As you walk through the rain forest at Oakland Zoo listen out for the playful sounds of chimps, gibbons and tropical birds. Accompany your kids to a visit to the Wayne and Gladys Children Zoo to watch as they play with animals or catch a feeding session to watch giraffes, elephants, meerkats and alligators enjoying their lunch.
The Oakland Zoo has moved numerous times since it was founded in 1922, but today it occupies a 40-hectare (100-acre) space at Knowland Park. With more than 650 animals the zoo has gained a reputation for carefully recreating the natural habitats of each species.
See the African veldt, complete with grazing giraffes, elands and Egyptian geese that roam around the large open area. Take a short stroll to reach the savannah, home to the slow-moving elephants and impressive packs of lions and hyenas. Take a seat at the African Savannah Café to watch over some of the most popular animals at the zoo. Light refreshments and cold drinks are available at the café. Afterwards, learn about the traditional ways of life in Africa at a replica village.
Discover all that the rain forest has to offer with a walk through the large exhibit. Watch as chimpanzees, gibbons and other primates swing high above you. Stop by the tiger enclosure to see the majestic creatures on the prowl and try and spot the colourful plumage of tropical birds perched in the trees.
Visit the Wayne and Gladys Children’s zoo to pet sheep and goats, learn about bugs and insects or see amphibians up close. Afterwards, board the Outback Express Adventure Train to spot emus and marsupials in a setting that replicates the Australian bush.
Before you leave, spend some time learning about the local environment at the California Project. Here you can learn about conservation techniques used to protect the condors, pumas and western pond turtles.
Located in the east of Oakland, the zoo is easily reached by car and bus, with parking available for a fee on-site. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
