San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo The San Diego Zoo is operated by the international non-profit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. https://SDZWA.org
(211917)

The 100-acre (40-hectare) Zoo is home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies, and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) empowers people from around the globe to support their mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships. SDZWA supports cutting-edge

conservation and brings the stories of their work back to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park—giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The work of SDZWA extends from San Diego to strategic and regional conservation “hubs” across the globe, where their strengths—via their “Conservation Toolbox,” including the renowned Wildlife Biodiversity Bank—are able to effectively align with hundreds of regional partners to improve outcomes for wildlife in more coordinated efforts. By leveraging these tools in wildlife care and conservation science, and through collaboration with hundreds of partners, SDZWA has reintroduced more than 44 endangered species to native habitats. Each year, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s work reaches over 1 billion people in 150 countries via news media, social media, their websites, educational resources and the San Diego Zoo Kids channel, which is in children’s hospitals in 13 countries. Success is made possible by the support of members, donors and guests to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, who are Wildlife Allies committed to ensuring All Life Thrives.

09/01/2025

Bleptember has officially begun 🫡

08/28/2025

A few of our favorite ASMRtists: ✨Galapagos Tortoises✨

08/22/2025

And this pint-sized porcupette's name is… PIQUITO! 🥁♥️

Thank you to everyone who voted to help name our teeny tot. Piquito (pee-KEE-toh) means "little point" in Spanish, absolutely fitting for this spunky little one’s collection of tiny, sharp quills.

Keep an eye out for Piquito and mama Gracie in some of the many educational offerings around the Zoo.

In what stands as one of the most challenging periods in recent memory for our San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance family, w...
08/19/2025

In what stands as one of the most challenging periods in recent memory for our San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance family, we share with deep sorrow the passing of Maka, an inimitable 30-year-old Western lowland gorilla, who left us this week surrounded by the wildlife care team who knew and loved him deeply.

When he was 5 years old, Maka was diagnosed with chromosomal abnormalities, but thrived under the dedication and skill of his wildlife health and care teams, exceeding expectations and living with grace and vitality for decades. Recently, he began experiencing brief seizures, prompting our team to monitor his wellness closely and schedule ongoing comprehensive evaluations. During this week's exam, Maka unexpectedly experienced a cardiac event. Despite the heroic and sustained efforts of our wildlife health and care teams, we lost our gentle giant.

Born at the San Diego Zoo, Maka was truly the heart of our bachelor troop. He guided his younger brothers, Ekuba and Denny, with patience and steadiness, a small-but-mighty leader who naturally took on the role of mentor and earned their respect and devotion. His brothers were given the opportunity to spend time with Maka after his passing—a poignant moment that reminded us once again that connection and loss are universal languages we all share.

Each of the over 12,000 wildlife at the San Diego Zoo touches our lives in immeasurable ways, and this has been an unimaginably difficult period for our wildlife health and care teams, who forge profound bonds with each individual in their care. We ask for your continued support and understanding as they navigate the complex journey of grief while maintaining their unwavering commitment to all the wildlife under their stewardship.

Maka's legacy lives on through the conservation work he helped advance and the countless guests who came to understand the intelligence and gentleness of Western lowland gorillas through knowing him. His quiet leadership and enduring spirit will always be remembered.

Today, we are also heartbroken to share the loss of Nicky, a beloved Masai giraffe and the remarkable matriarch of our g...
08/15/2025

Today, we are also heartbroken to share the loss of Nicky, a beloved Masai giraffe and the remarkable matriarch of our giraffe herd. At 28 years old, Nicky was believed to be the oldest Masai giraffe in North America, a testament to the extraordinary care she received throughout her long and meaningful life.

Over recent years, Nicky had been showing signs of her advanced age, and our dedicated team provided expert care to ensure her comfort and well-being. However, this past week, her condition declined significantly, and on August 14, our team made the compassionate decision to let her go.

Nicky arrived at the San Diego Zoo in 1999, making her our herd's longest-standing resident and a treasured member of the San Diego Zoo family. As our herd's steadfast matriarch, she watched over everyone with unwavering devotion, embodying wisdom and grace in every interaction. Throughout her lifetime, she lovingly raised five calves—including her son Chifu, who is the father of her grandson Madoadoa, born at the Zoo last month—passing on her gentle strength as a grandmother to generations and contributing to strong and healthy global populations of Masai giraffe worldwide.

Nicky's exceptional legacy endures through her family and the lives she touched as a powerful ambassador for her species. She forged connections between guests and the natural world, inspiring deep appreciation and conservation efforts for these gentle giants. Her impact will resonate for years to come.

We welcome you to celebrate Nicky’s life and to share your sympathies with all who loved her.

It's been an incredibly difficult week for all of us here at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. With profound sadness we...
08/15/2025

It's been an incredibly difficult week for all of us here at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

With profound sadness we share the passing of Kalluk, a truly extraordinary polar bear and special member of the San Diego Zoo family. At the advanced age of 24 years old, Kalluk passed peacefully on August 14, surrounded by the Wildlife Care team who knew him best and cared for him deeply since he was a cub.

Recently Kalluk began to show signs of age-related illness, prompting our dedicated wildlife care and health experts to conduct a proactive and comprehensive wellness evaluation. After thoroughly reviewing the results and evaluating all options, wildlife experts made the difficult and compassionate decision to say goodbye.

Kalluk's story began in 2001, when he and his sister, Tatqiq, arrived as orphaned cubs alongside their companion, Chinook. Without mothers to guide them, the three cubs found a second chance at life here at the San Diego Zoo, where they have thrived for decades ever since. Kalluk became an ambassador in the truest sense, opening eyes and hearts to his species and the urgent need to protect it.

At 24 years old, Kalluk lived a remarkable life, as male polar bears live an average of 15–18 years in native habitats. Wildlife Care Specialists will remember him as a calm strength within the trio, with an inquisitive and adventurous nature that left an indelible mark on his care team and the countless guests who were inspired by him. Over his 24 years, Kalluk acted as a bridge between worlds, contributing to groundbreaking research on polar bear physiology, sensory perception, and adaptation. These studies have provided global conservationists and scientists with crucial insights into how polar bears navigate a rapidly changing world, helping to ensure a future for his counterparts.

After his passing, Tatqiq and Chinook were given the opportunity to say their goodbyes. Being with them in this moment reminded us that the feeling of loss transcends species, and our team remains committed to supporting them through this transition.

Kalluk lived a life of purpose, dignity, and connection. His legacy will live on through the conservation work he made possible and the lives he touched along the way. We are grateful for the time we had with him and for your support as we honor his journey. Please join us in celebrating Kalluk’s life and offering condolences to all who are feeling his absence.

08/13/2025

Our new prickly pal needs a name 🧡

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance recently welcomed the first ever prehensile-tailed porcupette born at the Zoo on June 3. This boopable baby is thriving under first-time mama Gracie's careful watch, but is still missing one thing: a name. Tap the link to vote for your favorite and we'll announce the top pick next Thursday: http://sdzoo.com/porcupette-poll

08/10/2025

Carrying on a legacy 🦍

Silverback gorilla Paul Donn has joined the troop at the Safari Park as its first silverback since the passing of beloved Winston last year. Raised in the same troop when he was young, Paul Donn has come from the San Diego Zoo to help guide the troop and continue Winston's remarkable legacy of gentle strength.

Joining him is Jessica, a 44-year-old female also from the San Diego Zoo, who will add her own special presence to the troop. This transition will help strengthen family dynamics and ensure the continued wellbeing of the entire gorilla troop.

Guests can visit Paul Donn, Jessica, and the rest of the troop at Gorilla Forest, and witness this incredible new chapter unfold.

Giant panda photo dump 🐼On the eve of California Panda Day, it feels right to throw it back to some of Xin Bao and Yun C...
08/07/2025

Giant panda photo dump 🐼

On the eve of California Panda Day, it feels right to throw it back to some of Xin Bao and Yun Chuan's best moments (at least the ones we caught on camera). From chowing down on bamboo to treetop antics, it's been a bear-y good year.

When you accidentally open the front-facing camera 🙂
07/18/2025

When you accidentally open the front-facing camera 🙂

(Baby) monkey business 🐒If you've swung by the De Brazza's monkey habitat recently, you may have spotted an adorable new...
06/16/2025

(Baby) monkey business 🐒

If you've swung by the De Brazza's monkey habitat recently, you may have spotted an adorable new addition exploring with the rest of the troop. Meet Lulua, a spunky little infant who was born on May 2nd and is named after a river from their native habitat in the Congo.

Lulua has been learning the ropes from big brother Kasai while mama Lillie keeps a watchful eye nearby. So far the baby seems to be a morning monkey, and spends most of the AM bouncing around hammocks and getting better acquainted with their surroundings.

Showing off those pearly white teefs 😁
06/06/2025

Showing off those pearly white teefs 😁

When someone asks you to ✨say cheese✨ There's more to a mandrill's smile than meets the eyes. These brightly colored pri...
05/27/2025

When someone asks you to ✨say cheese✨

There's more to a mandrill's smile than meets the eyes. These brightly colored primates rely heavily on facial expressions to communicate all sorts of information including dominance, aggression, or a simple greeting with another member of their troop.

When you're a fierce feline but also a silly goose
05/17/2025

When you're a fierce feline but also a silly goose

Celebrating anyone who means mom to you ❤️
05/12/2025

Celebrating anyone who means mom to you ❤️

05/07/2025

Hoppy news for conservation 🐸

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has been working closely with partners to conserve Panamanian golden frogs, an extremely rare species of amphibian thought to be extinct in the wild due to the deadly spread of a fungal disease called chytridiomycosis.

Experts at the San Diego Zoo have had incredible success bringing these frogs back from the brink, and are raising over 150 adolescents that will eventually be incorporated into the Species Survival Plan.

Labu's branching out 🦧This 14-year-old Sumatran orangutan recently arrived from the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, and is the newes...
04/22/2025

Labu's branching out 🦧

This 14-year-old Sumatran orangutan recently arrived from the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, and is the newest member of the orangutan troop at the Zoo. He's been settling in well and spending his time chilling in hammocks, munching on leafy snacks, and getting more comfortable exploring his new digs.

Labu is the first adult male to enter the troop since the passing of its beloved male Satu in 2021. Guests can swing by and say hello as he gets to know the other members of the group.

📷: Natalia Morales

Shaggy and sweet as can be 🍯These rambunctious littles are all ready for names, and you’ve got t-minus 24 hours to choos...
03/31/2025

Shaggy and sweet as can be 🍯

These rambunctious littles are all ready for names, and you’ve got t-minus 24 hours to choose!

Cast your vote now to help name Shala’s sloth bear cubs: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/sloth-bear-cubs-naming

03/25/2025

Paws for a bear-y exciting contest 🎉

Shala's cubs need names, and we'd love your help deciding! San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's Wildlife Care team carefully curated a select list of names in honor of the sloth bear cubs' native habitats.

Cast your vote here before Tuesday, April 1 at 12pm PST: https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/sloth-bear-cubs-naming

01/08/2025

Snow patrol reporting for duty 🫡

01/04/2025

Kaja turns 3! 🦧🧡

This little ball of energy keeps everyone on their toes with his playfulness and curiosity. Whether this teeny Sumatran orangutan is swinging around or hanging out with his mom Indah, sister Aisha, or honorary “auntie” Karen, he’s always seeking out new adventures. Wishing him the happiest of birthdays!

01/01/2025

Ring in 2025 with some cutie booties.

12/31/2024

Just a few of the brightest spots of 2024 ⭐

As we step into 2025, we reflect on the incredible achievements of 2024. We welcomed new arrivals, shell-ebrated birthdays, and celebrated conservation wins together.

Here's to another remarkable year, made possible by your unwavering support in creating a world where all life thrives.

12/25/2024

Wishing you a snuggle-filled holiday season from a few of our ✨resident cuddle experts✨

12/13/2024

Meet Skipper, the cutest captain you ever did sea 🦝

Skipper was part of a family of raccoon kits discovered on a boat earlier this year, and after being raised briefly as a pet, was brought to animal rehabilitation center Project Wildlife in San Diego. After it was determined that this social snack bandit couldn’t be returned to the wild, the Project Wildlife team worked with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance to give him a new home with expert care at the San Diego Zoo’s Wildlife Explorer’s Basecamp.

A few of his favorite activities to date include chasing his tail and splashing around, and it's safe to say he's sailed full steam ahead into our hearts. 🤍⚓

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2920 Zoo Dr
San Diego, CA
92101

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+1 619-231-1515

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Who We Are

San Diego Zoo Global

San Diego Zoo Global is a not-for-profit organization that operates the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, and the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy. The Zoo was founded on October 2, 1916, by Harry M. Wegeforth, M.D.

San Diego Zoo

The 100-acre Zoo is a not-for-profit wildlife sanctuary home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies, and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. It is located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park.