Things to Do at the Sacramento Zoo

The Sacramento Zoo is the perfect place for a family to spend some quality, fun time together. With a wide range of award-winning exhibits featuring over 600 animals, there is a lot to do at the Sacramento Zoo.

Currently, the zoo is home to a variety of exotic animals including lions, monkeys, giraffes, snakes and more! Along with seeing exotic animals, there are other extra experiences you can enjoy for an additional fee. The Sacramento Zoo is committed to helping animals and conservation efforts around the world. A quarter from each additional experience you participate in is donated to wildlife conservation! Enjoy a variety of additional experiences like:

  • Zoo Train – This family-friendly electric powered train runs during good weather and includes zoo information while you enjoy your ride.
  • Conservation Carousel – Enjoy a ride on the handcrafted wooden carousel that features 32 lifelike animals.
  • Giraffe Encounters – If you want to get up-close-and-personal with a giraffe, including feeding them a leafy treat, participate in the Giraffe Encounter.
  • Serengeti Cyclone – If you want to feel the power of high-speed winds, jump into this fun and immersive experience near Kampala Cafe.

From seeing a lion face-to-face to a range of entertaining public programs, you and your family will never be bored at the Sacramento Zoo!

Fun for the Entire Family

When you will arrive at the Sacramento Zoo, you will quickly discover there is a lot to see and do. If you are hungry, purchase food at Kampala Café or Savannah Snacks. Each offer a variety of foods, from hamburgers to ice cream and more! If you are looking for souvenirs, stop by the Zoofari Market for a range of unique gifts. You and your family can also capture the memory in the photo booth! If you have young children, you can enjoy much more than just seeing the animals. Consider a ride on the train and Conservation Carousel. There is also a playground and safari jeep for the youngest of visitors.

If you like to avoid crowns, plan your visit to the zoo on a non-holiday Monday, Saturday or Sunday morning. You can also find the zoo less crowded most weekdays after 1 pm. When looking for animals, check for sunny areas during winter months and shady areas during hot weather. Sometimes you will need to be patient, but you will likely find them! Please note that the zoo does not allow feeding of the animals. This is because the exotic animals have very specific diets and nutritional needs that must be followed to ensure their health.

History of the Zoo

Originally known as “the little Zoo in the park,” the William Land Park Zoo was opened in 1927 when the City of Sacramento brought together a wide assortment of animals from local parks. At this point, the zoo was only 4.2-acres and was home to 40 animals including monkeys, birds, deer, raccoons and other various small animals. By 1970, the zoo adopted the name “Sacramento Zoo.” That same year, the Zoo expanded to include the Docent Education Program and the Reptile House. Today, the zoo is proud to cover 14 acres and offer 600 plus exotic animals for visitors to enjoy and learn about.

Over the years, the role of the zoo has changed dramatically with the focus shifting from showcasing as many animals as possible to creating a fun and recreational experience that focuses on the providing for the well-being of the animals as well as education for visitors. Zoos really have three very distinct purposes:

  • Education
  • Conservation
  • Recreation

The Sacramento Zoo is proud to inspire young and old minds with fun and educational experiences, as well as respect and conservation efforts for the exotic wildlife found here. If you are looking for a wonderful way to spend the weekend with your family, the Sacramento Zoo is the way to go!

Win 4 Tickets to the Zoo

The Demas Law Group, P.C., wants you and your family to have a fun-filled day at the zoo on us! We are happy to offer 4 Sacramento Zoo tickets in our latest giveaway. To enter, simply post on our Facebook page! The winner will be announced on May 29, 2015. Good luck!