Every year at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an exciting one, full of promise and possibilities. Whether it’s our vital conservation efforts around the world, or thrilling adventures at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, there’s always something to look forward to. Now, the stars are aligning to show us what 2026 holds.
Find out what’s in store for you this year, plus inspiration you can take from some of the wildlife we protect and care for every day. No matter what the future brings, with allies like you by our side, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
It’s time to start a fresh new year with some fresh energy. Go forth and explore your world with confidence, and view your surroundings with a new perspective. The polar bears we care for at the Zoo are doing just that, experiencing the reinvigorated Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge starting in February. And as we celebrate all things ursine with Janu-beary on social media, you’ll be seeing your world through an exhilarating new lens.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
You embody strength and reliability as you greet the world, and your gentle influence is worthy of celebration in 2026. Like an African elephant, you walk through life with powerful strides and a wealth of experience, making you a leader in your environment. As we celebrate the opening of Denny Sanford Elephant Valley at the Safari Park on March 5, harness the same grace and know-how as the herd, and make your mark wherever you go.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Just like a monarch butterfly, metamorphosis is your keyword this year. This is your chance to reboot: take the time to collect yourself in your cocoon, and when you’re ready, reemerge in a new form. Change is a natural part of life, so don’t be afraid to build your wings and learn how to fly. And if you’re looking for some inspiration from the metamorphosis experts, visit Butterfly Jungle at the Safari Park this spring to see some proud pollinators in all their glory.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
You may have gone through some difficult times in your life, but hope is on the horizon. Take the Pacific pocket mouse for instance: they were once thought to be extinct in their native Southern California habitats. However, thanks to our collaborative conservation efforts, their populations are once again on the rise. Even when things seem dark, hang in there, because a brighter tomorrow is waiting for you.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
No matter where you go this year, your community has your back. You’re like the meerkats at the Zoo: whether you’re snuggled in your burrow or scampering about in the sun, you’re always an important part of the group. Your contributions make a difference to those around you, no matter what community means to you, and just like a meerkat sentinel on watch, someone is always looking out for you.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Don’t call it a comeback! Just like the California condor, you’re thriving anew in the new year. These large vultures were nearly wiped out by habitat loss, poaching, and lead poisoning by the mid-20th century. We worked with partners on innovative conservation breeding programs, and now hundreds of condors are soaring across the Southwest once again. Nothing can ruffle your feathers, so get ready to face the year with your head (and beak) held high. You may even be able to see some California condors yourself when you visit Nighttime Zoo this summer.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Take a deep breath, clear your mind, and commune with the natural world this year. Whether traveling to a far-off locale or to the park down the street, nature will help you find peace and wellbeing. The giant pandas we care for at the Zoo, Xin Bao and Yun Chuan, continue to explore the dynamic bamboo groves, pine trees, and rock formations at Denny Sanford Panda Ridge. As they thrive in their lush environment, you’ll thrive in yours too. Check in with them anytime on Panda Cam, and help us celebrate the anniversary of California Panda Day at the Zoo on August 8.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
It’s time to shed your skin in 2026. Snakes like boas must molt to get bigger, leaving a layer of old skin behind to allow room for growth. The same goes for you: break free of what’s past and slither forward as the all-new you. Whether it’s the boas at the Zoo and Safari Park, or those we protect through our Southwest, Amazonia, and African Forest Conservation Hubs, these resilient reptiles show you what it means to get bigger and better as you go.
Libra (September 23 – October 22)
This year is all about forward momentum for you, and no wildlife knows that better than orangutans. They certainly know how to stay steady as they zip from one tree to the next. In fact, their arms are longer than their bodies, and they have strong fingers and toes, which make grasping branches a breeze. Like the orangutan troop we care for at the Zoo, keep swinging forward through 2026, and it will become second nature in no time.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Your 2026 is about putting down roots. Find your power by keeping grounded—the stronger your foundation, the higher you can grow. Bamboo’s structure and solidity actually provide the support needed to be flexible to the elements, a lesson that will keep you steady as you thrive throughout the year. And this fall, you can put the “boo!” in “bamboo” when you visit HalGLOWeen at the Zoo all October long.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Enter 2026 loud and proud! Focus on finding your voice this year and speak your heart with courage and conviction. Just like Barong, the young Sumatran tiger at the Safari Park, you may still be learning how to make yourself heard. Keep trusting the voice inside you, and you’ll be roaring through life. During Wild Holidays in November and December, you may even be able to connect with Barong as you both discover the power of your growl.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
No one is quite like you, so celebrate all that makes you special. Axolotls know something about being unique: these salamanders keep their juvenile characteristics into adulthood, develop both lungs and gills, and range in color from white and pink to golden and even multicolored. Your distinctive traits are what make you shine, so don’t be afraid to embrace them and swim through your year with a smile. And be sure to say hello to these amphibians when you visit the Zoo during Jungle Bells in December and early January.
No matter what sign you are, you’re a star in the constellation of wildlife allies helping us create a world where all life thrives. Find out how you’re supporting our vital work through our eight global Conservation Hubs.
