Conservation Society of California—Oakland Zoo Financials

The Conservation Society of California—Oakland Zoo is supported by private individuals, foundations, corporations, and memberships. Public support contributed 8% of the Zoo's 2023 operating budget of $27.34 million. Public support helps community accessibility to the Zoo, so all economic levels can experience the nature, wildlife, and educational engagement we have to offer.

Measure Y Update

On November 8th, 2022, a majority of Oaklanders voted to support Oakland Zoo by passing Measure Y. The public funding from Measure Y will enable us to improve our work in animal care and welfare, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and science-based educational programming for children—and also to substantially increase accessibility programs for Oakland residents and schools.

Unfortunately, a local taxpayers association is seeking to block Measure Y in court, and along with the City, we are currently in the process of defending the measure. Until a trial court ruling is issued, which we hope will be in 2024, and all appeals are resolved, the funds intended for the Zoo are in limbo. We are optimistic that the lawsuit will result in affirming Oaklanders’ support for the Zoo, enabling us to increase our positive impact for our Oakland community and implement our vision for a better future through our multi-year strategic plan.

‍In the meantime, we are doing as much as we can to keep our promises to the community.  In February of 2023, we moved forward with a 25% admission discount for all Oaklanders, and we also introduced our own access program, Bay to Zoo Tickets, which provides deeply discounted admission tickets to low-income Bay Area residents. We thank you for your continued support and invite you to review our detailed Investment Plan for use of the Measure Y funds here.