San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
Museums, Historical Sites, and ZoosCalifornia, United States201-500 Employees
The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is a mid-sized cultural institution in San Francisco, California, functioning as a museum, historic site, and zoo. Its mission aims to connect visitors with wildlife, foster care for nature, and advance conservation action, reflecting its urban setting and conservation focus. The venue houses more than 1,000 animals across nearly 250 species, amid gardens that contain about 800 plant species and 140 tree species. The zoo features notable animal exhibits and public spaces, including the Leanne B. Roberts African Savanna, Hearst Grizzly Gulch, the Lipman Family Lemur Forest, Penguin Island, the Jones Family Gorilla Preserve, and the Fisher Family Farm; it also preserves historic attractions such as a 1921 Dentzel Carousel and a 1904 Little Puffer train, along with Elinor Friend Playground with multiple biomes. In early 2026, Cassandra Costello was appointed CEO and executive director, and the facility is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.