Oakland Zoo

9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605, USA

Address:	9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 94605, USA
Phone:	+1 510-632-9525
Site:	oaklandzoo.org
Rating:	4.3
Working:	10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 6

Ashika Vinod

For my list, Ive created a bucket list of places to go. And theyve been to all the zoos beside Oakland zoo. In December, one of my friends went to the Oakland Zoo with her 2 year old and family. She cognizant that Oakland zoo is not huge and not that many animals to see. Although her reviews were stuck in my heard, I still sought to see for myself. Entrance- At the zoo parking entrance, you have to pay $10. There were signs posted on the windows of the entrance, credit card system temporarily down and cash accepted. I pretended as if we didnt read the instruction and gave my credit card. They guy said you dont have cash. I replied, no. Then he swiped my card. I guess to speed up at the entrance, they posted those signs. We purchased the tickets at the zoo entrance and I kept saying to myself that should have purchased the groupon deal. It was expensive, $19 per adult without tax and for 2 year and up they charge. I think best time to come to the zoo is in the morning. We reached the zoo at 10.30am and the parking lot was almost full. At the entrance, make sure to grab the map so you dont miss out anything. Once you enter the zoo youll see the gift shop on your right and the flamingos directly in front of you. Near the gift shop are the restrooms and on the left is the restaurant where we ate. The gift shop is small but remarkable, great educational toys, t-shirts, hats, sunblock, puzzles and etc. Outside the zoo is the Outback Express Adventure Train. They have a train ride for adults and children that go around the zoo. Every time my daughter see the train, we have to ride. And she loved it. Our conductor did not give much information. After paying the zoo entrance, we paid additional for the train ride. I felt everything was adding up very fast. Wear comfortable shoes because there are steep hills in different portions of the zoo. For the sky ride, you have to pay $ 3per person. I have 9 months old and they charged $3 for the baby. You can see most of the animals through the sky ride and it was totally worth it. I loved the newly opened Gondola ride. It had a beautiful view of the bay area. We saw elephants, giraffes, zebra, turtle, lemur, lion, buffalo, tiger and etc. Overall, this was a great zoo and I would definitely come back when the new area is opened.

Kathryn L

I went to the Oakland zoo last Friday with my daughter’s class for a field trip. The trip was well planned out. At the zoo they have classrooms for all of the guided tours. Our teacher/tour guide was supper friendly and had lots of information to give out. This is my first time going to the zoo and I was surprised to see how nice the zoo was. It is a large zoo and the animals looked happy for the most part. The best part of the zoo was seeing all of the animals out and about. We saw the lions, elephants, giraffes and flamingos just to name a few. (Going early is probably the best time). After the tour the kids were able to go back to the classroom and have lunch. They also have a nice courtyard for the kids to eat at. The day we went it had just rained, so we were not able to enjoy the outside area. Next to classroom was a whole area set up for the kids to run and play. I loved how you could explore and find new areas of the zoo. The kids had a great time seeing the bug exhibit and crocodiles. I also liked that the exhibits were scattered throughout the park and exploring with the kids was so much fun. My group had time to pet the animals which was a nice touch. I wish I had more time to explore the zoo, but the bus was ready to pick us up and go back to school.

Jack Chu

The zoo is a pretty good size for an afternoon trip with kids. It takes about 3 hours to walk around the zoo to see all animals. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food to picnic there as well as have meals there is their various restaurants. We got a chance to see many animals in action but its a pity that the distance is too far for phone cameras. There are a few things to note here though. 1. Kids need admission fee after 2. Unlike SF zoo, which offers kids free until theyre 3. 2. Parking fee is $9 per car. 3. They do take passport discount. =D 4. All the rides inside are extra. Sky ride is $3 per person and its a around 20 minutes ride and you got a good view of the zoo. The play ground area is separated from the zoo and you can enter the area without zoo admission. Most rides there cost $1.5 and $3. One thing about here is that I wish their staff can be more properly trained. The staff at entrance didnt even greet us and give us a map. Moreover, the staff at various exits didnt even bother to hold door for us even we have strollers, which is quite rude. I take one star off due to this.

Bruce

You would think by having the San Francisco Zoo, it would be enough, but we have another zoo across the bay, which in size, is not as enormous as San Franciscos but I think is just as enjoyable. It offers residents in the Eastbay easy access for that "zoo fix" in most of us! I like the easy access from the freeway (Highway 580) and the large parking lot which is in front of the zoo. With this zoo, you are walking up and down small hills to view the numerous animals but "my favorite part of the zoo has to be the sky-ride." I believe the San Diego Zoo is the only other zoo in California that is equipped with a "tram-like" ride over the zoo, but this one is a "ski-lift" type of ride, which I think is one of a kind. The lift takes you over the lions den and giraffe prairie and gives you a whole new perspective from above! Another favorite attraction of mine is the meerkat exhibit where in the wild these animals live in large "clans" and to me is just entertaining to watch.

Zoo Connoisseur

The Oakland Zoo is situated in the hills of Knowland Park, overlooking the city, and covers 100 acres of land. Many of the zoo’s enclosures are very spacious, providing excellent habitats for the animals. In particular, the exhibits for elephants and sun bears are quite large, while still giving visitors good viewing. The animal variety is lesser here than in most large zoos, but still features many of the popular species. The atmosphere of Oakland zoo is very family-oriented. There are seven rides throughout the park, including a train, chairlift, and rides for younger kids. In addition, there is a large Children’s Zoo that is highly interactive. Due to the park’s location, a few of the paths are steep and may be challenging for some, so be prepared for this when visiting. A typical visit takes about three hours in order to enjoy everything the zoo has to offer. The family-friendly environment and outstanding animal exhibits make Oakland Zoo one of the best in California.

Taras Melnychenko

Dont get me wrong, it is fairly good zoo, but I felt like I wanted to see more. First things first. It is conveniently located just one block from highway and entrance is easily accessible regardless where you park. Admission price per adult is $17 which is not bad, but you actually have to pay more. Read until the end. A few animals that I have seen are baboon, tigers, tortoise, elephants, camels, hyena, giraffes, wallaroo, otters, goats, etc. I have seen all these animals before and wanted to see more birds (only one parrot type, really?). Some exhibits where closed and I would love to see anaconda, but I couldnt due to remodeling. Definitely there is lack of exotic insects. The unexpected part was is the way of seeing wallaroo. It is only accessible with the small train and there is additional price of $3 per person for that. I thought that I am paying $17 to see animals. Overall, it was OK experience, but I am not coming back. Work harder, Oakland Zoo