South of downtown, the Sacramento Zoo is a relatively small facility, and is home to 140 different species of animals, many of which are endangered. It offers the zoo basics — lions, tigers, zebras and giraffes — as well as a selection of birds, reptiles and amphibians, but nothing to distinguish itself from any other municipal zoo. Still, most visitors find the zoo charming. "It's definitely the smallest zoo I've been to. But it's well kept, and really clean. The gift shop's affordable as well. Perfect for the little ones that get bored easily," according to one TripAdvisor reviewer. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for most of the year, except from November to January when it opens at 10 a.m. Admission is $11.75 for adults and $7.75 for children ages 2 to 11. For more information, check out the zoo's website.

Open since 1927, the Sacramento Zoo is home to over 140 native, rare and endangered species and is one of over 200 accredited institutions of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Zoo is wholly managed by the nonprofit Sacramento Zoological Society and inspires conservation awareness through education and recreation.The role of zoos has changed dramatically over the past several decades. Once merely concerned with showing animals to the public, zoos have progressed well beyond this original intent. The focus of zoos has shifted from showcasing as many animals as possible, to creating a recreational experience that also focuses on the importance of providing an educational premise for which zoos exist. Zoos of today have three very distinct purposes – education, conservation, and recreation. The Sacramento Zoo inspires appreciation, respect and a connection with wildlife and nature through education, recreation and conservation. Please be advised that the zoo opens an hour later during the winter months. Closing times stay the same!

The Sacramento Zoo is located on West Land Park Drive in William Land Park. When it first opened in 1927, the zoo occupied just four acres of land and served as the home of 40 animals; it was known as “the little zoo in the park.” In the 1960’s, however, the zoo expanded to its current 14 acres and is now home to more than 500 animals including amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles. The zoo adheres to principles of conservation, education, and recreation. It also provides visitors with the opportunity to go on self-guided art tours, and they welcome school field trips as well. The Sacramento Zoo is open every day of the week.

Although the Sacramento Zoo is a smaller zoo, its intimacy allows the little ones to get up close and personal with almost 500 animals from around the globe. You'll find native, exotic, and endangered animals, and interesting exhibits on dinosaurs, amphibians and fish, as well as birds ranging from the Caribbean flamingo to the thick-billed parrot. There are hands-on activities, a playground, and several gardens at this zoo just south of downtown Sacramento that first opened in 1927.

The Sacramento Zoo is located in William Land Park. It opened on June 2, 1927 with 40 animals. On April 6, 2007, a new exhibit featuring six penguins opened to the public. One day prior to this, Mayor Heather Fargo and other guests appeared, dressed in black and white to greet the new arrivals who were on loan for the "one year bash". As of 2009, the Sacramento Zoo began construction on a new barn and yard for the giraffes at the zoo. The current 40-year-old wooden barn was demolished and replaced with a new state-of-the-art barn made of concrete blocks. The new barn has a breeding facility for a future giraffe breeding program at the zoo, as well as many large stalls for the current herd and for incoming giraffes. The new yard has a lake from which the giraffes may drink, a barrier made of trees and rocks and a pavilion where visitors can get a close up view of the giraffes.