Program areas at Sacramento Zoological Society
Animal care - the Sacramento zoo is proud to have an outstanding collection of animals to educate and inspire our community. The zoo is home to 397 animals representing 104 species. Of that number, 70 species are considered critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable by the international union for conservation of nature (iucn). Of the species housed at the zoo, 42 are managed cooperatively as part of the zoo's participation in programs of the association of zoos and aquariums (aza).during the year, in an abundance of caution, the zoo took a number of precautionary steps in response to avian influenza, a viral infection that occurs naturally in wild birds. In some instances, these precautionary steps included removing certain birds from their habitats and relocating them to areas of the zoo that are better protected from exposure to wild birds.
Education and sustainability - the zoo's educational programs are designed to comply with California science standards. Emerging from the pandemic these programs continue to incorporate education, recreation and the unique setting of the zoo. Nearly 29,000 guests enjoyed the zoo as part of school field trips in 2022 . In addition, almost 1,000 students and young ones participated in our summer camp or little peeps camp programs. Behind-the-scenes tours also continue to be popular with zoo visitors, with over 700 people participating in these unique tours, which permit the visitor to experience the animals from the keepers viewpoint.as a conservation organization, the Sacramento zoo is committed to supporting wildlife conservation through financial and in-kind support. In 2022, the Sacramento zoo distributed or committed conservation grant funds in support of the following species: giant anteater, orangutan, chimpanzee, lemurs, thick-billed parrot, ground hornbill, western pond turtle, grevy's zebra, giraffe, okapi, snow leopard, lion, jaguar and cheetah.
Membership and visitor services - the Sacramento zoo had over 13,000 member households at the end of 2022, and entertained, inspired, and educated 526,399 guests over the course of the year. In addition to a vibrant living collection, the zoo began 2022 with an animatronic dinosaur exhibit and concluded with an animatronic dragon exhibit. Both temporary exhibits were popular with our younger guests.