Awards
Accreditation & Accolades
The award-winning Oakland Zoo has been recognized both regionally and nationally for its guest experience, animal welfare-focused habitat designs, conservation work, and more. Some notable achievements are below.
Accreditations and Accolades
- Oakland Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1988
- PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) endorses Oakland Zoo as a leader in captive animal welfare
Awards
2026
- Best Zoo, Aquarium or Nature Center, Bay Area Parent, Best Of 2026
- Best Place to Take the Kids, Oakland Magazine
- Best Summer Camps, Oakland Magazine
- Best Nonprofit Group, Oakland Magazine
- Best Place to Volunteer, Oakland Magazine
- Best Event Space, Oakland Magazine
- Best Animal Shelter or Rescue Groups, Oakland Magazine
2025
- 10 Best Zoos in the United States, Condé Nast Traveler
- Best Place to Take the Kids, Oakland Magazine
- Best Summer Camps, Oakland Magazine
- Best Nonprofit Group, Oakland Magazine
- Best Event Space, Oakland Magazine
- Top 5 Animal Shelter or Rescue Groups, Oakland Magazine
2024
- Best Zoo or Aquarium, Parents Press Magazine
- Best Amusement Park, Parents Press Magazine
- Best Animal Encounter Camp - Zoo Camp, Parents Press Magazine
- Best Nature and Outdoor Camp - Zoo Camp , Parents Press Magazine
- Top 27 Best Zoos in the US, U.S. News & World Report
2023
- Best Zoo, Best Summer Camps, & Best Birthday Party Venue, Parents Press Magazine
- Best Zoo, Aquarium, and Nature Center in the East Bay, Bay Area Parent Magazine
- Top 26 Best Zoos in the US, U.S. News & World Report
- Top 10 Best Zoo Exhibits (California Trail), USA Today Readers' Choice
2022
- Top 10 Best Zoo Exhibits (California Trail), USA Today Readers' Choice
- 24 Best Zoos in the US, TimeOut
- Best of Oakland (Nonprofit Groups, Summer Camps, & Winter Camps), Oakland Magazine Readers' Choice Awards
- 25 Best Zoos in the US, RoadAffair
- Best Local Family Entertainment & Best Zoo, Aquarium, and Nature Center in the East Bay, Bay Area Parent Magazine
- Best Zoo, Best Summer Camps, & Best Birthday Party Venue, Parents Press Magazine
- 25 Best Zoos in the USA for Families, Traveling Mom
- 17 Best Zoos in the US, The Family Vacation Guide
- 25 Best Zoos in the US, VacationIdea
2021
- Best Zoo Exhibit (California Trail), USA Today Readers' Choice
- Best Zoo or Aquarium, Best Animal Encounter Summer Camp, Best Holiday and Vacation Camp, Best Nature and Outdoor Summer Camp, Best Amusement Park (top 5), Parents Press Magazine
- 31 Best Zoos to Visit in the United States, WanderWisdom
- 45 Best Zoos in the US, AlwaysPets
- 33 Largest Zoos in the World Where You Can Spot The Rarest Fauna And Have Ultimate Fun in 2021, TravelTriangle
- 5 Best Zoos in the United States, California.com
- 19 Best and Biggest Zoos in the World, VickyFlipFlop Travels
- Best Light Show (Glowfari), Diablo Magazine
2020 and earlier
- Best 30 U.S. Zoos by U.S. News & World Report, 2019
- North America Conservation Award for our ongoing work to save the endangered California condor, Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), 2017