SAN DIEGO ZOO

SAN DIEGO ZOO
2026 FACT SHEET

WHAT: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two leading wildlife parks: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance integrates wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions. With a focus on the interconnectedness of the health of wildlife, people, and the ecosystems we share, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance aims to drive conservation outcomes benefiting both people and the planet. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance partners with hundreds of communities and organizations worldwide to address conservation challenges using innovative strategies. The Alliance synergizes skills honed at the Zoo and Safari Park with experience in the field to inspire and catalyze conservation action on behalf of wildlife, working toward a world where all life thrives. 

The San Diego Zoo is a 100-acre wildlife park that is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals representing over 680 species and subspecies. Located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park, the Zoo is also an accredited botanical garden and arboretum, caring for more than 700,000 individual plants, including a prominent assemblage of close to 13,000 specimens representing 3,100 species. Guests are invited to take part in exciting educational experiences and create lasting memories while supporting San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation efforts worldwide. 

The San Diego Zoo is proud to be an AZA-accredited institution, a prestigious designation awarded by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This accreditation recognizes the park's commitment to the highest standards of wildlife care, conservation, education, and research. 

LOCATION: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 

NEWEST HABITAT: In 2024, the San Diego Zoo welcomed giant panda pair Xin Bao and Yun Chuan to their new home. The expansive, reimagined Denny Sanford Panda Ridge habitat is four times larger than the previous panda habitat. The refreshed and expanded habitat takes inspiration from the breathtaking, lush landscapes in and around the giant pandas’ native habitats in Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces in China.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCES*: 

• Animals in Action gives guests an opportunity to meet many of the Zoo's wildlife ambassadors. This interactive adventure offers a unique opportunity to meet and learn from the dedicated wildlife care specialists who care for incredible wildlife every day. Some wildlife are unique to this experience and can only be encountered by attending Animals in Action.
• Inside Look tours are entertaining and educational adventures offering guided views and fascinating information about how the Zoo cares for wildlife. Zoo experts will escort groups to a variety of locations to see wildlife up close and share stories of wildlife care and conservation. This tour includes special experiences at two different habitats that showcase the Zoo’s world-famous wildlife and can include areas not accessible to the public.  
• The Early Morning with Pandas Walking Tour offers an exclusive, guided, early-morning stroll through the Zoo to Panda Ridge, where guests will learn about panda care and conservation at the Zoo. It ends with an opportunity to experience the giant pandas before Panda Ridge opens to other guests. 
• During the Discovery Cart Tour, guests are introduced to the incredible animals and plants thriving at the San Diego Zoo. As guests sit back in the comfort of an expedition cart, a knowledgeable guide will share stories about the wildlife we have the honor of caring for and how San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation work is making an impact worldwide. 
• The Bear Crawl Walking Tour is an ages 21 and up experience where guests are invited to sip on beer or wine and take a guided stroll through the Zoo to connect with fascinating bears and learn about their care and conservation. 
• The Exclusive VIP Experience is guests’ key to habitat areas, wildlife experiences and the very best in personalized service. The Zoo’s team of professionals will customize each guest’s visit to suit their individual needs and interests. Guests can spend up to seven hours exploring the Zoo with a personal tour guide and enjoy a sit-down lunch. The Exclusive VIP Experience tour requires advance reservations (minimum 72 hours).  

*Special experiences are subject to change and availability. Admission is separate and required. See sandiegozoo.org/upgraded-experiences for more information. 

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES*:

• Wild Weekend: Asia 
  Feb. 21-22, 2026 
  Discover fun activities for the whole family and be inspired by the conservation work you make possible through our Asia Conservation Hub. Guests are invited to learn how we’re making a difference for vulnerable and endangered Asian wildlife, including Sumatran tigers and giant pandas.  

• Wild Weekend: Amazonia 
  April 18-19, 2026 
  Discover the vibrant wildlife of the Peruvian Amazon with engaging activities and educational opportunities highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity. Guests will connect with wildlife and the critical conservation efforts they make possible across our Amazonia Conservation Hub.

• San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew
  May 2, 2026 
  This annual fundraiser for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance features gourmet cuisine; wines and beers from San Diego's finest eateries, brewers and vintners; wildlife encounters; and live entertainment. Please note this is a ticketed event.   

• Nighttime Zoo 
  May 22-Aug. 9, 2026 
  Nighttime Zoo offers visitors a different perspective of the Zoo. The summertime experience includes later operating hours and special live performances from a variety of entertainers, but our wildlife continue to steal the show.   

• Rendezvous In The Zoo (R∙I∙T∙Z) 
  June 13, 2026 
  This black-tie fundraiser benefits San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation efforts at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park and around the globe. The event features dining and dancing under the stars, as well as an auction, wildlife encounters and live entertainment.  Please note this is a ticketed event. 

• Wild Weekend: African Forest 
  Sept. 19-20, 2026 
  Central Africa’s forests are biodiversity hotspots vital to the overall health of our planet — and home to unique and intriguing wildlife, including critically endangered gorillas. Guests will swing into immersive activities and discover how they make a difference through our African Forest Conservation Hub.  

• Kids Free  
  Oct. 1-31, 2026 
  Throughout the entire month of October, children ages 11 and younger receive free admission. Kids Free month gives young wildlife allies an opportunity to visit the Zoo and learn about Earth’s wildlife and the conservation efforts underway to save them.

• HalGLOWeen 
  Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October 2026 
  This seasonal celebration is included with Zoo admission as part of Kids Free month. The colorful and glowing extravaganza gives guests the chance to enjoy fun seasonal activities and Halloween-themed entertainment. 

• Wild Weekend: Oceans  
  November 7-8, 2026 
  The health of our oceans is vital to the health of our planet and all who share it, and we’re working to protect these immense ecosystems through our Oceans Conservation Hub. Guests will dive into all they make possible for oceans and marine life while enjoying interactive experiences and fun surprises for the whole family.  

• Jungle Bells  
  Dec. 18, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027 (except Dec. 24) 
  The Zoo will be aglow with holiday cheer and decorations, with music filling the air, joyful roaming entertainers and special food items and sweets.  

**Subject to change. Certain dates not included, and times may vary. Visit sandiegozoo.org for full details. 

NOTABLE DINING:

• Busy Bee Café features an array of chef-inspired menu items, including  honey corn dogs, double trouble burgers, pizza and wings, plus Family Meal portions of pizza and more.
   
• Albert’s Restaurant, located in the Lost Forest in the heart of the Zoo, provides full-service dining featuring chef-curated plates, a patio with a private waterfall and a full bar.  
   
• Front Street Sweet Shack, the Zoo’s dessert destination, offers hand-crafted shakes, sundaes and chicken strips, among a variety of other sweet treats. It is located on Front Street across from the Reptile House. 

HOURS*: Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours seasonally.  

ADMISSION*:

• 1-Day Pass (includes one visit to the San Diego Zoo, Guided Bus Tour, Skyfari® Aerial Tram and all regularly scheduled experiences.)
• 2-Visit Pass (includes one visit to the San Diego Zoo and one visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park or two visits to the San Diego Zoo or two visits to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Two total visits by the same person on any and all days.)

****Prices and ticket packages are subject to change and availability. For pricing and information, visit sandiegozoo.org/tickets. 

MEMBERSHIP: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s large membership base is vital in helping our nonprofit organization make a difference for wildlife around the globe and build a world where all life thrives. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance offers a variety of individual and household memberships with options and benefits based on the level of choice, ensuring everyone can become Wildlife Allies. 

EVENTS: The San Diego Zoo offers beautiful outdoor and indoor spaces with sweeping vistas and lush, wooded areas that provide exceptional settings for any event, from birthday parties and high school proms to weddings and anniversaries. By scheduling an event — large or small — at one of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s two conservation parks, guests are not only selecting a unique and memorable venue, but also contributing directly to support conservation efforts protecting wildlife around the world. Learn more at events.sandiegozoo.org. 

PARKING: For information, see sandiegozoo.org/plan-your-visit 

PHONE: 619-231-1515

CONTACT:
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance 
Public Relations 
619-685-3291 
publicrelations@sdzwa.org   
sdzwa.org 

About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships and groundbreaking efforts at the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, both leading zoological institutions and accredited botanical gardens. Through wildlife care expertise, cutting-edge science and continued collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. The Alliance reaches over 1 billion people annually through its two conservation parks and media channels in 170 countries, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television, available in children’s hospitals across 14 countries. Wildlife Allies — members, donors and guests — make success possible. 

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