Palm oil is in many products, from crackers to soap. The oil palm plant grows mainly in Borneo and Sumatra, home to tigers, sun bears, elephants and orangutans. Sadly, the industry poses a threat to these species, as much of it uses deforestation practices that greatly threaten their delicate habitat. As the oil palm can produce more oil per acre than any other plant, it is worth exploring a sustainable means of growing it.

The Oakland Zoo offers a variety of events throughout the year. Join us for Earth Day (April), Celebrating Elephants (May), or Discovering Primates (September). We also host the Conservation Speaker Series, a series of adult lectures that focus on current conservation issues around the world. Click Here to see our calendar.

Got an old cell phone? Recycle it with Eco-Cell. By doing so, toxic waste is kept out of the landfill, the refurbished phone benefits people in need, and you're helping gorillas in the wild. And when you bring your old cell phone to the Oakland Zoo Rides Area ticket booth, you get a FREE ride on the train.

Your purchases at a variety of businesses including Safeway and Chevron can help the Conservation Fund at the Oakland Zoo! A portion of the sale will automatically be donated.

When you donate a dollar at the gift shop, food stands or Zoo entrance, you support our current conservation programs. Or, drop your change in the Conservation Parking Meters in the Zoo or the Wishing Well in the Maddie's Center for Science and Environmental Education Building lobby.

Do you know the difference between native plants and non-native plants? Come to the Arroyo Viejo Creek at the Oakland Zoo and learn about plants. Grab your gardening gloves and help clean up the creek.