From the plains of Africa to the Amazon rainforest, the Sacramento Zoo is home to more than 140 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles worldwide.
Specializing in exotic and endangered species, the zoo is involved in several global conservation projects. It hosts a variety of educational programs on its 14.5-acre property in William Land Park in Sacramento, California. Visitors of all ages will be impressed by the extensive roster of animals, which includes lemurs, zebras, red pandas, and snow leopards, to name a few.
Sacramento Zoo Day Trip guests will experience no shortage of color with creatures such as poison dart frogs, pink flamingos, and the rainbow-colored giant day gecko of Madagascar.
The zoo also provides an opportunity to experience the unique sounds of some of the world’s more vocal animals. The thunderous roar of the male lion and the charming hoots and chuckles of the Laughing Kookaburra create an atmosphere that is truly out of the ordinary.
For the best animal viewing, guests should arrive early or choose a day when the temperature is cold. The animals are less active in the heat and may retreat inside their enclosures when the weather is warm.
Crowds are minimal in the winter, but fewer programs and activities exist. The Wildlife Stage Show is a fun, educational animal presentation in the zoo’s amphitheater. The show occurs most days in the summer but is typically reserved for weekends the rest of the year.
One of the most popular attractions at the zoo is the Giraffe Encounter. For a small fee, guests may feed the giraffes a small portion of their favorite tree branches, referred to as “browse.”
Zoo staff provides the browser, which can be purchased at the Tall Wonders viewing deck five minutes before each scheduled encounter. Giraffe encounters occur twice daily but are subject to change, cancellation, and, occasionally, the disinterested mood of the giraffes.
Giraffes are not likely to bite, so children of all ages are welcome to join the fun. Guests may not pet the giraffes. Participants are limited to one food portion per person, and tickets can sell out.
Keeper Chats are a fun way for visitors to get an up-close and personal look at some of the zoo’s residents. Previous Keeper Chats have included a mongoose, anteater, pelican, and other critters. Keepers give short presentations, and children are allowed to ask questions. Keeper chats are generally offered in the late spring and summer only.
Volunteer docents can be found throughout the zoo, offering fun facts and conducting small demonstrations. Take a spin on the Conservation Carousel or hop on the zoo’s train for a little extra fee. A photo booth pressed penny machine, and the Zoofari Market gift shop allows visitors to pick up a souvenir to suit almost any budget.
Kids looking for an even more in-depth experience are encouraged to participate in a day camp or career class. Day camps teach children about animals at the zoo through fun activities, games, and crafts.
Those living in Sacramento or nearby areas may wish to become zoo members to receive exclusive discounts on entry fees, event tickets, concessions, and more. The zoo has two eateries with several meal choices, including burgers, veggie burgers, fries, and ice cream treats.
Additional picnic areas can be found outside William Land Park’s zoo. Visitors can exit and reenter with a hand stamp. Smoking is not allowed on zoo grounds.
Neighboring Funderland and Fairytale Town are also part of William Land Park and are just a short walk from the zoo entrance. The Sacramento Zoo is open daily except for some holidays.
As a rule, the Sacramento Zoo doesn’t offer discounts or coupons except for zoo members. AAA Auto Club members can get $3.00 off when they show their card. Zoo tickets are very affordable and are a bargain compared to other Northern California attractions.