Catch an exciting train through the Australian outback, watch giraffes eat their dinner and see majestic African elephants at this family-friendly zoo.
Listen to the call of chimpanzees, gibbons and magnificent tropical birds as you wander through the lush rainforest in Oakland Zoo. Bring the family to the Wayne and Gladys Children’s Zoo, where kids can explore play areas and meet lots of exciting animals. Visit during the zoo’s feeding time to watch giraffes, elephants, meerkats and alligators get their meals.
Oakland Zoo dates back to 1922, but had several different homes before settling in its current site in Knowland Park. The zoo encompasses 40 hectares (100 acres) of land and features over 650 animals. Oakland Zoo prides itself on closely reproducing natural animal habitats in its exhibits and enclosures.
Stop by the African veldt to see giraffes, elands and Egyptian geese exploring their wide, open enclosure. Continue on to the African savannah to see groups of lions and hyenas and a herd of elephants. The African Savannah Café offers drinks and snacks, as well as fantastic views of the zoo’s majestic animals. Learn about traditional life in select African cultures at the replica African village.
Explore the rainforest to find chimpanzees, gibbons and other primates swinging through the trees. See tigers and peer through the trees to see the bright plumage of several tropical birds. Children will love the Wayne and Gladys Children’s Zoo. At this zoo, kids can come face to face with farm animals like sheep and goats, as well as learn about bugs and amphibians. The Outback Express Adventure Train will delight as it courses through the Australian habitat. Spot emus and wallaroos from aboard the fun-filled train.
For an educational exhibit, visit the California Project. Find information about this region’s native flora and fauna and the zoo’s conservation efforts with condors, pumas and western pond turtles at this exhibit.
Oakland Zoo is situated within Knowland Park, in Oakland’s east. A small fee is charged for parking. The zoo is open daily year-round but is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
