Interesting, so they indeed plan to continue with lions while working on the new zoo. A little surprised they've brought him in before elderly Cleo has passed.
Sacramento Zoo Sacramento Zoo News
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Interesting, so they indeed plan to continue with lions while working on the new zoo. A little surprised they've brought him in before elderly Cleo has passed.
The Sacramento Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of a 3-year-old African lion with special help from the Sacramento Kings. Over the past 90 years, the Sacramento Zoo has played a crucial role in educating generations of visitors about the wonders of lions, and we are proud to continue this tradition with the addition of the young lion. As part of this exciting arrival, the Sacramento Kings and the Zoo are launching a strategic partnership based on a commitment to community and our shared mission of making the world a better place. We are thrilled to reveal that our new lion has been named "Slamson II" in honor of the beloved Sacramento Kings mascot, embodying the spirit of this exciting collaboration. Slamson II will be slowly introduced to his habitat with the chance to explore and get familiar with his surroundings a few hours at a time over the first several days. The Zoo’s longtime resident lion, 18-year-old female Cleo, and the young male will rotate public-facing habitat access. At this time, one of the lions will have habitat access during regular Zoo hours. A more formal schedule will be developed and shared as the animals continue to acclimate."
I visited Sacramento Zoo on March 25th, 2024 and my previous visits were in 2011 and 2017. I was with my wife and 4 kids and so I didn't make a detailed list of species and instead of a full review I'll simply post a few observations.
We had some really close up views of what we were told was the oldest female Lion in an AZA zoo, rotating with the new male on-and-off exhibit. The expansion of the Lion enclosure into what formerly held Tigers was welcome to see.
The Chimpanzees are all gone, and it's for the best as I never did like seeing them in what appeared to be a large aviary. The Flamingo flock has been using that space, although during our visit it was devoid of captive wildlife and a group of construction workers were inside instead.
Other highlights include seeing the zoo's White Rhino (not there on either of my previous visits), some rare primates (Wolf's Guenons and a Mongoose Lemur), the Thick-billed Parrots making a racket with their squawks, and the new-ish American Alligator exhibit is gorgeous. I was told that it originally held 6 males when it opened in 2020, but one individual was a major bully and he's all that's left as the zoo sent away the other 5 somewhere else. That's a bit of a shame, as the lagoon environment is fantastic and huge, and it seems like a lot of space for a single gator. Nevertheless, to see the zoo push on with new exhibits is wonderful, especially considering that a major move will be happening in the future.
Due to me having co-authored a zoo book several years ago, which included Sac Zoo in the publication, I received messages from two different Sacramento Zoo personnel offering a couple of free behind-the-scenes tours. My family and I are incredibly thankful for the opportunities that we had while at the zoo on Monday morning. First of all, we went inside the Red Panda House and had a close encounter with one of the female pandas while chatting with several employees. Then we went into the Red Panda exhibit and were able to hand feed grapes to a big male panda, while of course wearing masks and gloves and following the correct health and safety protocol.
Things went to a whole new level when the 6 of us were then led over to the Okapi Barn, which curiously enough will be unbolted from the ground and transported to the new zoo in Elk Grove when it opens in a few years. Sacramento Zoo opened Okapi Trail in early 2019 and there are two male Okapi in a pair of lushly-planted, spacious habitats. There's even a couple of Black-crowned Cranes in with the Okapi in one of the yards.
We spent quite a bit of time getting a tour of the Okapi barn, petting the animals, feeding them lettuce and enjoying what was an amazing time. If one were to pay for the experience, then I highly recommend it as it would be worth every penny. After leaving the barn, we went to the Okapi overlook shelter and were then led down a keeper side path and again we were allowed to scratch, pet and handle the very docile Okapis through the fence. The photo below shows the thatched overlook and the keeper walkway that runs alongside the visitor path and adjacent to the containment barrier. While we spent half an hour outside, a large crowd congregated and I'm sure that my family is in a bunch of zoo videos as there were loads of phones recording the situation. To be able to feed a Red Panda and to pet two Okapis is a series of memories that my kids will cherish forever. Thanks Sac Zoo!
@Arizona Docent
We had some really close up views of what we were told was the oldest female Lion in an AZA zoo, rotating with the new male on-and-off exhibit. The expansion of the Lion enclosure into what formerly held Tigers was welcome to see.
The Chimpanzees are all gone, and it's for the best as I never did like seeing them in what appeared to be a large aviary. The Flamingo flock has been using that space, although during our visit it was devoid of captive wildlife and a group of construction workers were inside instead.
Other highlights include seeing the zoo's White Rhino (not there on either of my previous visits), some rare primates (Wolf's Guenons and a Mongoose Lemur), the Thick-billed Parrots making a racket with their squawks, and the new-ish American Alligator exhibit is gorgeous. I was told that it originally held 6 males when it opened in 2020, but one individual was a major bully and he's all that's left as the zoo sent away the other 5 somewhere else. That's a bit of a shame, as the lagoon environment is fantastic and huge, and it seems like a lot of space for a single gator. Nevertheless, to see the zoo push on with new exhibits is wonderful, especially considering that a major move will be happening in the future.
Due to me having co-authored a zoo book several years ago, which included Sac Zoo in the publication, I received messages from two different Sacramento Zoo personnel offering a couple of free behind-the-scenes tours. My family and I are incredibly thankful for the opportunities that we had while at the zoo on Monday morning. First of all, we went inside the Red Panda House and had a close encounter with one of the female pandas while chatting with several employees. Then we went into the Red Panda exhibit and were able to hand feed grapes to a big male panda, while of course wearing masks and gloves and following the correct health and safety protocol.
Things went to a whole new level when the 6 of us were then led over to the Okapi Barn, which curiously enough will be unbolted from the ground and transported to the new zoo in Elk Grove when it opens in a few years. Sacramento Zoo opened Okapi Trail in early 2019 and there are two male Okapi in a pair of lushly-planted, spacious habitats. There's even a couple of Black-crowned Cranes in with the Okapi in one of the yards.
We spent quite a bit of time getting a tour of the Okapi barn, petting the animals, feeding them lettuce and enjoying what was an amazing time. If one were to pay for the experience, then I highly recommend it as it would be worth every penny. After leaving the barn, we went to the Okapi overlook shelter and were then led down a keeper side path and again we were allowed to scratch, pet and handle the very docile Okapis through the fence. The photo below shows the thatched overlook and the keeper walkway that runs alongside the visitor path and adjacent to the containment barrier. While we spent half an hour outside, a large crowd congregated and I'm sure that my family is in a bunch of zoo videos as there were loads of phones recording the situation. To be able to feed a Red Panda and to pet two Okapis is a series of memories that my kids will cherish forever. Thanks Sac Zoo!
@Arizona Docent
Tomorrow is the big day for the vote on the new Sacramento Zoo in Elk Grove. The $300 million facility would provide 2,000 construction jobs if approved, and the current zoo's 14 acres would change to 65 acres on a brand-new site. The City of Elk Grove would fund 57% of the project.
There is talk of the zoo opening in 2029, but a "preview phase" might debut in 2027. There are several renderings in this article and I'm wishing the zoo a mighty GOOD LUCK with the vote tomorrow!
https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article288363830.html
Another article on the big vote:
Sacramento Zoo's planned move to Elk Grove faces critical vote this week
There is talk of the zoo opening in 2029, but a "preview phase" might debut in 2027. There are several renderings in this article and I'm wishing the zoo a mighty GOOD LUCK with the vote tomorrow!
https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article288363830.html
Another article on the big vote:
Sacramento Zoo's planned move to Elk Grove faces critical vote this week
Tomorrow is the big day for the vote on the new Sacramento Zoo in Elk Grove. The $300 million facility would provide 2,000 construction jobs if approved, and the current zoo's 14 acres would change to 65 acres on a brand-new site. The City of Elk Grove would fund 57% of the project.
There is talk of the zoo opening in 2029, but a "preview phase" might debut in 2027. There are several renderings in this article and I'm wishing the zoo a mighty GOOD LUCK with the vote tomorrow!
https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article288363830.html
Another article on the big vote:
Sacramento Zoo's planned move to Elk Grove faces critical vote this week
And the council has voted for the Zoo relocation project to move forward!
Elk Grove council approves plan for new zoo
I can't say how excited I am. I have friends in the Elk Grove area who live very close to the zoo location - but also, it's wonderful to see a city willing to make an investment in a zoo. Aside from the occasional private development, is this the first "new" zoo in the US since the nineties? (I bet I'm wrong but welcome the correction.)
I just found out about this, and didn't know anything about the Sacramento Zoo ten minutes ago, haha. It's really cool to see a new major zoo being built from scratch like this! So much bad news comes out of California these days, and this is the kind of positivity injection we need more of. We shall watch this zoo's career with great interest.
A major step forward.And the council has voted for the Zoo relocation project to move forward!
Elk Grove council approves plan for new zoo
Roger Roger.
Piece of April 2024 News Worth Mentioning:
On April 13th, the zoo announced that they finished renovations to the new flamingo exhibit which is now open to the public.
Exciting News Alert: Our fabulous flamingos are looking more vibrant than ever in their newly renovated habitat! Huge shoutout to our facilities team for their hard work in designing and revamping this stunning space! | Sacramento Zoo
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On June 25th, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.1) okapi named Kivuli from the Houston Zoo in Texas which is now on exhibit.
Sacramento Zoo
On April 13th, the zoo announced that they finished renovations to the new flamingo exhibit which is now open to the public.
Exciting News Alert: Our fabulous flamingos are looking more vibrant than ever in their newly renovated habitat! Huge shoutout to our facilities team for their hard work in designing and revamping this stunning space! | Sacramento Zoo
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On June 25th, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.1) okapi named Kivuli from the Houston Zoo in Texas which is now on exhibit.
Sacramento Zoo
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
The zoo has transferred a 1-year-old 0.1 Red Panda named Kesari to the Charles Paddock Zoo in California.
Charles Paddock Zoo announces new summer animals • Atascadero News
Charles Paddock Zoo announces new summer animals • Atascadero News
On July 5th, the zoo announced that 2+? American flamingos hatched which are on exhibit.
Sacramento Zoo
On July 6th, it was reported that the zoo's (0.1) generic giraffe named Skye passed away at age 26 due to a decline in health on July 5th.
26-year-old giraffe dies at Sacramento Zoo | abc10.com
Sacramento Zoo's iconic giraffe, Skye, dies after battling age-related issues
Sacramento Zoo
On July 6th, it was reported that the zoo's (0.1) generic giraffe named Skye passed away at age 26 due to a decline in health on July 5th.
26-year-old giraffe dies at Sacramento Zoo | abc10.com
Sacramento Zoo's iconic giraffe, Skye, dies after battling age-related issues
Mongoose lemur birth:
Sacramento Zoo welcomes six new animals including new okapi
Dahlia, gave birth to a baby lemur on July 8th. The baby, the second offspring for Dahlia and Elmo, can be seen clinging to its mother’s underbelly in its enclosure.
Sacramento Zoo welcomes six new animals including new okapi
Dahlia, gave birth to a baby lemur on July 8th. The baby, the second offspring for Dahlia and Elmo, can be seen clinging to its mother’s underbelly in its enclosure.
splendens
Well-Known Member
Pretty interesting information on this page from the Elk Grove website on the new zoo. It was made on October 2023 and includes a few species that I don't think were mentioned here yet or are not on the map.
https://www.elkgrovecity.org/sites/...gic_planning/Zoo/Draft_EIR/apdx-c-exhibit.pdf
https://www.elkgrovecity.org/sites/...gic_planning/Zoo/Draft_EIR/apdx-c-exhibit.pdf
On July 18th, the zoo announced they renovated the western pond turtle exhibit at the front of the facility.
Sacramento Zoo
On August 26th, the zoo announced that another American flamingo hatched a week prior which is on exhibit.
2.4K views · 105 reactions | Our flamingo flock is flourishing! We’re excited to share that our newest chick was born just last week, joining our older chicks who are now 6-10 weeks old. It’s amazing to see them all growing up so quickly, showing off their long legs and fuzzy grey feathers! Be sure to visit the Zoo soon and witness these little ones thriving in their newly renovated habitat. The flock is full of life, and it’s a sight you won’t want to miss! | Sacramento Zoo
On September 12th, the zoo announced that the mongoose lemur was named Willow.
Sacramento Zoo
On September 30th, the zoo announced they will transfer their (1.0) snow leopard named Blizzard to another unspecified facility in early October.
Sacramento Zoo
Sacramento Zoo
On August 26th, the zoo announced that another American flamingo hatched a week prior which is on exhibit.
2.4K views · 105 reactions | Our flamingo flock is flourishing! We’re excited to share that our newest chick was born just last week, joining our older chicks who are now 6-10 weeks old. It’s amazing to see them all growing up so quickly, showing off their long legs and fuzzy grey feathers! Be sure to visit the Zoo soon and witness these little ones thriving in their newly renovated habitat. The flock is full of life, and it’s a sight you won’t want to miss! | Sacramento Zoo
On September 12th, the zoo announced that the mongoose lemur was named Willow.
Sacramento Zoo
On September 30th, the zoo announced they will transfer their (1.0) snow leopard named Blizzard to another unspecified facility in early October.
Sacramento Zoo
Director Jason Jacobs is leaving Sacramento Zoo and he is moving to Florida to be closer to family. Robert Churchill will become interim executive director and Kevin Bell (ex-Lincoln Park Zoo director) will take on a role as well.
I've twice toured zoos with Jason and he is not only an amazing zoo director but also a genuine zoo nerd as he has visited a ton of zoos. He has put his heart and soul into finalizing the brand-new zoo in Elk Grove, so this is a major loss to the California zoo community. But, California's loss is Florida's gain and his new position in that state will be revealed in the future.
Here's an article documenting the change of leadership:
https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article293502974.html
I've twice toured zoos with Jason and he is not only an amazing zoo director but also a genuine zoo nerd as he has visited a ton of zoos. He has put his heart and soul into finalizing the brand-new zoo in Elk Grove, so this is a major loss to the California zoo community. But, California's loss is Florida's gain and his new position in that state will be revealed in the future.
Here's an article documenting the change of leadership:
https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article293502974.html
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Oh, too bad! I wonder how his interim executive Kevin Bell will be able to step into this role and steer the Sacramento Zoo to the Elk Grove site and a new zoo experience closely mirroring what Jason Jacobs with the zoo team and architects has envisaged at Elk Grove.