Sacramento Zoo facts for kids
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| Date opened | June 2, 1927 |
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| Location | William Land Park, Sacramento, California, United States |
| Land area | 14.3 acres (5.8 ha) |
| Coordinates | 38°32′23″N 121°30′14″W / 38.539605°N 121.504026°W |
| No. of animals | Just over 500(2012) |
| Memberships | AZA |
The Sacramento Zoo is a fun place to visit in William Land Park in Sacramento, California. It first opened its doors on June 2, 1927. Back then, it was home to 40 animals and covered about 4.2 acres (1.7 ha).
The zoo grew over time. In the early 1960s, it expanded to its current size of 14.3 acres (5.8 ha). As of 2012, the zoo had more than 500 animals living there.
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Zoo
The zoo started as the "William Land Park Zoo" on June 2, 1927. It began with 40 animals. These animals came from different local parks. They included monkeys, raccoons, birds, and deer.
Meet Sue, the Elephant!
In 1948, a local newspaper helped raise money. They wanted to buy an elephant for the zoo. In 1949, a special elephant named SUE arrived. Local teenagers helped name her. She was a big hit with visitors!
Later, in 1955, the zoo bought "Winky." Winky became Sue's friend and companion.
Helping the Zoo Grow
In 1958, a group called the Sacramento Zoological Society was formed. This group helps the zoo by raising money and offering support. City funding was becoming less, so this group was very important.
Also in 1958, the zoo started its education programs. This was a big deal! Only nine zoos in the United States had such programs at that time. In 1997, the society took over running the zoo every day.
New Animals and More Space
The zoo got bigger in the early 1960s. Many new homes for animals were built. In 1965, the zoo welcomed its first grizzly bear and two orangutans. That year, the zoo also started charging 25 cents to get in.
In 1970, the zoo got its current name, the Sacramento Zoo. A new building for reptiles was finished. The zoo also started a program where volunteers called docents help teach visitors.
Exciting New Exhibits
On April 6, 2007, a new exhibit opened with six penguins. The day before, the mayor and other guests dressed in black and white to welcome them! The penguins were on loan for a special "one year bash."
In 2009, the zoo began building a new barn for its giraffes. The old wooden barn was replaced with a much larger, heated one. The new barn has big stalls for giraffes and their babies. The "Tall Wonders" giraffe area lets visitors see the giraffes eye-to-eye. This new area opened on February 12, 2010.
In 2011, a new river otter exhibit opened. It has glass walls. This lets visitors get close and watch the playful otters in their watery home.
In September 2014, the zoo opened "Small Wonders of Africa." This area features aardvarks, Wolf's guenon monkeys, red-billed hornbills, and other amazing creatures.
Future Plans for the Zoo
The zoo is planning to replace its current Reptile House. It will become a new "Biodiversity Center." This new center will teach visitors about many different kinds of life.
In November 2018, zoo leaders thought about moving the zoo. They needed more space than their current location offered. They looked at a site where a sports arena used to be. However, that site had other plans for development.
In June 2020, a red panda named Amaya had her second baby at the Sacramento Zoo. This was exciting news for the zoo!
In 2024, it was announced that the zoo will move to Elk Grove. This new location will be much larger. It will have improved facilities for the animals and visitors.
Images for kids
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An anteater at the Sacramento Zoo.
See also
In Spanish: Zoológico de Sacramento para niños
