About Oakland Zoo

Our vision: A flourishing planet where people and wildlife thrive together.

Our mission: Oakland Zoo deepens connection with animals, saves wildlife, and inspires champions for the natural world.

Oakland Zoo was established on June 6, 1922, when the Oakland institution, then known as The Snow Museum, officially opened to the public.‍

As one of the city’s most long-standing institutions, we are nationally recognized as an animal welfare, rescue, and conservation leader. We have served as a place of wonder and discovery for millions.

Our commitment to animal care is evident in many ways – through our groundbreaking work in animal management practices and the large, naturalistic, species-considerate habitats for animals.

Our work extends well beyond the Zoo. With over 25 wildlife conservation partners globally, we take pride in providing funds to support their programs and efforts to save wildlife. Through our partnership with the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, we accept, rehabilitate, and re-home wildlife rescued from wildfire and human-wildlife conflict. This includes over 25 mountain lions, 35 California condors, eight bears, and over 600 frogs across three yellow-legged species.

As a proud Oakland institution, we are also involved in our community, offering free and discounted education programs to schools, supporting other non-profits, and offering free and discounted admission to underserved families and children. 

You can learn more about Oakland Zoo’s commitment and accomplishments in our annual Impact Report, and read more about our multi-year strategic plan here.

Awards and Accolades


"How wonderful to be here in a zoo that is doing so much to protect and restore the natural world."

-Jane Goodall

“...Oakland Zoo has long prioritized common sense and welfare, and PETA looks forward to continued collaboration on improving the welfare of captive wildlife across the U.S.”

—Brittany Peet, Esq., Director, Captive Animal Law Enforcement, PETA Foundation


Oakland Zoo is managed by the Conservation Society of California (CSC), a non-profit organization leading an informed and inspired community to take action for wildlife locally and globally.