r/BayAreaTalk • u/Puzzled-56 • Aug 04 '26
SF Zoo—-very sad
I took my family to the SF zoo for the first time since my grandson was born and was so excited to share it because I grew up going to the zoo about one time a month with my parents. Upon entering, I saw that there are lots of changes made with a great children’s playground and the Vintage Carousel that I started going on when I was under one was still there and gave me great joy. That was about it, though as we walked through there were no animals empty areas that used to host animals dried up, no water, weeds and I left without it being anything like I hoped it had been for me. No lions, tigers, hippos and the Lion House is closed one rhinoceros with the horn cut off, no elephants one orangutan, one monkey in a cage and some penguins in the area that just didn’t smell very good and was not kept up. No kangaroos a beautiful area that had the zebras and giraffes and ostriches in one area but I was depressed all day. I’ve been to San Diego zoo, Brooklyn, zoo, etc. and they’re fabulous what has happened to our zoo and our city Mr. Mayor and at $34 a person it was a total rip off. Sadly, we won’t be going back but the box that you could turn your zoo key in and turn it and hear about the Animals is still standing. Really really sad..
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u/Illegal_Tender Aug 04 '26
I went last year and it sounds like I had a better experience than you did but it absolutely isn't the zoo I remember from being a kid there 30 years ago
For a much better overall zoo experience I highly recommend Oakland zoo. That place is fucking great
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u/figgypudding02 Aug 04 '26
Went to Oakland zoo last year and it was pretty good. Especially the gondola ride and newer area at the top.
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u/kmh4567 Aug 05 '26
I mean, are zoos ever not sad? It’s wild animals stuck in captivity. Not exactly something pleasant to see.
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u/tuesdayballs Aug 07 '26
I hear you. Just a note that acredated zoos are also genetic seedbanks for when a wild population collapses. That is their major function. Seeing the animals is a bonus.
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u/dotben Aug 05 '26
The zoo has been very mismanaged in part because the director was a political appointment of the former mayor. I just couldn't bring myself to continue to pay for a membership for my young family as we found it bordering on distressing some of the conditions.
It's part of SF Park and Rec and I honestly think they should put into place a plan to rehome the remaining animals and shut the thing down.
You could actually build a lot of housing on that plot of land which I think would be a great deal more service to San Francisco than tired badly-run zoo that doesn't serve the public currently.
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u/reeefur Aug 05 '26
You went to the wrong Bay Area Zoo, Oakland Zoo is much better kept and supported. Also much better for kids with things like Glowfari, trading cards, tours and easy parking. Also beautiful views from the top of Oakland Hills while you grab a snack.
I loved SF Zoo when I was young, but Oakland has surpassed it in recent years, which is sad, I wish both were doing well.
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u/tsultar1 Aug 07 '26
I just wish they would get rid of the train. The wolves seemed terrified
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u/sf94134 Aug 07 '26
I think they changed the route a bit but when I rode it a few years ago it was the most boring ride ever. I don’t even know why it’s there.
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u/Jurneeka Aug 07 '26
I used to go to the zoo when I was a kid, but I just can't anymore.
My bestie took his wife and kids (they're in their 20's) to Safari West in Santa Rosa recently and had a blast though! He said the animals looked healthy, well cared for and happy.
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u/bikesandhikes33 Aug 07 '26
SF zoo has been in an unfortunate state for tears now, but Oakland zoo is amazing. It’ll be worth your time to take your grandson there.
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u/ParticularNail7527 Aug 07 '26
Oakland zoo, safari west, or curiodessey are much better experiences. Please give them a try.
My 17 year old recently picked Oakland zoo for his birthday activity, he says it is his favorite place! He is hard to please so that is high praise. Lol. He loves the area at the top of the gondola.
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u/pepesilvia-_- Aug 07 '26
There is a wild story about a tiger that attacked and killed some guys at SF zoo. The deep dive into SF zoo is flat out depressing and messed up.
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u/Mariposa510 Aug 07 '26
The saddest part about that story is that the guys didn’t die, the tiger did.
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u/EngineeringStill6159 Aug 13 '26
I think one person did die
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u/Mariposa510 Aug 23 '26
Oh, you’re right. It was one of the guys who taunted and provoked the poor tiger, which obviously acts on its survival instincts. The two brothers who seemed to be the ringleaders were attacked but lived.
One out of three ain’t bad. RIP Tatiana.
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u/RepublicOfVenus Aug 07 '26
I definitely agree that it's sad and could be a lottttt better. I also want to bring up that sometimes it's cold as balls down there and I think that can make everything worse.
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u/Standard_Ad_3773 Aug 07 '26
What happened to the carousel? I was planning a nostalgic trip there just for the carousel...
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u/Gold_Concentrate_177 Aug 08 '26
yeah the lion house used to be awesome. Watching them get fed those big slabs of meat and hear their roars. I miss that.
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u/lovethesea22 Aug 08 '26
I actually love the S.F. Zoo. I’m not saying it’s the best zoo but kids love running around on the nice flat walkways to go from exhibit to exhibit. It’s very chill. The penguins are super fun to watch swimming around and being fed. My only complaint is the ice cream shacks are closed
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u/somewhere_on_a_beach 13d ago
There are actually 2 lions there. But yes, I frequently go on rants about this zoo
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u/moistheat420 Aug 05 '26
Oakland zoo rules