line with emerging trends in zoological design that valued both aesthetics and welfare. Over time, the Zoo became commonly referred to as the "San Francisco Zoo", but the full name, "San Francisco Zoo and Gardens", remains part of its official identity, honouring its origins as a zoological garden and recreational space. Also in 1941, the Zoo received several acquisitions from the William Randolph Hearst private collection in San Simeon.
The Zoo's direction shifted in 1954 with the founding of the San Francisco Zoological Society, a nonprofit organization created to support and fund the Zoo’s growth. The Society more or less immediately exerted its influence on the Zoo, developing a master plan in 1956, as the zoo was falling in to a state of disrepair. The once modern animal exhibits at the Zoo were now outdated and deteriorating. Physically the Zoo remained in its original state for about forty years, and it took the Society until 1977 before it could commission the work to build three new habitats after receiving $2.5 million from the Department of Commerce's Public Works Act. The society’s contributions enabled new exhibits - thanks to generous donations from wealthy individuals - including the African Scene (1967), Koala Crossing and Primate Discovery Center (1985), and supported facilities like the Children’s Zoo (renovation in 1964) and a Zoo hospital (purchasing medical equipment in 1975). By the late 20th century, the Zoo had replaced small, sterile enclosures with open, naturalistic habitats that reflect the Zoo's expanded focus on conservation, education, recreation and research, while aiming at prioritizing animals welfare over simple display. The enclosures also conformed to the prescient vision of architect Lewis Hobart on naturalistic habitats in the 1930s.
An important moment came in 1993 when the Zoological Society took over management through a unique public/private Lease Partnership Agreement with the city. This led to dramatic improvements and rebuilt of exhibits throughout the Zoo. In 1994, the first major new exhibit was constructed – the Otter River, while over the next few years, new construction projects, exhibit renovations, and organizational improvements were achieved. But a pivotal turning point came in June 1997 when San Francisco voters approved the Proposition C $48 million Zoo Bond to rejuvenate the Zoo, and $25 million was raised privately to complement this Bond. This allowed for an extensive renovation that reshaped the western half of the Zoo, adding for instance the Lemur Forest, and included the restructuring of the entire entrance sequence, spacious new animal exhibits, and much-needed public facilities. More recently, the Zoo has focused on modernizing its exhibits and enclosures, responding to evolving animal welfare standards and visitor expectations.
Despite these improvements, challenges remain. In 2024 critiques highlight issues with aging infrastructure and welfare concerns, spotlighting the Zoo’s need to reconcile its historical legacy with the demands of contemporary animal care standards. The San Francisco Zoo continues to be a complex institution - one that has evolved from a simple grizzly bear attraction into a storied institution dedicated to conservation, animal welfare, and public education.
(Source: SFZoo website, accessed August 2013 and November 2024; several news sources such as San Francisco Chronicles, The San Francisco Standard, Local News Matters – Bay Area, and others, all accessed in November 2024; website Association of Zoos & Aquaria (AZA), accessed November 2024; A History of the San Francisco Zoo, compiled by Nancy R. Chan, published by the San Francisco Zoo, 2004)
Visit(s)
22.05.2013
After an early arrival I am one of the first visitors to enter the Zoo. It is still quiet, except for the call of the black howler monkeys. A great first impression.
The primate section is the first one to be explored. Instead of what is rather common in many zoos, at least in European zoos, the first enclosure after the entrance is not a pond with flamingos but a lemur exhibit. The public walks around this lemur forest with on one side at ground level a water-filled moat to separate them from the lemurs. On the other side there's a raised boardwalk where you can have excellent views on the free roaming lemur species (black, black-and-white ruffed, red ruffed and ring-tailed lemurs). The boardwalk also provides views on the lemurs' outdoor wire mesh cages that are connected to their indoor enclosures. Although I call them cages these exhibits still have a height of about 15 metres, which is considerable, but compared to the adjacent forest they look rather small. The Zoo claims that their Lemur Forest exhibit is the largest outdoor lemur habitat in the country and one of the only ones to give lemurs access to climb numerous large, natural trees throughout the exhibit. Well, the trees are large, indeed, and the animals are provided with additional climbing enrichment features to express their natural behaviour. Furthermore, for the lemurs' convenience during cold days infra-red lamps are provided at some platforms.
Compared to this the François' langur, black howler monkeys and lion-tailed macaques at the Primate Discovery Centre are worse off in their 25-30 m high enclosures. These 'cages' do not have much natural vegetation, though ample artificial enrichment features are available. All in all I am somewhat disappointed, especially because the great curassow (Crax rubra) - a ground dwelling bird, housed together with common squirrel, has a larger exhibit at its disposal than the black howler monkey.
The chimpanzee exhibit complex comprises an indoor enclosure and three small outdoor islands surrounded by dry moats. As you might expect these intelligent primates have access to several enrichment attributes, but unfortunately they have little space to roam around. Unlike the patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) outdoor enclosure which is a walled area containing a large undulating rough terrain with rocks and various shrubs (see also this video).
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Before getting to the Cat Kingdom, as the felid species section is called, you pass the North American river otter enclosure. It has a semicircle pool with viewing windows on two- thirds of its perimeter, and two small waterfalls. Only a small part of the exhibit consists of dry grounds without many enrichment features - I am wondering what the feeding enrichment consists of - and not many shelters. An interesting feature here is the nice and comfortable looking hammock, a kind of mattress.
The centrepiece of the felids section is the Lion House that opened in 1940, and not the best example of how a modern exhibit should look like. This building that contain the indoor enclosures for the Zoo's felid species is very spacious for the public but small for the cats. Some 'cages' lack high level platforms, the floors consist of coated concrete, and there's no bottom covering material whatsoever. All the cats have access to outdoor enclosures attached to the Lion House.
The fishing cats have a small but varied enclosure at their disposal with two small pools located in the front of the Lion House, on the right from the entrance. Although there are viewing opportunities all around except for the rear wall and the vegetation is minimal, the design of the enclosure provide many locations for the cats to 'vanish'.
The Sumatran tigers, 2 adults and a three month old cub born on 10.02.2013, have access to a semicircle 'amphitheatre' with a deep dry moat (at least 4 m deep) on the public's side. In addition, there's a window to separate man from tiger as well. Halfway the rocky wall of the moat there's a platform covered with straw, while there is no observation platform on the actual ground level. Two large trees - of which one facilitates the cats' scratching behaviour - and bamboo shrubs provide shade, while a very small pool can cool down one tiger at the time. The Amur tiger and African lions have an outdoor enclosure with a similar design, but they lack the platform halfway down the moat. In fact, the lions have no access to any platform or elevated part whatsoever.
The female snow leopard is housed in an environment that absolutely does not resemble its original habitat in the Himalayas. Nevertheless, the Zoo has a very good breeding track record, producing 42 snow leopards since 1958.
As part of their animal enrichment programme the cats are rotated into different yards. This change of environment expands the territory that they can explore and the scents from the other cats is very stimulating. But the cats rotate over enclosures that do not really provide effective hiding places or observation platforms (except for the snow leopard enclosure), which is disappointing I would say.
The Zoo keeps two species of rhino, both taking part in the AZA Species Survival Plan - the Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) and the eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli). Only the Indian rhino is housed in the Pachyderm Building, probably because in former days more animals would be allowed on the same amount of square metres as to modern standards. So, the black rhino can be found opposite the felids outdoor enclosures, on sandy soil without any interesting features that would make this enclosure stand out. The two specimens are kept in separate parts of this very dull environment. The next-door neighbour, the hippopotamus, has access to an absolute amazingly clean pool as if it has never been used. The pool, though, is only suitable for a bit of wading but not for swimming, which doesn't suit a zoo of this size.
On the other side of the Lion House, across from the entrance, the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) can be found on their penguin island with burrows created in a small hill. The Zoo's penguin colony is one of the most successful captive breeding colonies in the world, with 205 penguin chicks fledged since the old reflecting pool was renovated to accommodate penguins in 1984. So, the penguins take for granted that the basin surrounding their island is only very shallow, and doesn't let this disturb their breeding behaviour.
The first mixed species exhibit appears in the South America section (I skipped the mixed species African Region at the entrance and save it for the end of my tour), with capybara, greater rhea, black-necked swan, white-faced whistling duck and other birds. The exhibit also features giant-anteater but this species has a separate enclosure. From the bridge in the exhibit that is called Puente al Sur (Bridge to the South) you have excellent views on all the species. For the capybara this large enclosure must be heaven, though the pool could have been somewhat bigger for them to have a real good swim.
Following the footpath, crossing the railroad of the steam train 'Little Puffer' brings me to the Chacoan peccary enclosure that probably has additional temporary fencing to keep people on a distance, to have peace and quiet around the litter of piglets that recently has been born.
From the peccaries I walk to the Grizzly Gulch, in the North America section, with on my left hand Eagle Island which is situated in the lake that is part of Bear Country (see the Zoo map). The two bald eagles that occupy the island are unable to fly due to serious trauma. Both have been rescued and brought to SFZoo, in 1997 and 2012 respectively, when suffering serious wing injuries in the wild - the eagle that came to the Zoo in 2012 is missing its right wing. They seem at ease with the situation and besides walking around on the island they swim in the lake, according to the information panel.
The orphaned grizzly bear sisters that are born in Montana inhabit the first impressive enclosure [according to my notes] that I encounter at my tour so far (see video). It's large and comprises a large pool, a waterfall, a variety of undergrowth and several large natural trees. It looks natural, with a few window panes that let us see this natural world of the grizzlies. While the row of bear enclosures that follows look far more artificial with their moat on the visitor's side and lots of fake rock. For enrichment purpose the Zoo rotate its polar bears to allow the bears exploring each others scent and have them enjoy the change between grass and rocky grounds. It could be regarded as enrichment, but also as impoverishment because the enclosure with grassy ground cover lacks a pool. So, no pool for a polar bear! There's works ongoing, but it is not clear to me what the purpose is of the construction work. Let's hope it is for the benefit of the polar bears.
Returning to South America by just following the footpath, how easy can it be, I arrive at the SA Tropical Forest. This house, originally an aquatic birdhouse, has been a public works project built by unemployed people - as part of the Work Project Administration (WPA) - in the 1930s. It is now home to tropical birds, anaconda, turtles and frogs. The birds can freely fly around the building while only about one-third is assigned as aviary with trees and other type of vegetation. The other part of the building that is assigned to visitors is a clean concrete and tiled section which makes this a landscape immersion exhibit to be, so to speak. It is a walk-through aviary, but then again it is not, although close encounters with the free flying birds are possible.
The next-door pelican pond is absolutely beautiful and is a safe haven for pelicans injured in the wild. According the information panel the pelicans haven't been clipped but their injuries made amputation of part of their wing(s) necessary.
The Australian section offers, besides the cassowary, a mixed species exhibit with common wallaroo, red kangaroo, emu and eastern grey kangaroo, and a koala exhibit. The Koala Crossing, as it is called, is a nice exhibit with the inevitable Aboriginal marks and several small indoor enclosures and a large outdoor one. Like in other zoos the enclosures are bare and non-specific with floors and walls of easy to clean material. Koalas are not very demanding about their environment. As long as they get their hard to digest eucalyptus leaves they can express their normal behaviour everywhere, sleeping and doing nothing but digest the low-energy food source. California has thriving eucalyptus trees, so koalas could inhabit there, as their second home. Of the 600 species of eucalyptus, 50 are known to be eaten by koalas. Happily a dozen of their favourites grow in the California Bay area.
Then awaits the highlight of my tour, the African Region. It comprises the gorilla preserve, the African aviary and the African savannah. The latter covers 1.2 ha and is a modern landscape immersion exhibit with amazing features. Not only because the visitor is led via a tunnel to the centre of the area to a perfect viewing spot, but also because the enclosure provides, like in real nature, shelters ('creeps') where the small animals can hide or escape from the larger ones. The footpath gives the opportunity to watch the animals and the exhibit with its slightly undulating landscape from different angles. It is a mixed species exhibit that houses marabou stork, east African crowned crane, ostrich, plains zebra (Equus burchelli), reticulated giraffe, scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah), greater kudu and yellow-backed duiker.
The gorilla preserve is a large pit (about 8 m deep and 80 m diameter) with undulating grounds, rocks and trees. It is one of the largest gorilla enclosures in the country SFZoo claims, and it provides opportunities all around the pit to see the western lowland gorillas. Next, the African walk-through aviary is small but nice, with lots of vegetation and a small pond. It houses several critically endangered species of birds, such as Waldrapp ibis and hamerkop.
I ended my tour around the Zoo with the great African Region, which is a great mixed species and modern exhibit, but in general I think the Zoo could do better. Although, I really like the fact that they do not use all of the available space for animal enclosures, and let the visitors keep the feel that they walk in a park. In fact, the Zoo doesn't show its size already at the entrance. I started to realise how big this zoo is (50 ha) only after I passed the Lion House and headed for the Americas section. Nevertheless, part of the empty space could do wonders for some species and provide them with a larger and better environment. Especially the enclosures for the big cats, François' langur, black howler monkeys, lion-tailed macaques, birds and rhinos could be enlarged and/or enriched.
The grouping of the animal collection is partially according geographical regions (Africa, Australia, South and North America) at the 'edge' of the grounds while in the centre of the Zoo sections with primates, pachyderms and felids can be found. There's the odd exception, such as the black rhinoceros, hippopotamus and Magellanic penguin, but it is absolutely not just a random distribution of species across the site. So, the Zoo adapted well to the change of views and mission within the organised zoological community worldwide over the years. San Francisco Zoo runs several educational programmes for all ages, and in my view the grouping of its species collection has educational value as well, even if you just come to see the animals.
One last thing I would like to mention is the superb website of San Francisco Zoo & Gardens. The information about the Zoo's history and its current situation, including their animal collection, educational programmes and contribution to conservation programmes, is well-balanced, professional and accessible for adults and children as well, I think.
Gallery
Video
Patas monkey on a moving shrub
When the wind is moving the branches of the bushes this patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas), a ground dwelling monkey species, is not completely at ease anymore.
Black-and-white ruffed lemurs
A few shots of two playful black-and-white ruffed lemurs. They had been playing for a while already before I was able to get the camera running. My mistake.
Grizzly bears doing just about nothing
Nothing much is happening in this video of two orphaned Grizzly bear sisters, but the footage gives a slight impression of this bear enclosure. Of course it is much larger than can be seen in the video with several trees, a variety of undergrowth besides the large pool and waterfall.
More info
Monarch's tale
Monarch's tale
Monarch is thought to have been the last living wild grizzly bear in captivity in California. He was caught in the wild in 1889 as a result of a search requested by San Francisco Examiner media magnate, William Randolph Hearst. Hearst had a disagreement with one of his reporters, Allen Kelly, whether grizzlies still existed in California. Hearst believed the species was almost extinct in the wild and therefore ceased to exist in California. The wealthy media magnate ended the argument by challenging Kelly to go out and find one. Photographic proof would not suffice, Kelly had to bring the animal back alive. It would be a unique and marvellous gift to the San Francisco citizens.
After nine months in the San Gabriel Mountains of Ventura County, Kelly and the Examiner party lured an enormous grizzly into a log catch pen baited with honey and mutton on Mt. Gleason. They named the bear Monarch, after the old San Francisco Examiner, “the Monarch of the Dailies." They transported the last and largest captive California grizzly through eastern Ventura County to San Francisco by sled, wagon, and railroad, arriving on 3 November 1889 to joyous parades and front-page fanfare. A crowd of 20,000 gathered at the railway station in San Francisco to welcome Monarch.
He lived for 16 years at Woodward gardens, a private zoo in the Mission district. He then moved to the first city zoo in Golden Gate park. Monarch survived the 1906 earthquake and was a symbol for the rejuvenation of San Francisco. Much later (1953) he was used as a model for the grizzly bear on the California state flag. Although Monarch never set foot at the current location of SFZoo, he inspired Herbert Fleishhacker to pursue his dream of a San Francisco zoo at this location.
Living for 22 years in captivity, Monarch sired two cub. After he died in 1911, he was mounted and placed on exhibit at the DeYoung Museum's Natural History Museum. Moreover, his spirit lives on as a symbol of the City's understanding and commitment of sharing space with vanishing wildlife. Monarch remained in storage at the DeYoung until the curator retired. The mounted bear was then given to the California Academy of Sciences.
The grizzly bear is now extinct in the state of California.
(Sources: website SFZoo; information panel at 'Hearst Grizzly Gulch' enclosure)
Zoo details
Some additional information, such as contact details and involvement in breeding programmes.
Location
Directions
directions to San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
Address main entrance:
Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway
1 Zoo Road
CA. 94132
San Francisco
California
United States of America
public transport
Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation to get to the Zoo. When using the San Francisco Muncipal Transportaion Agency or Muni you receive a $1 discount off the price of admission. Within San Francisco, take the Muni L Taraval line outbound to the Zoo. Muni bus lines 23 and 18 also stop at the Zoo. Use the 511 Take Transit Trip Planner for door-to-door directions by entering your starting address and "SF Zoo" for your destination address and "San Francisco" for your destination city.
by bicycle
It is doable, although it can be a tough ride to get there. San Francisco is built in the coastal hills of the SF bay area, so you might be confronted with some steep hills. The distance you have to cover depends on your place of departure of course, but you could end up pedalling 15 km one way from city centre. Nevertheless cycling is supported by the City Council, and you will find several rental bike companies besides an online tool that gives you turn-by-turn biking directions for the Bay Area, Bike Mapper. You can select the shortest or flattest route and easily find your way around the city and region. There's plenty of space to park your bicycle near the Zoo entrance.
by car
It could well be that you want to use your polluting car to get to the Zoo, in that case the directions are:
Driving From the East Bay
Take the Bay Bridge to San Francisco
After crossing the Bay Bridge, take 101 South
Follow 101 South to the 280 interchange
Take 280 South to the Westlake District - John Daly Boulevard exit
Make a right onto John Daly Boulevard and continue to Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35)
Turn right onto Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35)
At the Skyline/Great Highway junction, turn left onto the Great Highway.
Get into the right lane and take the right turn into the Zoo Entrance on the Great Highway
Driving From the North Bay
Take the Golden Gate Bridge (Highway 101)
After passing through the toll plaza, merge into farthest right lane to take 19th Avenue - Golden Gate Park exit
After passing through the toll plaza, merge into farthest right lane to take 19th Avenue - Golden Gate Park exit onto Presidio Parkway.
Take a right onto Fulton Avenue
Take Fulton Avenue down to the ocean and turn left onto the Great Highway
Continue south on the Great Highway
Turn left onto Sloat Boulevard
Get in the right hand lane and turn right into the Zoo Entrance on Sloat Boulevard
Driving From the South Bay
Take 280 North to the Westlake District exit in Daly City. Continue going north (Junipero Serra Boulevard) to John Daly Boulevard
Turn left at John Daly Boulevard and continue to Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35)
Turn right onto Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35)
At the Skyline/Great Highway junction, turn left onto the Great Highway
Get into the right lane and take a right turn into the Zoo Entrance on the Great Highway
The parking lot has two entrances, one off of the Great Highway for people driving from the East Bay and South Bay, and one off of Sloat Boulevard at 47th Avenue for those driving from the North Bay.
Zoo map
Download the zoo map here.
