Member Appreciation Month
It’s Member Appreciation Month at the Zoo
You are a valued part of our Oakland Zoo community, and we appreciate your support. Here's what you can look forward to this month.
ENJOY ON-SITE OFFERS & DISCOUNTS
Visit us throughout the month of September and enjoy member-exclusive discounts and offers.
- $5 off Rides Ticket Books! (Regularly $45, now $40 for Oakland Zoo members during September). Show your membership card at the Rides Area ticket booth to take advantage of this special offer.
- Sunrise Scientist – Nature Journaling! Visit the event page to register for this member-only program, hosted by our Learning & Engagement department through September on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:45AM – 10:15AM.
- PROUD MEMBER Stickers! Show your membership card at the entrance windows or Guest Services Kiosks to get yours while supplies last.
- Special Retail and Food Discounts! Proof of active Oakland Zoo membership required (digital card, PDF membership pass, or current printed membership card accepted). Show your membership card at the Gift Shop and select dining locations to take advantage of these special offers.
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- 20% discount on all qualifying retail purchases at the Gift Shop (regularly a 10% discount for members)
- $1 off popcorn, cookie, or cotton candy at Savanna’s Edge, Children’s Zoo Cart, Safari Café, Watering Hole, or Black Bear Cart (WEEKENDS ONLY)
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Exclusive Trading Card for Members
Have you started your Oakland Zoo Trading Card collection? If not, September is a great time to start with our member-exclusive Trading Card! Available only to Oakland Zoo Members in September at all entrance windows at the Zoo. Show your membership card and ask for a remarkable Western Pond Turtle Trading Card.
ENTER TO WIN A BEHIND-THE-SCENES EXPERIENCE!
We are excited to offer the opportunity for some lucky member families to win Behind the Scenes (BTS) experiences with our animal residents here at Oakland Zoo! During your BTS experience, you may get to see off-exhibit holdings or see animals closer than ever before.
- There are four free prize drawings (one drawing per week).
- Fill out each week’s form for your chance to win!
- You may enter to win each of the four experiences, but please only submit one entry per membership per weekly drawing.
- These experiences are pre-scheduled, so check your availability before you enter. Please only enter to win if you are sure you can attend.
- Minimum age requirements are for human and animal health and safety. Thank you for your understanding.
- See forms and information below for additional terms & conditions.
WEEK 1 - SUN BEARS
Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026
9:45AM–10:15AM
Make enrichment and place on exhibit!
(up to 10 attendees; 6+ age requirement; loud guests and crying children must be removed to avoid scaring the animals)
WEEK 2 - GIRAFFES
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
11:30AM–12:00PM
Feed Giraffes and learn about their care!
(up to 20 attendees; any age, but children under 2 must be held in arms the entire time; loud guests and crying children must be removed to avoid scaring the animals)
WEEK 3 - ZEBRAS
Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026
1:00PM–1:30PM
Go behind the scenes for a meet & greet with our Zebras and learn about their care!
(up to 10 attendees; any age, but children under 2 must be held in arms the entire time; loud guests and crying children must be removed to avoid scaring the animals)
WEEK 4 - TIGERS
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
11:30AM–12:00PM
Go behind the scenes to observe a tiger and learn about her care!
(up to 8 attendees; 6+ age requirement; loud guests and crying children must be removed to avoid scaring the animals).
SHOP AT THE COLUMBIA EMPLOYEE STORES IN RICHMOND OR UNION CITY AND SAVE BIG!
Oakland Zoo members are invited to shop at the Columbia Sportswear Employee Stores, September 1 – September 30, 2026 only! See the digital invitation for more information, store locations and hours, and terms & conditions.
What the Employee Stores have to offer:
- Exclusive EMPLOYEE discount, meaning items are marked with the Columbia Sportswear employee price (40% below regular retail prices)!
- Stores are stocked with current season products from Columbia’s family of brands - Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, SOREL, and prAna.
What to bring to access the Columbia Employee Stores in Richmond or Union City:
- The digital invitation (printed or shown on mobile phone)
- Your Oakland Zoo membership card, temporary pass, or email from membership@oaklandzoo.org with your membership details
- Personal photo ID
- This invite is valid for you + 4 guests (you must be present)
- This invite grants store access only (offer not valid online)
Reach out to richmondemployeestore@columbia.com with additional questions
ENJOY SPECIAL ACCESS TO FLOWER PIANO AT SAN FRANCISCO GARDEN!
September 10 - 20, 2026
San Francisco Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park
Flower Piano returns for its 11th year with 130 performances, 12 pianos, 11 days of music, and plenty of open play opportunities. Reserve the Zoox Lounge tickets for priority entry, special performances from local headliners, premium bars and food, and more.
Members: Use FP26OZ for 20% off Zoox Lounge tickets before checkout.
Learn more at Flower Piano 2026 - San Francisco Botanical Garden
Photo credit: Spiralworks Productions
Not an Oakland Zoo member? Learn how to become one here!