Friends of the Wild
Friends of the Wild ensure the wellbeing of Oakland Zoo’s resident animals, enable us to save wildlife locally and globally, and support meaningful community engagement and learning. Our closest circle of donors enjoy our most generous benefits, including free transferable daytime admission for four adults and four children. Giving starts at $1,000.
If renewing a Friends of the Wild gift, our team will connect your new donation to your existing membership and renew at the corresponding level.
Learn about the benefits of giving
$1,000+
$2,500+
$5,000+
$10,000+
$25,000+
$50,000+
$100,000+
Benefits for All Giving Levels
Any four adults, age 18 or older, and four children, age 17 and younger
Free year-round daytime admission and free parking with no advanced reservations required
For four individuals:
Summer Early Entry (Memorial Day–Labor Day)
Glowfari Lantern Festival
Gift Shop, ZooCamp, Education programs, and select special events, such as Glowfari
Discounted admission at over 125 zoos and aquariums nationwide
In Oakland Zoo's Impact Report
To special experiences, previews, and Friends of the Wild receptions throughout the year
Additional Benefits for Curator Level and Above
Zoo or Vet Hospital Tour
For up to four people so you can learn about the Zoo’s programs for animal wellbeing, conservation and rescue
Intimate Behind-the-Scenes Gathering
Invitation for up to four people to experience the level of care we provide our resident animals and rescued wildlife
While benefits may evolve occasionally, the spirit of our gratitude remains the same.
FAQ
How do I share my Friends of the Wild digital membership card?
If you want to share your membership card with a guest, you can do so directly from the digital card installed on your mobile device. You can also take a screenshot of your digital card including the QR code and send it to your guest via text message. They can then show the picture to the cashier for entry. We kindly recommend that Friends of the Wild members keep track of who is using their membership and when, since free daytime admission is limited to just four adults and four children per day. More helpful tips on digital membership cards including how to share them can be found here.
My Friends of the Wild donor membership benefits are transferable, do I need to accompany my guests to the Zoo?
As a Friends of the Wild donor, with your permission your guests may visit the Zoo in your absence without needing to show ID. Please ensure that your guests always bring proof of current Friends of the Wild membership, such as your membership card, a donation confirmation or Friends of the Wild welcome email. This will allow the entrance staff to verify your membership status and record your guests’ admission accurately. For all other questions about Friends of the Wild level memberships, please email impact@oaklandzoo.org, or call (510) 746-7158.
When will I receive my Friends of the Wild membership card? How do I prove my donor status without my membership card?
Friends of the Wild membership cards are sent digitally and should be received by email from Oakland Zoo within 10 days of gift receipt. For online donations, you will receive a confirmation email at the time of your gift. This will show that you have donated at the Friends of the Wild level and are therefore entitled to use the benefits immediately. When a donation confirmation or digital card email has not been received, we recommend checking spam, junk, or promotions folders, as they sometimes get sent there.
How do I join or renew a Friends of the Wild membership?
Annual donations totaling $1,000 or more allow you to enjoy exclusive Friends of the Wild benefits, such as free transferable daytime admission for any four adults and four children. Giving online is easy and secure. If renewing, our team will link your donation to your existing donor record and renew the Friends of the Wild membership at the level corresponding to your gift. More information, including other ways to give, can be found here.