San Francisco Zoo San Francisco Zoo News 2025

In addition to the many individual projects and upgrades I've already suggested, another thing that would be helpful for the zoo for fundraising and increasing attendance, would be to engage in more breeding programs, since babies can be a big draw for attendance and the zoo can fundraise by auctioning off their naming rights. Many of the animals already have breeding recommendations. In addition to Gorillas, that would mean Lions, Black Rhinos, Prezwalski Horses, Koalas, Flamingos, Red Pandas, Bongos, Lemurs, Komodo dragons, Giraffes and (once they have a proper exhibit- Orangutans).
 
Chimpangeek said:
In addition to Gorillas, that would mean Lions, Black Rhinos, Prezwalski Horses, Koalas, Flamingos, Red Pandas, Bongos, Lemurs, Komodo dragons, Giraffes and (once they have a proper exhibit- Orangutans).
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You're referencing these as possibilities rather than animals that have current breeding recommendations correct?
 
From the San Francisco Zoo’s Ani-mail:


“San Francisco Zoo & Gardens announces the retirement of Tanya Peterson, our CEO and Executive Director. Ms. Peterson’s journey with the Zoo began as a dedicated Board Member, where she served in various leadership roles including ZooFest Chair, Legal Committee member, and ultimately Vice Chair. Six months after the 2007 tiger incident, she stepped into the role of CEO, bringing stability, renewed vision, and a deep commitment to animal care, conservation, and community connection.”

“Merrill L. Magowan, who served on the Board for 30 years including 5 years as Chair of the SF Zoological Society, shared heartfelt thoughts and high praises for Tanya Peterson’s accomplishments as CEO and Executive Director. He addressed how Tanya stepped up as interim CEO during a time when the zoo needed saving and did such an exceptional job that led to her permanent role in the position.”

“Leadership Legacy”
“During her tenure, Ms. Peterson led the Zoo through transformative growth. She spearheaded fundraising for numerous new animal exhibits, including the Great Ape Passage, Snow Leopard Lodge, and Sifaka Sanctuary, as well as major renovations like Komodo Dragon Crossing, Mexican Gray Wolf Canyon, and new habitats for rescued black bears and endangered African Lions. She was also the driving force behind the creation of the Wellness & Conservation Center—a one-of-a-kind facility focused on animal well-being and cutting-edge veterinary care.”

“A respected leader in the zoo and conservation communities, Ms. Peterson oversaw the Zoo’s USDA re-licensing in January 2025, with no non-compliant items identified—a testament to her commitment to excellence in animal welfare. Under her leadership:”

  • “The Zoo introduced groundbreaking animal care protocols and training programs”
  • “Staff professional development became a top priority with robust funding and participation
  • Zoo security evolved into a visible, welcoming presence”
  • “Attendance rebounded, reaching nearly 1 million visitors annually”
  • “The Zoo’s operating budget grew significantly with sound financial management”
  • “Animal habitats were consistently well maintained”
“From the beloved Red Panda Treehouse to the Sculpture Learning Plaza and Elinor Friend Playground, her projects reflect a deep passion for wildlife, inclusion, and education. Ms. Peterson also launched acclaimed DEAI initiatives, a horse therapy program, and brought international conservation to local audiences through immersive storytelling like Kingdom Animalia and Red Ivory.”


“Thank You, Tanya!”
“As we reminisce on Ms. Peterson's legacy she leaves behind, we would like to quote Former Board Chair Merrill L. Magowan one last time as we could not have said it any better:”

“Managing a zoo is a difficult task—not everything will go smoothly [...] In my opinion, Tanya Peterson is unquestionably [one of] the most able Executive Directors I have witnessed during my time on the Board, and the Zoo is lucky to have had her.”

“We are deeply grateful for Tanya’s tireless work on behalf of the Zoo, our animals, and our visitors. Her legacy lives on in every renovated exhibit, every rescued animal cared for, and every child inspired by nature. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her all the best on her next adventure.”
 
Boy talk about sugar coating.

Zoo Birding said:
She spearheaded fundraising for numerous new animal exhibits, including the Great Ape Passage, Snow Leopard Lodge, and Sifaka Sanctuary, as well as major renovations like Komodo Dragon Crossing, Mexican Gray Wolf Canyon, and new habitats for rescued black bears and endangered African Lions.
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Great Ape Passage is a mess. I thought the wolf, black bear, and lion exhibits were all just slightly renovated grottos? They literally basically just knocked down a wall in the big cat area and merged two exhibits.

Zoo Birding said:
Ms. Peterson oversaw the Zoo’s USDA re-licensing in January 2025, with no non-compliant items identified—a testament to her commitment to excellence in animal welfare.
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Yeah, after getting dinged on the last two, and somehow not getting one for the grizzly getting into a keeper area and chasing a keeper... the zoo has a higher rate of citations than most AZA. She's been accused of delaying welfare decisions in the past, and there was a issue regarding vet services that got them in trouble with USDA.

Zoo Birding said:
“Staff professional development became a top priority with robust funding and participation
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If all reports are true, far from it.

Zoo Birding said:
“The Zoo’s operating budget grew significantly with sound financial management”
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They're literally under audit from the city for financials and their budget is down from decreased attendance, who wrote this?

Zoo Birding said:
“Animal habitats were consistently well maintained”
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Literally what they get cited for most often by USDA... and if you look at recent photos in the gallery there's a number of exhibits that don't look so great.

Zoo Birding said:
“Managing a zoo is a difficult task—not everything will go smoothly [...] In my opinion, Tanya Peterson is unquestionably [one of] the most able Executive Directors I have witnessed during my time on the Board, and the Zoo is lucky to have had her.”
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Maybe for SFZ? But in general certainly not - competent directors don't usually get two basically unanimous votes of no confidence from staff, split up the board who can't decide whether to remove or not, and nudged to resign by the mayor...
 
Couple of questions for anyone who has visited recently:

- Does the zoo still have Yosemite Toad?
- Is there a good time of day (or any tips) for seeing Red-bellied Lemur and Wolverine?
 
Coelacanth18 said:
Couple of questions for anyone who has visited recently:

- Does the zoo still have Yosemite Toad?
- Is there a good time of day (or any tips) for seeing Red-bellied Lemur and Wolverine?
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I believe the Yosemite Toads can still be viewed at the California Conservation Corridor, across from the Koalas and near Ape passage.
Red Bellied Lemurs are usually seen close to or on ground level of the Lemur forest enclosure exhibit.
Wolverines are usually out on exhibit all day, but more active in the morning and evening.
 
Went yesterday, the Flamingo enclosure is under renovations, the Madagascar exhibit seems to be moving along, and the Jaguar sign has disappeared along with the jaguar, it appears.
 
Coelacanth18 said:
Couple of questions for anyone who has visited recently:

- Does the zoo still have Yosemite Toad?
- Is there a good time of day (or any tips) for seeing Red-bellied Lemur and Wolverine?
Click to expand...
Last visit I didn't see any toads but their exhibit is near the entrance of the children's zoo section.
 
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