The Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens was founded on 30 acres of land originally given as a gift to the Santa Barbara Foundation by Mrs. John Childs. The former Vegamar (Star of the Sea) had been well known in the community as a beautiful estate with acres of landscaped gardens - and a small shanty village settled by a handful of men during the Great Depression. One condition of Mrs. Childs bequest was that the men living in the small, self-governing town be allowed to remain on the land. Aside from that, she left the land to the Foundation to be used in a manner decided upon by them.
In 1953, the Santa Barbara Foundation deeded the land to the City of Santa Barbara to be used as a park .It wasn't until 1963 that the Zoo was opened as a park for the city's children, featuring animals, gardens and play spaces. The mission of the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens is to preserve, conserve and enhance the natural world and its treasures through education, research and recreation.
The zoo maintains their mission through community contributions and fund raising and is not supported through taxpayer money. In addition to the animal exhibits and visits, the Zoo also offers grade-appropriate lesson plans that relate to the California State Science standards. Today, the Santa Barbara Zoo is home to more than 500 animals representing 160 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. The landscaped botanical gardens are acknowledged as some of the most beautiful in the world.
The most popular exhibits at the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens include the African Veldt, the Forest's Edge and Gibbon Island. The African Veldt exhibit covers more than an acre, and houses some of the zoo's most popular residents - the giraffes. Guests can get up close and personal with the long-necked creatures during feeding time.
Another popular exhibit is one of the newest. Opened in 2006, the Crawford Family Penguin House is home to a family of Humboldt penguins. The sanctuary includes venues for underwater and on-ground viewing as well as breeding boxes for the penguins.
Nearby, visitors can visit a tropical aviary that is home to South American and African birds, including Inca terns, macaws and an African green-cheeked parrot. The zoo is also home to Lorikeet Landing, where visitors can enjoy the enchanting antics of the world's most talkative birds, and to Wings of Asia, home to 10 rare Asian bird species.
Besides the zoo animals, guests to the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens can also enjoy a ride around the park on one of two Zoo Trains. Younger children might especially enjoy a ride on the Carousel or a visit to the Barnyard, where they can pet and feed farm animal.
The Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens is open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily except Thanksgiving (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM) and Christmas (closed). Admission is $11 for adults, with discounts for under 13 and over 59. For information about exhibits and admission, contact the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens at 805-962-5339.
Review, comment, or add new information about this topic: