San Francisco Zoo, Zoo at Lake Merced, San Francisco, United States
San Francisco Zoo is a zoological park in San Francisco at the southwestern edge of the city between Lake Merced and the Pacific Ocean, housing more than 2000 animals from around 250 species. The grounds cover roughly 100 acres (40 hectares) with enclosures for big cats, primates, African savanna animals, and penguins.
The zoological park opened in 1929 as Fleishhacker Zoo and received its first residents from Golden Gate Park. The facility gained its current name in 1941 and expanded its enclosures over the following decades.
The children's zoo area allows visitors to meet domesticated animal breeds up close. Education programs teach about threatened species through direct animal observation throughout the grounds.
The main entrance stands on Sloat Boulevard, one block south of the Muni Metro L Taraval line. The grounds open daily and a full walk takes around three to four hours at a relaxed pace.
In 2024 the zoo signed an agreement with China for the arrival of Giant Pandas. These animals are expected to live on the grounds starting in 2025, opening a new chapter of international cooperation.
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