The Abridged version:
- The Sacramento Zoo has submitted a request to the city of Sacramento that would increase its footprint more than 40%.
- The proposal includes the former pony ride site.
- It’s backed by Sacramento city and neighborhood leaders.
The Sacramento Zoo has submitted a formal request to the city of Sacramento to expand the footprint of the zoo’s historic Land Park location, a proposal that would represent its largest expansion in more than half a century.
If approved, the project would add nearly six acres to the zoo’s current 14.3-acre site, boosting its size by 40% to 20.1 acres. The new acreage includes a 4.4-acre parcel across Land Park Drive, formerly home to a pony ride attraction. The pony rides closed in 2022. An additional 1.4-acre parcel directly north of the existing zoo is also in the expansion plan.
Land Park expansion ‘critical’ to zoo’s future
Elizabeth Stallard, President of the Sacramento Zoological Society’s Board of Trustees, said the expansion is “critical” to the future of the zoo.
“Our new 20.1-acre site would give us the flexibility to move some services and animal habitats to the new spaces, and also move things around in our current site to make sure we’re making the best plans for the future of the zoo,” Stallard said Monday.
The zoo, which opened in 1927, has been a landmark destination for generations of Sacramento families. While the city has periodically modernized facilities, the overall footprint has remained unchanged since the 1960s, limiting the zoo’s ability to expand animal habitats and guest amenities.
“We’re looking forward to being able to announce that the deal is done and we’ll be a much bigger zoo very soon,” Stallard said.
Proposal backed by city leaders after Elk Grove expansion ‘fell through’
The proposal comes after a multi-year effort to move the zoo to Elk Grove ended in April due to increasing construction costs and economic uncertainty.
“When the plan for the Elk Grove expansion fell through, essentially, we then turned back to the city of Sacramento and we’ve been working with them to come up with a way for the zoo to get more space right here in Land Park,” Stallard said.
Sacramento city leaders praised the new proposal, with Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty emphasizing the city’s commitment to keeping the zoo rooted in Land Park.
“The Sacramento Zoo has served this community for nearly 100 years, and is a beloved Sacramento institution,” McCarty said. “This expansion and partnership with the city will make sure the zoo is here for the next 100 years.”
Councilmember Rick Jennings, whose District 7 includes Land Park, praised the proposal as a “win” for families, visitors, and the local economy.
“The Sacramento Zoo is one of the treasures of our city and our region. Turning the former pony ride area into new space for the zoo will create even more experiences for families and visitors to enjoy,” Jennings said.
Visitors and neighborhood associations voice support
Zoo visitor Sasha Brenna on Monday was visiting the zoo on a field trip with her daughter and welcomed the proposed growth.
“I think it’s a good idea. I mean, the zoo isn’t super big. It would be nice to be a little bit bigger,” Brenna said. “Sometimes we come here and then we’re done in like an hour. Maybe not quite like the San Diego Zoo, but something a little bit bigger to spend more time.”
Community groups in both Land Park and South Land Park voiced support for the expansion, a critical signal as the proposal moves through city channels.
“The zoo is a wonderful neighbor, and we are excited to see it stay,” said Kris Rogers, President of the Land Park Community Association. “We are looking forward to working with the zoo and the city to make that possible.”
Anthony Jackson, President of the South Land Park Neighborhood Association, agreed, noting the zoo’s role in preserving the character and vitality of the area.
What’s next for the Sacramento Zoo
Stallard says the request will need to be considered and approved by the Sacramento City Council. “If approved, I expect it would be confirmed with an amendment to our operating agreement,” Stallard said.
The city’s review process is now underway, and zoo leaders anticipate public input opportunities before final plans are approved. If the expansion moves forward, zoo leaders say it will pave the way for reimagined habitats, improved guest experiences, and a stronger foundation as the zoo approaches its centennial anniversary in 2027.
Visual Journalists Denis Akbari and Martin Christian contributed reporting. Rob Stewart is a reporter with Abridged.