Zoological Society Of San Diego

The Zoological Society of San Diego is committed to saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in animal care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature.

The Zoological Society of San Diego manages the 100-acre San Diego Zoo (founded in 1916), the 1,800-acre Safari Park (founded in 1972), and the Center for Conservation Research (founded in 1975). Our vision is a world where all life thrives. As a global conservation organization with two zoological parks, we apply the latest in science, technology, and wildlife management to assist populations of endangered wildlife species to thrive in protected areas in their native lands.

Top 5 Accomplishments in 2024:

1. Completed funding for the Denny Sanford Family Elephant Valley, with a planned 2025 opening at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
2. Re-opened the San Diego Zoo's newly renovated Hippo Habitat, featuring three hippos in underwater viewing with new rockwork, glass and a custom filtration system.
3. Made significant progress in restoring financial sustainability to our emergency fund, post-Covid.
4. Advanced pioneering genetic and reproductive science research to save the northern white rhinoceros from extinction.
5. Celebrated the return of giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo and the completion of Panda Ridge, a lush hillside habitat for pandas that is four times the size of the previous space.

Needs Statement:

1. $2 million per year for next 5 years to advance Northern white rhino genetic rescue.
2. $30 million to help build the organization's Emergency Fund for unforeseen challenges.
3. $3 million toward protective measures against Avian Flu at our parks.
4. $3 million to carry out results of a collaborative 2024 Education Gap analysis to ensure our K-12 education programs maximize our resources to give students in our community and beyond what they need most.
5. $3 million to endow a scientist position at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research.

“The world is interconnected. The health of wildlife, and ecosystems, are tied to our own human health. The challenges wildlife face today are unprecedented, and, we can drive change for the future if we work collaboratively with partners worldwide. At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we have the unique opportunity to bring our global work home to empower our guests as we create allies for wildlife, every day.”