Sacramento Zoo

Last updated • 3 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
Sacramento Zoo
LWBSacramentoZoo.JPG
Sacramento Zoo
38°32′23″N121°30′14″W / 38.539605°N 121.504026°W / 38.539605; -121.504026
Date openedJune 2, 1927 [1]
Location William Land Park, Sacramento, California, United States
Land area14.3 acres (5.8 ha)
No. of animalsJust over 500(2012)
Memberships AZA [2]
Website www.saczoo.org

The Sacramento Zoo is a zoo located in William Land Park in Sacramento, California. It opened on June 2, 1927, with 40 animals. At that time, it occupied 4.2 acres (1.7 ha), which remained the case until the early 1960s when the zoo expanded to its current 14.3 acres (5.8 ha). As of December 2012, the zoo had just over 500 animals on site.

Contents

History

The zoo opened as the 4.2-acre (1.7 ha) "William Land Park Zoo" on June 2, 1927, with 40 animals brought together from various local parks, including monkeys, raccoons, birds, and deer. [1]

In 1948, the Sacramento Union newspaper sponsored a drive to raise money to buy the zoo an elephant. In the fall of 1949, SUE (the "Sacramento Union Elephant"), so named by local teenage sisters Jacklyn and Carolyn Bolton via a contest sponsored by the Union, arrived at the zoo, much to the delight of area visitors. In 1955, the zoo bought "Winky", Sue's companion. [1]

The Sacramento Zoological Society formed in 1958 to support and raise funds for the zoo as city funding began to dwindle. The year 1958 also brought along the start of the zoo's educational programming, at that time, one of only nine zoos in the United States to have such a program. In 1997, the society took over day-to-day operation of the zoo. [1]

The zoo was expanded to 14.3 acres (5.8 ha) in the early 1960s, with new habitats built in most areas of the zoo. In 1965, the zoo received its first grizzly bear and two orangutans, and began charging 25 cents for admission. The current name was adopted in 1970, along with the completion of the reptile house and the creation of a docent program. [1]

On April 6, 2007, an exhibit featuring six penguins opened to the public. The day prior, Mayor Heather Fargo and other guests were dressed in black and white to greet the new arrivals, who were on loan for the "one year bash". [3]

In 2009, the zoo started construction on a new barn and yard for their giraffes. The old wooden barn was demolished and replaced with a much more spacious, heated barn. The new barn includes a breeding facility with many large stalls for current giraffes and their calves. The Tall Wonders giraffe habitat has a pavilion for visitors to get an eye to eye view of the giraffes. The new facility opened on February 12, 2010.

In 2011, brought along the grand opening of a new river otter exhibit, complete with glass that enabled visitors to walk up to visitors and interact with the very sociable North American river otters in their naturalistic habitat. [1]

In September 2014, the zoo opened Small Wonders of Africa with aardvarks, Wolf's guenon, red-billed hornbill, and other creatures.

The zoo is working on replacing its current Reptile House with a Biodiversity Center. [4]

In November 2018, zoo officials have explored the possibility of moving the zoo to the former ARCO Arena site in Natomas, citing the need for more space and the constraints of their current location; however, the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association controls the arena site and have conflicting plans to build a mixed-use development on the site. [5] 35 acres (10 hectares) of the former ARCO Arena site were donated to California Northstate University to build its new medical center. [6]

In June 2020, a red panda named Amaya gave birth to her second cub at the Sacramento zoo. [7]

In 2024, it was announced that the Zoo would leave the Land Park area and relocate to the suburban community of Elk Grove, about fifteen miles south of the current location, where it would be able to occupy a much larger space with improved facilities. [8]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Houston Zoo</span> Zoo in Houston, Texas, United States

The Houston Zoo is a 55-acre (22 ha) zoological park located within Hermann Park in Houston, Texas, United States. The zoo houses over 6,000 animals from more than 900 species. It receives around 2 million visitors each year and is the second most visited zoo in the United States, surpassed only by the San Diego Zoo. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The zoo has been operated by the non-profit corporation Houston Zoo since 2002, and was previously operated by the City of Houston.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buffalo Zoo</span> Zoo in New York, United States

Founded in 1875, the Buffalo Zoo, located at 300 Parkside Ave in Buffalo, New York, is the seventh oldest zoo in the United States. Each year, the Buffalo Zoo welcomes approximately 400,000 visitors and is the second largest tourist attraction in Western New York; second only to Niagara Falls. Located on 23.5 acres (9.5 ha) of Buffalo's Delaware Park, the zoo exhibits a diverse collection of wild and exotic animals, and more than 320 different species of plants. The zoo is open year-round.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Montgomery Zoo</span> Zoo in Montgomery, Alabama, United States

Montgomery Zoo is a 40-acre (16 ha) zoo located on the north side of Montgomery, Alabama. The zoo is an independent city department, and is supported in part by The Montgomery Area Zoological Society. It is home to approximately 750 animals representing 140 species. After not renewing their Association of Zoos and Aquariums membership in 2013, the zoo opted to remain accredited solely by the Zoological Association of America. The Mann Wildlife Learning Museum opened in January 2003 and serves as the administration building. The museum features taxidermy displays with a focus on native wildlife, game species, and wildlife management.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Detroit Zoo</span> Zoo in Oakland County, Michigan, United States

The Detroit Zoo is a zoo located in the cities of Huntington Woods and Royal Oak in the U.S. state of Michigan. Spanning 125 acres (50.6 ha), it houses more than 2,000 animals and more than 200 different species. The zoo was the first U.S. zoo to feature bar-less habitats, and is regarded to be an international leader in animal welfare, conservation and sustainability by the Detroit Zoological Society.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seneca Park Zoo</span> Non-profit organisation in the USA

Seneca Park Zoo is a 20-acre zoo located in the city of Rochester, New York, US. The zoo is home to over 90 species including mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish, and arachnids. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The zoo is operated by Monroe County, with support from the Seneca Park Zoo Society. The zoo opened in 1894 in Seneca Park.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riverbanks Zoo</span> Zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden in Columbia, South Carolina, United States

The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a 170-acre (69 ha) zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden located along the Saluda River in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. A small portion of the zoo extends into the nearby city of West Columbia. It is operated by the Rich-Lex Riverbanks Park Special Purpose District, a partnership of the city of Columbia and Richland and Lexington counties. It is overseen by the Riverbanks Park Commission, comprising two members each from the three governments and one at-large member.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore</span> Zoo in Baltimore, Maryland, US

The Maryland Zoo — also known as The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and formerly as The Baltimore City Zoo or the Baltimore Zoo — is a 135-acre park located in historic Druid Hill Park in the northwestern area of the City of Baltimore, Maryland, with the postal address of 1876 Mansion House Drive. Druid Hill was opened in 1876 as the first major park purchase by the City under Mayor Thomas Swann (1809-1883), and was later designed by famed nationally-known landscaper Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abilene Zoological Gardens</span> Zoo in Texas, United States

The Abilene Zoo is a 16-acre (6.5 ha) zoo located in Abilene, Texas. The zoo has over 800 animals representing over 175 species. Attendance for 2021 was 255,000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franklin Park Zoo</span> Zoo in Boston, Massachusetts, United States

The Franklin Park Zoo is a 72-acre (290,000 m2) zoo located in Boston, Massachusetts and is currently operated by Zoo New England, which also operates the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Massachusetts. The zoo is located in the northeast portion of Franklin Park, Boston's largest park and the last component of the city's famed Emerald Necklace.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henry Vilas Zoo</span> Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin

Henry Vilas Zoo is a 28-acre (11 ha) public zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, United States, that is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Owned by Dane County, the zoo receives over 750,000 visitors annually.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Little Rock Zoo</span> Zoo in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States

The Little Rock Zoo was founded in 1924 and is located in Little Rock, Arkansas, United States. It is home to more than 400 animals representing over 200 species, and covers an area of 33 acres (13 ha). The Arkansas Zoological Foundation is a private 501 c (3) organization that raises funds for zoo development. The Little Rock Zoo is a department of the city of Little Rock. It is the largest zoo in Arkansas, and the only Arkansas zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Birmingham Zoo</span> Zoo in Birmingham, Alabama, United States

The Birmingham Zoo is a zoological park that opened in 1955 in Birmingham, Alabama, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zoo Knoxville</span> Zoo in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

Zoo Knoxville, formerly known as the Knoxville Zoo or Knoxville Zoological Gardens, is a 53-acre (21 ha) zoo located just east of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, United States, near exit 392 off Interstate 40. The zoo is home to about 1,200 animals and welcomes over 585,000 visitors each year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caldwell Zoo</span> Zoo in Tyler, Texas

The Caldwell Zoo is an 85-acre (34 ha) zoo located in the city of Tyler, Texas. It features animals from all over the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fresno Chaffee Zoo</span> Zoo in California, United States

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a zoo in Roeding Park in Fresno, California covering 39 acres and housing over 190 species. Its attractions include Stingray Bay, Dino Dig, Valley Farm, Sea Lion Cove, African Adventure, and Ross Laird's Winged Wonders Bird Show. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rosamond Gifford Zoo</span> Zoo in New York, United States

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park is an AZA zoo in Syracuse, New York. It is owned and operated by Onondaga County Parks with support from the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. The zoo is home to more than 900 animals representing 216 species on 43 acres (17 ha). Some of the more popular animals include Asian elephants, Humboldt penguins, Amur tigers, a Komodo dragon and the only Giant Pacific octopus exhibit in Central New York. The zoo opened a new Animal Health Center in 2022 that is the largest zoological medical center in New York state outside of the Bronx Zoo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greenville Zoo</span> Zoological park in South Carolina, U.S.

The Greenville Zoo is a zoo in Greenville, South Carolina, which opened in 1960.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium</span> Zoo in Kansas City, Missouri, United States

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is a 202-acre (82 ha) zoo founded in 1909 and is located in Swope Park at 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, Missouri, in the United States. The zoo has a Friends of the Zoo program to help promote the work of the zoo which sees over one million visitors a year. The zoo is home to nearly 1,700 animals and the aquarium has around 8,000 animals. The zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Milwaukee County Zoo</span> Zoo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

The Milwaukee County Zoo is a zoo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operated by the Milwaukee County Parks Commission and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo averages about 1.3 million visitors a year. The zoo houses 3,100 animals from 350 species and covers an area of 190 acres (77 ha). The zoo is noted for the second birth of polar bears and siamangs in captivity and for their locally famous gorilla Samson, who lived from 1950 to 1981 and whose bones are now on display at the Milwaukee Public Museum. During World War II, a celebrity animal of the zoo was Gertie the Duck and her ducklings. The zoo is also home to one of the largest group of bonobos in one location outside their native Democratic Republic of the Congo, and has two cheetahs from the National Zoo in Washington, DC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virginia Zoological Park</span> Zoo in Norfolk, Virginia, United States

The Virginia Zoological Park, commonly known as the Virginia Zoo, is a 53-acre (21 ha) zoo located adjacent to Lafayette Park in Norfolk, Virginia, United States. The zoo opened in 1900, and was accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 1987.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "History". saczoo.org. Sacramento Zoo. Archived from the original on 5 March 2011. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
  2. ↑ "Currently Accredited Zoos and Aquariums". aza.org. AZA . Retrieved 12 January 2011.
  3. ↑ It's a Penguin Party last accessed April 7, 2007.[ dead link ]
  4. ↑ "Biodiversity Centre first phase in total transformation of Sacramento Zoo". blooloop.com. June 19, 2017. Retrieved August 22, 2022.
  5. ↑ "Sacramento Kings Release Plans For Site Of Sleep Train Arena". KOVR-TV. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  6. ↑ Bizjak, Tony; Finch, Michael II (June 18, 2021). "New use for Sacramento's Sleep Train Arena site revealed: 'A hub of innovation'". The Sacramento Bee. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  7. ↑ "'Robust and active' — Sacramento Zoo shows off pictures of red panda born last month". The Sacramento Bee. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  8. ↑ "'Sacramento Zoo leaving Sacramento permanently after 97 years". SFGate. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.