All Aboard for the Zoo!

(All plaques reserved as of March 20th)

For decades, families have made cherished memories riding Oakland Zoo’s express train to Wild Australia. We are excited to announce that this coming May, Oakland Zoo is launching a brand-new electric locomotive, powered by the Fremont Bank Foundation. This new all-electric train will further Oakland Zoo’s sustainability efforts to reduce harmful emissions, benefiting our guests, the planet, and all the animals that call the Zoo home.

Join our Conductors Circle

For a limited time only starting March 5, join our Conductors Circle and support Oakland Zoo and our ongoing efforts to improve animal habitats. With a gift of $5,000 or more, donors will receive exclusive naming recognition* with a plaque on one bench of an electric train coach.

Don't Wait, Availability is Limited

Key Dates

Naming opportunities are available first come, first served, click here to join our conductors circle. Only 20 standard plaques will be publicly available for donations of $5,000 or more. And bringing up the rear, the last row or “caboose” that faces backwards will be available for a gift of $10,000 or greater. Donations must be received from a single donor household.

Commitments made by April 5 with approved inscriptions will guarantee plaque installation in time for the train launch in May (date to be determined), when donors will be invited to board the train for an exclusive ride on the electric train locomotive, powered by the Fremont Bank Foundation.

Receive Special Access

In addition to a custom named plaque, donors will receive special access on a date of their choosing to have unlimited rides for four people on all Zoo rides, a donor exclusive train ride in May, and recognition in Oakland Zoo’s Annual Impact Report. Please note that gifts to the All Aboard for the Zoo campaign do not qualify for a transferable Zoo membership or other benefits provided to Friends of the Wild for their annual support.

Naming Terms

*The naming term is for 10 years or the life of the coach, whichever is longer. All plaques are 2.5” tall by 15” wide. Oakland Zoo will approve and style the custom inscription on one of three plaque designs, examples above. Inscriptions are limited to 130 characters and will be formatted by Oakland Zoo to fit donor’s intent as closely as possible. Inscriptions may not include profanity or messages that do not align with Zoo values of animal welfare and conservation. Oakland Zoo will determine the placement of the plaque on the bench as well as the sequence of plaques along the coach. Oakland Zoo’s standard recognition policy for physical naming opportunities can be viewed here.