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Oakland Zoo

9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, California

Description

The Oakland Zoo is home to over 800 animals and holds the largest wild animal veterinary facility in Northern California. It was established in 1922 and is managed by the Conservation Society of California (an NGO). Expect to find the 'usual' elephants, tigers, lions but also many native species (American bison, American black bears, California condors, bald eagles, mountain lions, etc.) along the 'California Trail' that can be accessed via a gondola.

Access & Transport

Located in the Grass Valley neighbourhood of Oakland, California Parking at the Zoo costs $10 per vehicle for General Admission guests The direct route to Oakland Zoo, Line 46, was temporarily suspended (at the time of this review). Line 46L is available on weekdays only, which drops off right outside the Zoo on Mountain Blvd. & Golf Links Rd. This line stops outside Oakland Zoo hourly, roughly between 6:45am and 8:00pm.

Instructions & Recommendations

Note: in the event of inclement weather, the Zoo and/or gondola may be forced to close

Meta review

Very solid online reviews, except for the food quality so you may consider BYO. Visitors enjoy the clean look and the fact that animals look well taken care of. The gondola ride is original and provides good views over Oakland and SF. There is a good range of animals with a focus on Africa and California and a few rides for kids near the entrance so perfect as a family activity.

Environmental & Social

The veterinary hospital is LEED-certified and the zoo has multiple rescue, rehabilitation and conservation programs both in California and internationally.

Conclusion

Oakland Zoo is a good 'mid-size' zoo, one of the best in California, and makes for an excellent family half-day excursion. The range of species is good but not top tier by international standard, and the conservation efforts are commandable even though keeping animals in enclosures is a real ethical issue.

Key positive

Green and spacious setting

Excellent family activity

Good conservation credentials

Key negative

Not very well connected to the public transport network

The concept of zoos is debatable

Suitability

Suitable for all ages and accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday10:00 - 16:00

Tuesday10:00 - 16:00

Wednesday10:00 - 16:00

Thursday10:00 - 16:00

Friday10:00 - 16:00

Saturday10:00 - 16:00

Sunday10:00 - 16:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
US$20
Adult
15 - 64
US$24
Child
2 - 14
US$20
Infant
0 - 1
US$0
Gondola ride is free with paid admission. Free for visitors 76 years and above

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