Elk Grove-Sacramento Zoo

The City and Sacramento Zoological Society (Society) have been working on building a new zoo since September 2021 when the organizations entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement to consider the project. The Elk Grove City Council approved the project in May 2024. A cost sharing agreement between the City and Society was executed in June 2024. Construction design for the on-site facilities and off-site infrastructure necessary to serve the Zoo has been in progress since summer 2024.

The Sacramento Zoological Society (Society) notified the City of Elk Grove that they no longer see efforts to build a new zoo in Elk Grove as viable and have reluctantly made the difficult decision to end work on the project. Factors outside of either organization’s control such as economic uncertainty and increased construction costs have created an unacceptable level of risk for the project. Other concerns expressed by the Society, which they believe jeopardize the project’s long-term success, include questions over future operating costs, scope and scale of phase 1, and the ability to fund future phases.

The City approved the zoo project in May 2024 with a first phase of 28 acres and full buildout of approximately 65 acres of zoological park. This project, both the initial phase and ultimate buildout, was larger than the Society’s current Land Park footprint of about 14 acres. The number of species, exhibits, and features have not changed since then. The Society provided economic analysis in May 2024 that showed they were confident the proposed 28 acres of zoological park was feasible and affordable. No changes have been made in the subsequent design efforts to reduce or eliminate elements from the initial phase. The City and the Society worked hand-in-hand at all decision points.

To date, approximately $4.5 million has been invested by the City in preliminary project work, including planning, feasibility studies, design and engineering work. 

This amount does not include the purchase price of the property. In 2022, the City purchased approximately 100 acres in south Elk Grove at the northwest intersection of Kammerer Road and Lotz Parkway for $9 million. The City is confident the value of the land has appreciated in value sufficient to offset the project planning and design costs to date. Elk Grove leaders will consider options for the 100-acre project site at a future date. These options could include the potential sale of the property to recoup the costs incurred for the project or other uses that could provide other benefits to the community.

The City entered into this joint effort with the Sacramento Zoological Society (Society) in good faith with a bold and ambitious vision to relocate and expand the Sacramento Zoo in Elk Grove. The City completed a Financing Plan, Project Schedule and Cost Sharing Agreement that provided a detailed plan to move the project forward to construction. Additionally, a Feasibility Study, Business Plan and Operating Pro Forma were prepared to ensure the viability of the project through both construction and operations. A Cost Sharing Agreement was approved by both the City Council and the Society’s Board of Directors that required significant financial contributions from both the City and Society to make the project a reality. The City has fulfilled all of its obligations under the Agreement and its commitment to completing the project has not waivered. However, the City understands and respects the Society’s concerns regarding the viability of the project and the financial risk it poses.

The City of Elk Grove is committed to making Elk Grove the best City possible. The City has visionary leadership that is willing to pursue community-changing projects to advance these goals and bring about positive change for the community, including taking calculated and measured risks to achieve its goals. Not all pursuits will come to fruition, but the City will not be deterred in its efforts and will continue to pursue transformational projects that will add to an already outstanding City.

Revisiting the project as proposed is highly unlikely. The City and Society are taking steps to terminate their current Agreement.

If future plans are announced for the Sacramento Zoo, the Sacramento Zoological Society Board of Directors will inform the public. 

The Sacramento Zoological Society remains deeply committed to the Sacramento Zoo’s mission of inspiration, education, and conservation, and to planning for the zoo’s future in a way that meets the needs of the animals in their care and of this region. In the coming weeks, the Society will be sharing more information about the future of the Sacramento Zoo, including their plans for the Land Park site, as they navigate this change in course.

The City of Elk Grove is returning all donated funds to the Society, which amounts to approximately $1.9 million. The Society has committed to contacting all donors in the near future to determine whether the donors would like to affirm their donation to the Society or have the funds returned.

The community can support the Sacramento Zoo by visiting, becoming a member, participating in programs, attending events, and donating. Every contribution helps them fulfill their mission of education and conservation and care for the zoo’s animals.

The Sacramento Zoo has been a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and continuously accredited since 1979. AZA accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous standards for animal care, education, wildlife conservation and science. Their most recent accreditation renewal was in 2024 and will last until 2029.