The San Francisco Zoo and Gardens is a staple of the Bay, with nearly a million people visiting it a year and home to over 2,000 animals. 

Celebrating its 95th anniversary, the city looks back at its rich history and its mission to not only have a caring environment for its animals and plants, but also connect people to wildlife that they haven’t gotten before. 

The history of the zoo started in 1866 when Robert B. Woodward opened Woodward’s Gardens and though it was closed three decades later in 1890, it reopened in the Sunset in 1929, and was given the official name The San Francisco Zoological Gardens. Ever since then, the Zoo has been giving people fond memories. 

Jordan Davis ’04, a RSP Instructor said, “I have fond memories of visiting the zoo on school trips and with my family, especially when my children were babies.”

The Zoo has also not only helped animals live a safer life, it has also helped nature in a way that only the SF Zoo can. 

Mary Ryan, the longest serving employee of the Zoo commented, The Zoo helps to educate the public in many ways and we have conservation programs here. Restoring frogs to their natural habitat, and did you know that until recently we had greatly helped increase the Bald eagle population?”

The animals themselves at the zoo have also touched many different people. 

Zeke Pfeffer ’24 said, “When I look into the enclosure, I see one of the gorillas already looking at me. It’s surprising that this animal, for its size and strength, is one of the most peaceful animals I can think of.”

Ryan said, “I recall when Penny (one of our Elephants) died, it was traumatic for some of us here who felt bonded in some way to her. I recall a little girl a few days later wanted to know where Penny’s grave was so she could put flowers on it. The zoo touches people in so many ways leaving “paw prints” on footprints on their hearts.”