The Sacramento Zoo, today, is a far cry from its humble beginnings as a tiny, four acre attraction that opened in 1927 as the William Land Park Zoo, with an interesting menagerie of 40 animals assembled from the collections of parks around the city. In 1949, the zoo’s first elephant was purchased with funds raised from a drive sponsored by the local newspaper; six years later, a welcomed companion joined her. In the 1960s, the zoo increased in size to its current 14.2 acres and new habitat sprung up everywhere with the help of a $300,000.00 zoo improvement bond. A grizzly and two orangutans took up residence in 1965- when admission was just twenty five cents; in 1970 the name was changed to Sacramento Zoo. Over the years, with every wonderful improvement and addition to the Zoo family came learning and with learning, the implementation of positive change; now home to over 140 native, rare and endangered species, the foot-and-family friendly Sacramento Zoo inspires appreciation, respect and a connection with wildlife and nature through its many exhibits and programs highlighting a three-fold objective of education, recreation and conservation. A self-guided animal art tour introduces visitors to a wide array of fine artistic renderings around the park; the Giraffe Encounter allows a delightful meet-and-greet with long necked occupants from the Tall Wonders Deck. A fantastic local browse program accepts donations of non-toxic tree and shrub clippings and trimmings to help feed the animals; this popular little city zoo relies on the benevolence of community members and kind patrons to ensure its upkeep, growth and preservation as a safe home and haven for its multitude of furred and feathered, finned and winged residents. A stop at the Sacramento Zoo is an absolute must on any Golden State itinerary!