Santa Barbara Zoo

Today the Santa Barbara Zoo is a worthy attraction that the city can brag about. The beginning was modest with only a few animals – a llama, two sheep, a goat, a turkey and a pair of spider monkeys – but the potential was there in this incredibly beautiful location. The Zoo grew, always emphasizing quality rather than quantity, and soon became one of the most popular attractions in the City of Santa Barbara. Building the Zoo was a community effort. Masses of volunteers dedicated their time while local businesses contributed materials and supplies for everything from pathways to paperwork. Many of the original volunteers and contributors are still very much involved with the Zoo today.

Over the years landscaping material, much of it donated, continued to be added to the park and zoo areas. Beautiful gardens were emerging. The Zoo took on a tropical atmosphere, highlighting some magnificent specimen plantings, especially palm trees. The entire lower end of the park had been marshy and only one lone eucalyptus tree grew there when the Zoo was opened. Now visitors wind their way through coral trees, jacarandas, silk trees, bananas and giant bird of paradise. Plantings in and around exhibits compliment the animals.

Walking these thirty acres is an experience in many ways. The Zoo now hosts over 500 animal species and attracts thousands of visitors annually. You should add to this visitor tally if you are visiting Santa Barbara. You won’t be disappointed.

Address

500 Ninos Dr
Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Phone

(805) 962-5339

Website

Visit website