Santa Barbara Zoo

The Santa Barbara Zoo is a place for education, conservation, and preservation of natural environments and critters. The zoo is dedicated to education, research, and recreation. The zoo is open daily 10am to 5pm, except Christmas. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for kids. Parking is $5 per vehicle, unless visitors have a membership. Family membership is $80 per year.

The zoo opened in 1963 with help from a variety of community volunteers. Management is nonprofit and they obtain most funds from zoo entry and parking. About 80 to 100 people work at the zoo, with over 500 volunteers to help out. The zoo encompasses 30 acres of Santa Barbara land overlooking the ocean. 160 species of mammals, reptiles, insects, and birds are found at the zoo. Total they offer 500 animals on exhibit in natural environments. Roughly 100 species of natural plants are part of the zoo. The landscaping is mostly natural, though several areas have formal plantings too.

Private events are available for groups who wish to rent the zoo. Weddings, corporate events, parties, and picnics are often the private events booked. When the zoo opened the conservation party purchased the land from the Childs family.