East Bay Zoological Society (Oakland Zoo)

The Oakland Zoo is home to 450 exotic animals, has 20,000 member households and hosts 600,000 visitors including 200,000 children annually.  Focus is on life science education programs and conservation.

How do you help people in my community?

The Oakland Zoo’s mission is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world while providing a quality visitor experience.  We accomplish this mission by developing and maintaining naturalistic habitats for the animals in our care; providing leadership in superior animal management practices; delivering quality education programs; and, participating in projects that conserve wildlife.

The Oakland Zoo’s dedicated staff, trained docents, and volunteers provide a rich array of educational programs to the more than 200,000 children who visit the Zoo each year, and serve more than 30,000 students annually participate in education classes and programs.

Why do you need my support?

The programs and outreach of the Oakland Zoo are focused on life science education and conservation, teaching students and families throughout the Bay Area the value of caring for the natural world and all its inhabitants. Annually, the Zoo receives only modest public funding; private support is increasingly important to fulfill the vision of an expanded wildlife park with new programs and exhibits telling the story of California in constant change – with a view of the San Francisco Bay and bringing in animals native to California that are rescued and housed in an expansive habitat.
• FY2008 Total Revenue and Support: $10,375,477; 84% generated through operating revenue, membership, and private contributions and grants; 16% through public funds
• The Oakland Zoo is an active participant in youth employment programs, including the City of Oakland Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

The Executive Director has guided the Zoo’s growth and progress for 25 years and demonstrated good fiscal stewardship with private and public funds.

Can I Volunteer? How?

The Oakland Zoo has an active Docent program, dozens of volunteers with animal managements, and youth opportunities: Total Volunteer Hours 2008:      41,641

• Docents and Zoo Ambassadors: 103;
•  Teen Wild Guides: 70;
• All other Volunteers: 210