The zoo's California Trail project includes a significant exhibit dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned grizzly bears.
The Wayne and Gladys Valley Animal Care Center allows the public to view medical procedures through a glass window.
The zoo features a nighttime holiday light display, 'ZooLights,' that uses over 500,000 LED lights.
The grounds contain the historic Kaiser Elephant Suite, which was designed to provide modern habitat space for the zoo's elephant herd.
The site includes a dedicated exhibit for the Malayan sun bear, one of the smallest bear species in the world.
The Oakland Zoo is situated within the 525-acre Knowland Park in the Oakland Hills. It features over 850 native and exotic animals across sprawling, naturalistic habitats. The California Trail section focuses exclusively on species native to the state, including grizzly bears, mountain lions, and gray wolves. The zoo operates the largest veterinary hospital in Northern California, the Wayne and Gladys Valley Animal Care Center. An aerial gondola connects the main zoo area to the hilltop California Trail exhibits. The facility is heavily focused on animal conservation, education, and wildlife rescue programs. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The observation deck at the California Trail summit, offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Take the gondola to the top of the California Trail first to save energy and work your way down through the exhibits.
Check the daily keeper talk schedule upon arrival to observe animal feeding and enrichment sessions.
Bring a refillable water bottle, as the hilly terrain requires significant walking.
Attempting to walk from the lower zoo to the California Trail exhibit; use the included gondola to manage the elevation gain.
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for steep inclines; do not feed the animals or tap on glass enclosures.
