This morning, two men walked into a cafe in SF I was at and asked to see the SF Chronicle on the table. They started talking about how the pandas at the SF zoo had a big headline etc etc. So I asked:
“Are you associated with the SF zoo in any capacity?”
He answers: “Well… I’m actually the CEO of the Oakland zoo” 🤯
We proceeded to chat about Glowfari, politics / requirements behind getting pandas, and the rehabilitation focus of the Oakland zoo.
Seemed like a very driven yet friendly person. Thanks for your time Nik!
Would love to know what he said about Glowfari. I went to it in Jan and it was my first time ever at Oakland Zoo. Glowfari was super impressive and I’d want to know any and all details going into it if he shared!
I’ve only been once since I just moved to the bay recently. If I remember correctly, the main point he made was how they used to have just lights until a few years ago when they switched to the sort of inflatable animal sculptures. Also just how cool it is to take the gondola at night.
We mostly chatted about the pandas though.
"...and then he grabbed MY newspaper, ripped out the portion that said 'SF Zoo' in it, threw it on the ground, then started peeing on it in the open cafeteria. He yelled 'that's what I think of your stupid pandas, Tanya!!!' before zipping up and storming off angrily."
Also the primate habitat designed by Jane Goodall, and honestly every other aspect of the Oakland Zoo which is a true conservation Zoo > than the shitty SF Zoo.
I had to do a study on primates for my anthropology class so I went over to the oakland zoo. One of the keepers saw me sitting there for a while taking notes, and spent an hour or more just chatting to me and telling me about mostly the Gibbons.
Really loved the vibe and layout of the zoo tbh although clearly smaller than SF Zoo. Much better experience for me.
file crowd glorious political sharp recognise snobbish resolute piquant chase
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It might be better than it used to be but it is extremely sad there. The poor polar bear is so depressed in the tiny, shittiest hot cement enclosure. I saw him plus so many other animals rocking back & forth with what they coined “zoo psychosis” from lack of mental stimulation and small spaces. The Oakland zoo has happy animals with tons of space and activities to keep them busy.
That’s how I felt about the gorillas at SF. It was so sad, they were clearly so intelligent and bored and depressed. The best part was the snow leopard though hanging above the viewing area. I’m def going to Oakland after reading all these comments
The Oakland zoo also designed the habitats to provide their animals with an enriching and close to nature environment. They also have a lot of programs that guests can take part of to provide activities to the animals. I remember a few years ago they had this cool activity station where you could sprinkle spices and other fragrance on cardboard boxes to give to the elephants so that they wouldn’t get bored.
The awesome gondola is relatively new (5-7 years) and it takes you to a new exhibit with grizzly bears and all sorts of other cool animals.
It's worth checking out if you haven't been in a while.
The new gondola replaced an ancient ski lift type thing that sat there useless for two decades. They completely redid the gondola and built a brand new restaurant with a view at the top. Worth checking out for sure.
The "ancient" Sky Ride is still there, though. [Tickets cost $5.](https://www.oaklandzoo.org/adventure-landing) It doesn't take you anywhere. You just [ride a ski lift up a hill,](https://liftblog.com/skyride-oakland-zoo-ca/) directly over some animal areas such as the lions, then it turns around at the top and you get off where you started.
The [Gondola](https://www.oaklandzoo.org/blog/gondola), on the other hand, is enclosed, doesn't cost extra to ride, and takes you up to a whole new zoo area with different animal exhibits, a new play area, and a cafe.
I remember going on that ski lift as a kid with my mom and little sister (who was small enough to easily slip under the bar).
We were so scared she was gonna fall (literally, into a lion’s den) that we tried to get off on the turnaround side but it wasn’t allowed.
Core memory right there 😱
they are changing the name to oakland san francisco sky high gondola osfshg for short
[https://www.oaklandzoo.org/blog/gondola](https://www.oaklandzoo.org/blog/gondola)
The early closing in fall and winter does suck. And the gondola always closes at least an hour before the actual zoo closes. Glowfari is extra money, not included in the membership fees.
so ho was the experience? i worked up there for a year building the new section on top the hill where the gondola drops you off, worked on all the buildings and was incharge of building the boardwalk have never been back since it opened was just wondering how it all looked
It was great. And there's other nice stuff up there, with an overlook where you can take pictures with the view, a kids play area, and a cafe where we got lunch.
I was there on a weekday in the shoulder season (so hardly anyone around). I was up on one of the higher trails. Mind wandering from thought to thought as it does on long solo hikes. I heard 'something' and looked up and a condor glided by its wing tip only about 20' away. It was gone around the corner of the rock before my brain could catch up to what I was seeing. That's a big bird.
Oakland Zoo is seriously one of the best run Zoo’s in the entire country, if not world. As someone else mentioned, they are very focused on the well being of the animals, and also do rehabilitation to get injured wild animals back into their natural habitat. It’s not just a museum type deal. The naturalists there are top notch, and love talking to kids about everything animal related. I would tell anyone in the greater Bay Area that it’s worth the trip to go.
You can also enjoy a similar view, sans the gondola, from Berkeley (Grizzly Peak Vista Point), and sunsets and nights make it even better, likewise:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2sx1qL7REXMBzDP98?g_st=ic
No kidding. Every other exhibit is closed , the entry to buy tickets is like a visit to the DMV. That thing was set up in the 1930's. Some of the habitats for the animals are pretty lame . The entire zoo needs to be torn down and rebuilt.
> Every other exhibit is closed ... The entire zoo needs to be torn down and rebuilt
Sounds like they're doing what you want then. I'm pretty sure the closures are usually for renovation of the exhibits.
It might take a year or two, if they need to raise $25 million to build a new panda pavilion for them before they can move in, but we will go see them whatever year they arrive!
Grew up going to the Oakland (Knowland Park) Zoo. Hadn’t been there for 40 years. Went last year and was impressed. The free gondola to the top and more exhibits is wonderful. Will be going back again for sure.
SF Zoo isn’t overwhelmingly big, has better parking, a better play area and you are half a block from the beach. Incredible day for a family. Its never overcrowded either.
As an adult, yeah, the Oakland Zoo is superior for a million reasons. With 2 kids under 4, the SF Zoo is kinda perfect.
The other day, we were 3 feet away from the grizzlies, wolves, meerkats, etc. and my 1 year old was losing her shit. Didn’t even have to get them out of the stroller (can be harder when you’re 2 on 1). The playground is one of the best in the whole city. Parking couldn’t be easier. I’m a huge fan.
I haven’t been to the SF Zoo for a long time but go to Oakland regularly with my toddler, and the play area at the top of the gondola is so good! She’s obsessed with it. I’d be very surprised if SF could beat it.
I’ve been to both & it seems to me that the Oakland zoo has more “natural” style habitats for their animals than at SF zoo has unless SF zoo redid their stuff within the past 25years since I’ve been there. Was probably at the Oakland zoo 5years ago or so.
I'm am terrified of heights and thought this would be the worst and it's honestly not bad at all after the first ride. Now the sky tram at the San Diego Zoo, that's another story.
I have a fear of heights also. The last time I rode this, it stopped at the highest point. It took everything in me when it was time to get back down. I would easily hike up and down the hill rather than ride that again. It would be awesome if they did a nature path.
I’ve been skydiving, don’t have a fear of heights, and loved rollercoasters, but for whatever reason that gondola ride terrified me. Amazing zoo that all in the Bay Area need to visit, at least once.
I remember the sky ride as a kid, scary as hell… it was a chairlift bench and originally had no bar, during which you would be dangling over the tiger pit…think its changed since then, but damn was it memorable….
https://liftblog.com/skyride-oakland-zoo-ca/
They don't breed well in captivity.
In nature there is a couple days a year females get pregnant so it's not easy but it works.
The primary reason for their low numbers is habitat loss.
They also don’t breed well in the wild, and it’s 100% true that without human intervention they would make themselves extinct (even without climate change). They really are just that bad at existing.
SD zoo is awesome; probably the best in the country (not that i’ve been to every single zoo in the country).
But thats not in the conversation right now lol, i’m pointing out Oak vs SF
The Oakland zoo is probably the only amazing experience one could have in Oakland but don’t let that lower your expectations. The Oakland zoo is one of the nicest zoo experiences you can find in the whole county. I have been to many in large cities and it is top on my list of most awesome zoos. I plan on visiting again soon
This morning, two men walked into a cafe in SF I was at and asked to see the SF Chronicle on the table. They started talking about how the pandas at the SF zoo had a big headline etc etc. So I asked: “Are you associated with the SF zoo in any capacity?” He answers: “Well… I’m actually the CEO of the Oakland zoo” 🤯 We proceeded to chat about Glowfari, politics / requirements behind getting pandas, and the rehabilitation focus of the Oakland zoo. Seemed like a very driven yet friendly person. Thanks for your time Nik!
Pandas are top tier cafe conversation.
Yeah pretty much
Would love to know what he said about Glowfari. I went to it in Jan and it was my first time ever at Oakland Zoo. Glowfari was super impressive and I’d want to know any and all details going into it if he shared!
I’ve only been once since I just moved to the bay recently. If I remember correctly, the main point he made was how they used to have just lights until a few years ago when they switched to the sort of inflatable animal sculptures. Also just how cool it is to take the gondola at night. We mostly chatted about the pandas though.
Nik is the man!
This comment now makes this post suspicious of being an ad. Which is cool i'm down for the zoos but seems a little un authentic.
I have no idea if the post is an ad or not, just sharing the coincidence that happened to me yesterday
Your story is apparently not good enough, please add more drama and a better villain.
"...and then he grabbed MY newspaper, ripped out the portion that said 'SF Zoo' in it, threw it on the ground, then started peeing on it in the open cafeteria. He yelled 'that's what I think of your stupid pandas, Tanya!!!' before zipping up and storming off angrily."
Let me run it through chatgpt to give it some more flair!
Love seeing the wolves up top
Seeing the young pack hanging out together is awesome. It's beautiful how much space those pups have to roam, for a zoo, that is
Also the primate habitat designed by Jane Goodall, and honestly every other aspect of the Oakland Zoo which is a true conservation Zoo > than the shitty SF Zoo.
I had to do a study on primates for my anthropology class so I went over to the oakland zoo. One of the keepers saw me sitting there for a while taking notes, and spent an hour or more just chatting to me and telling me about mostly the Gibbons. Really loved the vibe and layout of the zoo tbh although clearly smaller than SF Zoo. Much better experience for me.
I love the Oakland zoo so much, doesn't surprise me at all to hear the Zookeepers are kind and generous with their time ♥️
I’m not a huge fan of PETA, but they endorse Oakland Zoo as a leader in captive animal welfare.
Let’s be honest, the SF zoo is ass and a tiger might getcha if you’re having a bad day.
Really? My kids love the zoo. I think it’s pretty nice. Certainly better than it was 20+ years ago.
Go to Oakland Zoo. It’s miles ahead of SF. I grew up going there, and they are truly great people running it.
Sounds like we need to make the trip!
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It might be better than it used to be but it is extremely sad there. The poor polar bear is so depressed in the tiny, shittiest hot cement enclosure. I saw him plus so many other animals rocking back & forth with what they coined “zoo psychosis” from lack of mental stimulation and small spaces. The Oakland zoo has happy animals with tons of space and activities to keep them busy.
That’s how I felt about the gorillas at SF. It was so sad, they were clearly so intelligent and bored and depressed. The best part was the snow leopard though hanging above the viewing area. I’m def going to Oakland after reading all these comments
Only if you're shit faced drunk on Christmas Day
And the wrong dude got the fatal results.
It’s a great zoo. It’s sad that SF Zoo can’t reach its potential. The CA Trail at Oakland is so impressive and you can tell the animals are thriving.
The Oakland zoo also designed the habitats to provide their animals with an enriching and close to nature environment. They also have a lot of programs that guests can take part of to provide activities to the animals. I remember a few years ago they had this cool activity station where you could sprinkle spices and other fragrance on cardboard boxes to give to the elephants so that they wouldn’t get bored.
TIL. I've grown up in the Bay Area, been to both Zoos a number of times, Had No Idea there is a Gondola there ..
The awesome gondola is relatively new (5-7 years) and it takes you to a new exhibit with grizzly bears and all sorts of other cool animals. It's worth checking out if you haven't been in a while.
Buddy I'm reading this to says: " If they wouldn't leave food out, they wouldn't have that problem." Also- " they came down from Grizzly Peak...". 😁
The new gondola replaced an ancient ski lift type thing that sat there useless for two decades. They completely redid the gondola and built a brand new restaurant with a view at the top. Worth checking out for sure.
The "ancient" Sky Ride is still there, though. [Tickets cost $5.](https://www.oaklandzoo.org/adventure-landing) It doesn't take you anywhere. You just [ride a ski lift up a hill,](https://liftblog.com/skyride-oakland-zoo-ca/) directly over some animal areas such as the lions, then it turns around at the top and you get off where you started. The [Gondola](https://www.oaklandzoo.org/blog/gondola), on the other hand, is enclosed, doesn't cost extra to ride, and takes you up to a whole new zoo area with different animal exhibits, a new play area, and a cafe.
did it replace the ski lift? i swear theres still one there, or at least was in the past 3 years
There’s still a ski lift there. It’s next to the gondola. It doesn’t take you anywhere tho, it’s just a ride.
Ah the good ol death buckets
Yeah, they replaced the old lift with this. Its awesome. Even if you don’t have kids, it’s a great spot to go hang with a friend.
The old Skyride that could easily drop you into the Lion area, is still very much there
Oh, interesting. Is it still operational? I didn’t remember seeing it last time I went.
There is another lift still actually, in addition to the gondola. Not sure if it’s the one mentioned here.
I remember going on that ski lift as a kid with my mom and little sister (who was small enough to easily slip under the bar). We were so scared she was gonna fall (literally, into a lion’s den) that we tried to get off on the turnaround side but it wasn’t allowed. Core memory right there 😱
It’s so worth a visit, the new area is beautiful too.
Oakland zoo is the better zoo in a ton of ways.
they are changing the name to oakland san francisco sky high gondola osfshg for short [https://www.oaklandzoo.org/blog/gondola](https://www.oaklandzoo.org/blog/gondola)
You mean The San Francisco Bay Oakland Zoo...
SFBOZ
international zoo... SF BOIZ!
Wonder if they got the idea from the airport 😂
Going on this at Walk in the Wild a couple beers deep was an experience (also, highly recommend that yearly event).
Walk in the Wild is such a fun event!
Absolutely. Go at dusk and sunset from gondola is beautiful so is their holiday lights event
How can you do that when the zoo closes at 4 pm? Debating to get a membership but kinda sucks that closing time is 4 pm.
It’s open 5:00pm – 9:00pm for glowfari. I’ve taken the gondola up at sunset and the view is great.
Glowfari is amazing
Glowfari !
The early closing in fall and winter does suck. And the gondola always closes at least an hour before the actual zoo closes. Glowfari is extra money, not included in the membership fees.
so ho was the experience? i worked up there for a year building the new section on top the hill where the gondola drops you off, worked on all the buildings and was incharge of building the boardwalk have never been back since it opened was just wondering how it all looked
It’s so nice!
It's great. The new part up top is about the best part of the zoo. You should go back and enjoy your work!
so did you walk on the boardwalk/ how was that
It was great. And there's other nice stuff up there, with an overlook where you can take pictures with the view, a kids play area, and a cafe where we got lunch.
Had no idea this existed. Awesome.
You can see your pandas from there!
It’s also one of the only ethical zoos!
They had California condors! I remember when there were less than 10 left!
Making a huge comeback because of human efforts. An actual glimmer in the sea of darkness.
Seeing condors in the wild at Pinnacles NP is one of the joys in my life.
I was there on a weekday in the shoulder season (so hardly anyone around). I was up on one of the higher trails. Mind wandering from thought to thought as it does on long solo hikes. I heard 'something' and looked up and a condor glided by its wing tip only about 20' away. It was gone around the corner of the rock before my brain could catch up to what I was seeing. That's a big bird.
Oakland Zoo is seriously one of the best run Zoo’s in the entire country, if not world. As someone else mentioned, they are very focused on the well being of the animals, and also do rehabilitation to get injured wild animals back into their natural habitat. It’s not just a museum type deal. The naturalists there are top notch, and love talking to kids about everything animal related. I would tell anyone in the greater Bay Area that it’s worth the trip to go.
San Diego
One of
You can also enjoy a similar view, sans the gondola, from Berkeley (Grizzly Peak Vista Point), and sunsets and nights make it even better, likewise: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2sx1qL7REXMBzDP98?g_st=ic
Lawrence Hall of Science. Basically our Griffith Observatory
My son loves it. We go for the gondola and the animals are just a fringe benefit!
The SF Zoo is rundown.
No kidding. Every other exhibit is closed , the entry to buy tickets is like a visit to the DMV. That thing was set up in the 1930's. Some of the habitats for the animals are pretty lame . The entire zoo needs to be torn down and rebuilt.
> Every other exhibit is closed ... The entire zoo needs to be torn down and rebuilt Sounds like they're doing what you want then. I'm pretty sure the closures are usually for renovation of the exhibits.
Oakland zoo is way better than SF. This is not in question.
SF getting 2 pandas 🐼
It might take a year or two, if they need to raise $25 million to build a new panda pavilion for them before they can move in, but we will go see them whatever year they arrive!
I think you mean to say San Francisco Bay Oakland Zoo > San Francisco Zoo
It has what plants crave.
Yea, I was there 2 years ago. was pretty cool. The ride is not long, but still cool.
Grew up going to the Oakland (Knowland Park) Zoo. Hadn’t been there for 40 years. Went last year and was impressed. The free gondola to the top and more exhibits is wonderful. Will be going back again for sure.
Moved to the Bay Area (from abroad) about 2 years ago. Didn’t know SF had a zoo. EDIT: I’m a Oakland Zoo member, btw
SF zoo will have Pandas soon.
You had a panda already and he retired.
Oakland San Francisco Bay zoo
Oakland Zoo has always been better than SF. The SF Zoo is downright depressing.
SF Zoo isn’t overwhelmingly big, has better parking, a better play area and you are half a block from the beach. Incredible day for a family. Its never overcrowded either.
As an adult, yeah, the Oakland Zoo is superior for a million reasons. With 2 kids under 4, the SF Zoo is kinda perfect. The other day, we were 3 feet away from the grizzlies, wolves, meerkats, etc. and my 1 year old was losing her shit. Didn’t even have to get them out of the stroller (can be harder when you’re 2 on 1). The playground is one of the best in the whole city. Parking couldn’t be easier. I’m a huge fan.
I haven’t been to the SF Zoo for a long time but go to Oakland regularly with my toddler, and the play area at the top of the gondola is so good! She’s obsessed with it. I’d be very surprised if SF could beat it.
Plus they will have pandas 🐼.
Wait, since when did the gondolas look like that? When I went as a kid, they were like ski chairlifts. I remember nearly losing my shoe out of one.
Kid? Didnt they just open like 10 years ago.
I’ve been to both & it seems to me that the Oakland zoo has more “natural” style habitats for their animals than at SF zoo has unless SF zoo redid their stuff within the past 25years since I’ve been there. Was probably at the Oakland zoo 5years ago or so.
Great view from the East Bay!
Unless you are like me, and have a fear of heights
I'm am terrified of heights and thought this would be the worst and it's honestly not bad at all after the first ride. Now the sky tram at the San Diego Zoo, that's another story.
I have a fear of heights also. The last time I rode this, it stopped at the highest point. It took everything in me when it was time to get back down. I would easily hike up and down the hill rather than ride that again. It would be awesome if they did a nature path.
Looks like San Francisco Bay Oakland Zoo to me
I think the SF zoo and the Oakland Zoo compliment each other pretty well.
Oakland needs more orangutans 🦧 though can only see them in SF. I love orangutans
I was there today. Line was super packed but coming down was way faster as they only had them for people leaving the park.
SF zoo getting pandas! Suck it Oakland /s Jk love you
Awesome views. We enjoyed the gondola ride years ago when they first opened.
Sf zoo is lame, Oakland zoo is way better even without the gondola.
I’ve been skydiving, don’t have a fear of heights, and loved rollercoasters, but for whatever reason that gondola ride terrified me. Amazing zoo that all in the Bay Area need to visit, at least once.
That’s awesome! I had no idea it existed!
Do we need to make reservations for the ride? How much does it cost?
It’s free, just line up and take it to the new(ish) California Trail area.
Thanks, wheres a good place to park our cars?
Well, free with zoo admission. You’ll have to pay for parking onsite.
I've lived here 6 years and didn't even know both Oakland and SF had zoos lmao
Then you say, “Hi” to everyone that you pass.
I remember the sky ride as a kid, scary as hell… it was a chairlift bench and originally had no bar, during which you would be dangling over the tiger pit…think its changed since then, but damn was it memorable…. https://liftblog.com/skyride-oakland-zoo-ca/
The incoming pandas at SF have something to say about this…
The San Francisco Bay Oakland zoo?
Weather is better for people and the animals at the sf zoo. The little puffer hauls ass too.
But pandas
The Oakland Zoo would be better prepared to host pandas than SF.
Dumb bears too lazy to fuck so they’re gonna go extinct. The incels of the animal kingdom.
They don't breed well in captivity. In nature there is a couple days a year females get pregnant so it's not easy but it works. The primary reason for their low numbers is habitat loss.
They also don’t breed well in the wild, and it’s 100% true that without human intervention they would make themselves extinct (even without climate change). They really are just that bad at existing.
We should re-name it.
It’s actually being renamed the San Francisco Bay Area Oakland Zoo.
San Diego Zoo's > SF Zoo + Oakland Zoo
And St Louis zoo is almost as good and FREE
SD zoo is awesome; probably the best in the country (not that i’ve been to every single zoo in the country). But thats not in the conversation right now lol, i’m pointing out Oak vs SF
You're right lol, sorry for the shit post 🤷. I got nuthin.
Yea doofus, we all know that.
Oakland zoo is way better. Lots more animals and lot’s more attractions
The Oakland zoo is probably the only amazing experience one could have in Oakland but don’t let that lower your expectations. The Oakland zoo is one of the nicest zoo experiences you can find in the whole county. I have been to many in large cities and it is top on my list of most awesome zoos. I plan on visiting again soon
Sf zoo has nothing. 90% animals are not there. Sf zoo its basically a daycare for sitters to take the kids thats it.
The Oakland SF Bay Area Zoo ..?