Staff Report
It’s penguin-ing to look a lot like the holidays at the Santa Barbara Zoo, which has been transformed into Holiday Zoo, a festive outdoor celebration guaranteed to make spirits bright, from December 1 – 31.
Visitors to the Zoo this December will enjoy the decked out holiday decor with themed photo opps, while visiting the animals. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday garb, ugly Christmas sweater, or dress up as a favorite Frozen character! Seasonal treats and adult holiday spirits are available for purchase.
The Zoo will be open regular operating hours in line with the modified and approved COVID-19 safety measures, including limited capacity. The Holiday Zoo experience is free with Zoo admission or Zoo membership; online reservations are required. To make reservations for Holiday Zoo, click here.
Looking for wild gift ideas for friends and family this holiday season? The Zoo’s Holiday Gift Guide has something special for every loved one on your list! From animal encounters to gifting memberships and more, all purchases and donations support the Santa Barbara Zoo! The Zoo is also seeking Holiday Zoo sponsorships which will help the Zoo recover from financial hardships due to the COVID-19 closure earlier this year. For more information, please contact Lauren Winnewisser at donate@sbzoo.org.
About the Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo is now open with limited capacity. Online ticket reservations are now required for all guests, including Zoo Members, available at www.sbzoo.org. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, the Santa Barbara Zoo is located on 30 acres of botanic gardens and is home to more than 500 individual animals in open, naturalistic habitats. The Santa Barbara Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), representing the highest level of animal care, and participates in AZA endangered species programs for Masai giraffe, California condor, island fox, and Western lowland gorilla, among others. As a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, the Santa Barbara Zoo depends on community support, not tax dollars, for operations and improvements. Visit sbzoo.org.
