SFZS Presentation 050626

Connect, Care, ConserveSan Francisco Zoological SocietySF Zoo Presentation for BOS Budget & Finance CommitteeMay 6, 2026 History of San Francisco Zoo & Gardens•Established in 1929, the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is a 100-acre park. •SF Zoo is home to nearly 1,500 exotic, endangered and rescued animals representing more than 225 species, and seven distinct gardens full of native and unusual plants. •SFZS is comprised of 30 Board Members and 50+ Emeritus Board Members. There are approximately 180 full-time employees and ~100 docents. Who We Are•We are an education and conservation organization serving the San Francisco and beyond.•Our mission is to connect all people with wildlife, inspire caring for nature and advance conservation action. •We are proud to serve our community and we have a talented team of experts who care for our animals, visitors, gardens and habitats each day. Access Programs•San Francisco Resident Free Admission -the First Wednesday of the Month•The Museums for all Program allows guest to purchase up to 4 tickets for only $5 each just by showing their SNAP EBT card and matching ID. Since this January, 12,166 adults and 4,800 children have come to the Zoo under the program. •The Discover & Go program allows guests to check out free Zoo passes from their local library. Since August of 2025 2,578 adults and 1,373 children have enjoyed the program.•SFUSD Schools also get free field trips during the School Year. And Rec & Park is also given free access for their group and summer programs. •Non-SFUSD Schools receive a discount for field trip admission.•Discounted admission fees for SF residents and seniors.•Membership14,200 members, 46% SF households 2026 Discount Promotions•January – Kids Free All Month–Resulted in highest January attendance on record (~63,000)–Admission revenue exceeded prior year by 62.5%•March – Student BOGO Month–Attendance exceeded prior year by 31%•February Presidents Day Promotion and Free Student Admission–Students allowed free entry during teacher’s strike•May – Mother’s Day Weekend Promotion–All Admission only $5•June – Kids Free on Weekdays–Expecting weekend attendance levels during weekdays Volunteer & Education Programs Youth Jobs & VolunteersJobs:The Zoo has partnered with:–JCYC (Japanese Community Youth Council)–SFYouthworks–Enterprise for Youth•In collaboration with these organizations the Zoo has hosted over 30 paid interns over the past three years. Volunteers:•Every year the Zoo averages about 60 – 70 teen volunteers for our Leadership Fellows program. •The Zoo is celebrating our 50th anniversary of the Nature Trail Volunteer program, which works with youth ages 12-14 to provide education to the public about a particular animal or conservation initiative. •The Zoo also hosts volunteers and interns in other areas of the Zoo including Children’s Zoo, Insect Zoo, Conservation and Wellness and the Animal Rescue and Conservation Center.