A clean and beautiful stretch of the Arroyo Viejo Creek runs through the Oakland Zoo grounds, secretly flowing under the entrance road to the Park. The Arroyo Viejo Creek Restoration Project began with a mission to repair damaged and neglected stream areas by preventing bank erosion, increasing stability, and improving habitat for creek wildlife.

Done in partnership with the California Coastal Conservancy, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and the City of Oakland Measure DD Bond, the project was completed in early 2007. The goal was to increase native plant species, wildlife habitat and public access along with creating outdoor classrooms near the creek banks.

In November 2008, the Oakland Zoo was honored to host the ChimpanZoo Conference, a sponsored program of the Jane Goodall Institute. Holding this event at Oakland Zoo is significant because twenty years ago, dedicated Oakland Zoo docents and education staff members joined Dr. Jane Goodall, keepers and scientists from nearly a dozen states in an endeavor to improve the lives of captive chimpanzees through research, education, and enrichment. The relationship created a bond that has lasted more than two decades.

The Oakland Zoo is actively involved in saving Western Pond Turtles. On Monday, August 10, the Oakland Zoo and Sonoma State University researchers released 22 Western Pond Turtles back into the wild. Click here to see photos and learn more.  

Elephant Seismic Communication How does an elephant know to avoid a hungry lion pride to the west from miles and miles away? They have friends who call them with the 411, dialing direct to their feet. The elephants at the Oakland Zoo are taking part in the research of this extraordinary communication technique right on zoo grounds.