San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco

I went to the San Francisco Zoo in August 2007 with my family. I felt it was one of the best zoos I had visited--probably top 3. And it's competing with the likes of over 15 AZA-accredited zoos, including the World Famous Sand Diego Zoo and the National Zoo. Like others said, there is a bit of construction going on and some empty exhibits. But the construction is defintely permissable if it's going to produce a wonderful exhibit like the newly-constructed African Savanna exhibit (which is beautifully designed so that you don't even notice the barriers that keep you a safe distance away from the zebras, gazelles, ostriches, and giraffes). The new grizzly bear exhibit allows you to get right up against the safety glass with the bears. I have great photos from the many modern exhibits. Also, the signs around the zoo were very clear and informative without being boring. I would not let the recent tragic attack stop me from going to this wonderful zoo. The tiger exhibit was the oldest of the park (over 65 years old), and almost all exhibits in the park are newly remodeled or under construction. That's a great sign for the future of the zoo. I can't wait to visit the zoo in 2008 when the new exhibits are finished!

I used to go there as a child and young adult . It was much better then than it is now . There are no more seals in the pool that they used to swim in and the exibits by that one are also empty . Quite a few of the cages might have a bird or two in them and they are all overgrown with folige . No elephants where Penny used to be , a lot of empty spots . There used to be a great Childrens Zoo where we could pet animals and there was a castle and fairyland place that is all gone now . There were also old round bar swings and cable cars , all are gone . It just seems as if the environmentalists got to it and ruined it . It costs a lot to get in but I do understand that they need to pay the help and the animals need to eat , so........... I guess I didn't mind too much . It isn't like I really want to go again . It is too bad that they ruined it and then all the garbage about how the loggers are responsible for ruining the land and destroying everything on the signs by the gorillas . The enviros are just brainwashing the kids and the city people . Too bad. And then they had to cover in the old pool to make a dumb parking lot . There is a lot of parking around the zoo on the streets but even that has changed . Now some of the entrances are closed that I remember going in before . It just doesn't seem as if they are as busy as they used to be .

When i was little I went and Had the Time of My life...I have pictures of me and my brother laughing and having a good time. Ten years later. We went back and it wasn't what i expected =/ when we got it was ok but after walking around for 5 minutes I knew I wasn't the fun place i had once went to. They don't maintain their exhibits every well. their were wild plants growing everywhere and you can tell they didn't belong there. They had many empty exhibits and it was sad because the exhibits looked dead. the only really appealing part was the petting zoo but like someone said you can find those anywhere. i really wish they could resort the place like it use to be.

I have liked what the zoo has done the last 14 years. With exhibits like Otter River, Feline Conservation Center, Puente Al Sur, Australian Walkabout, Cassowary Exhibit, Children's Zoo, African Savanna and Grizzly Gulch, the zoo continues to grow into a naturalistic setting and makes you feel in the animals natural home. The Lemur Forest is the largest one in the country and reflects conservation efforts in the Lemurs home of Madagascar. The Zoo has several projects on hand for 2008. Here are a list of new additions coming in the next year! 1)Giant Eland exhibit 2)Bison Exhibit 3)African Porcupines added to African Savanna 4)Seasonal Dinosaur exhibit (March 13-Labor Day) 5)Expanded River Hippo Exhibit 6)New Black Rhino Ranch 7)New Capybara exhibit next to Tropical Rainforest

we went late in the day(around 4) and there were hardly any animals. i am not a zoo critic, but i made the mistake of expecting to see animals. my bad.

I,a San Francisco native,am greatly dissapointed by the zoo that children today have to see. what i wouldn't do to be able to take my children to the zoo that i loved as a child in the 70's.it seems to be a trend in ALL the classic S.F.attractions.a zoo should have animals instead of sign after sign saying:"sorry..remodeling.the zoo is dirty,over-the-top expensive,neglected and DEFINITELY not worth the price of admission.those who visited when i used to go will agree 100%..

I too feel the SF Zoo has gone down hill. I do sense vain attempts at improving but the reasons to attend a zoo are about the animals and I did not feel impressed with their collect over the presentation. I see saw many exhibits without animals. Many exhibits under construction. Alot of waste and few garbage cans - I spent sometime picking up the trash it was so bad. I miss the ole SF Zoo - it use to be much better 10 years ago. I have very strong fond memories when the SF Zoo was special, but its not special anymore. I won't recommend this and won't return soon. I have heard that the Oakland Zoo was a good value and alot of fun.

I went to the San Francisco Zoo not to long ago and I notice alot of remodeling which looked nice and some building parts were not done yet and I feel they need more animals to fill the vacant spots and I miss the elephants, I remembered they use to have elephants and thats one animal they need there cause they make it a Zoo experience as well as the other animals and as far as the food goes it is exspensive bring your own lunch,well over all it's a fun zoo,I plan to go years to come. San Jose Ca LF

I liked the overall size of the place and animals, but it needs more entertainment or interaction with the visitors and animals. Like the goat area, you got to feed and interact with the goats,it was fun. I also like how you have discount days.

It's been 30 Years, since We've been to the San Francisco Zoo. What a Wonderful Place it was. We decided to take our Grandchildren, and were very disappointed. The Grounds looked overgrown, and unkept. Empty Exibits outnumbered the ones with Animals. Sure, it has a Petting Zoo, but you can find those anywhere. This is a poor example, and we will not return, nor recommend this to others.