About the Oakland Zoo
Spending the day at a zoo is enjoyable for anyone at any age. The Oakland Zoo is the only zoo to service Oakland and the surrounding areas. The Oakland Zoo offers many exhibits and many programs for people to explore. These include animals to see and classes to take. The Oakland Zoo is open seven days a week, 365 days a year.
HISTORY
The Oakland Zoo was originally called the Knowland Zoo. It was founded by naturalist Henry A. Snow in 1922, and its location has been moved multiple times, from Sequoia Park, Joaquin Miller Park and lastly, in 1939, to Durant Park. California purchased the land and in 1950 renamed the park to Joseph Knowland State Arboretum and Park. In 1999 the Oakland Zoo opened many new animal exhibits and an education center.
The Oakland Zoo is currently operated by the East Bay Zoological Society. Their mission statement is to "...inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience."
EXHIBITS
The Oakland Zoo has over 2,000 animals. These include monkeys, reptiles, bears and penguins among many others.
A few of the Oakland Zoo's exhibits include:
- Sika Deer
- Eland
- African Elephant
- Tule Elk
- Island Flying Fox
- Malayan Flying Fox
- Dama Gazelle
- Lar Gibbon
- Reticulated Giraffe
- Hottentot Teal
- Ibis, Hadada
- Ibis, Sacred
- Kookaburra
- African Spoonbill
- Swainson's Toucan
- American Alligator
- Emerald Tree Boa
- Red-Tailed Boa
- Nosy be Chameleon
- Frog, Panamanian Golden
LOCATION, HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
The Oakland Zoo is located at: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, CA 94605
You can contact the Oakland Zoo for general inquires at: (510) 632-9525
The Oakland Zoo is open 7 days a week 365 days a year from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.