History

Henry A. Snow, recognized as a naturalist and collector, establishes the Oakland Zoo in downtown Oakland.

Zoo moves to Sequoia Mountain Park—currently known as Joaquin Miller Park.

The Alameda County Botanical and Zoological Society forms as a support organization for the Zoo. Eventually, renamed the East Bay Zoological Society.

Oakland Zoo moves from Joaquin Miller Park to Durant Park (current location).

Durant Park becomes the Joseph Knowland State Arboretum and Park honoring Mr. Knowland's efforts in securing the land for recreational use.

New elephant habitat for Effie, the elephant, becomes the first significant construction for the Zoo.

The Baby Zoo opens designed for guests to meet and greet baby animals.

The City of Oakland gives the Society the responsibility of managing the entire Park and Zoo.

William Penn Mott, Jr., becomes Director of the Society, leading the Zoo into a new era of growth and development.

Joel J. Parrott, DVM, becomes Executive Director, implementing a 6-phase development plan over the next 20 years to completely renovate the Zoo.

The Zoo's Education Department finishes construction. Providing school and community groups with on-site classes and a ZooMobile outreach program.

Oakland Zoo receives accreditation from the Association of Zoo and Aquariums.

The Zoo completes "Mahali Pa Tembo", meaning the Place of the Elephant, nationally recognized for its natural elephant habitat setting.

New Gibbon Island provides a spacious, lush island for white-handed gibbons.

African Lion habitat "Simba Pori" (Swahili for "Lion Country") opens, providing a 1.5-acre natural savanna and woodland setting.

Malayan Sun Bear habitat completed becoming one of the largest sun bear habitats in North America.

African Savanna area opens, highlighting eighteen animal species and over seventy-five plant species from South and East Africa.

The 17,500 square-foot Maddie's Center for Science and Environmental Education opens. Providing new opportunities for indoor and outdoor education throughout the Zoo.

New Main Entrance and pavilion opens including new gifts shop, restaurant, and upgraded guest entryway to meet the demand of growing attendance.

Wayne and Gladys Valley Children's Zoo catered to the young inquisitive mind is completed. The most extensive renovation and construction in the Zoo's history.

Oakland Zoo launches Zoo-to-Community, to provide free and discounted Zoo admission and transportation to qualified schools and organizations.

Arroyo Viejo Creek restoration project commences, intending to continuously remove non-native species through the creek clean-up program and create outdoor classroom spaces.

Baboon Cliffs opens featuring a cascading waterfall, climbing structures, and spacious area for the baboon troop to roam.

Australian-themed “Wild Australia” features wallaroos and emus accessible only via the Outback Express Adventure Train.

“Quarters for Conservation” launches, challenging guests to actively participate in conserving wildlife by casting their vote to decide which project will receive their donation.

State-of-the-art, 17,000 square foot veterinary hospital, opens becoming the largest wild animal veterinary facility in Northern California.

Oakland Zoo Biodiversity Center opens, serving as a breeding, research, and education facility devoted to the conservation of endangered wildlife.

The Steve and Jackie Kane Condor Recovery Center opens specifically designed to treat large endangered and injured birds.

The East Bay Zoological Society is renamed the Conservation Society of California reflecting the Zoo's evolving purpose and mission in its commitment to conservation.

The ADA-accessible, all-electric gondola opens to transport guests to the California Trail.

Oakland Zoo unveils a long-awaited 56-acre California Trail focussing on California's rich biodiversity and native wildlife.

Nik Dehejia becomes the newest CEO of Oakland Zoo.

Oakland Zoo celebrates Centennial Year. The future is bright at Oakland Zoo. We have big dreams and plans that will transform the Zoo and put us on the map as one of the most recognized Zoos in the country, especially for our humane treatment of animals and worldwide conservation efforts.