The Sacramento Zoo should stay where it is
Another zoo can be built at the new location
There is a chance that the Sacramento Zoo may relocate from Land Park to a new spot in Elk Grove, but that is not a wise decision. (Photo by Usamah Hammour)
Since 2000, many have disagreed about whether the Sacramento Zoo should relocate from its location in William Land Park. In September this matter returned when Elizabeth Stallard, the zoological society board president, announced that the zoo would relocate to Elk Grove, according to a press release from the Sacramento Zoo. The plan has the support of Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen and Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, but many people are conflicted on the topic of moving the zoo bigger location or keeping it in the same spot.
I believe that this zoo has existed in the same spot for 100 years, creating deep memories through generations, and shouldn’t be moved.
Keeping the zoo in its original location is necessary in order to preserve its history. The facilities can be updated as needed. The people who asked to relocate the zoo can also build a new zoo as well if they want a new one
Stallard says the main concern over moving the zoo is for the animals.
“Our first priority is always doing what is best for the animals,” Stallard said in a press release on Sept. 23. “That commitment is driving this opportunity to provide the zoo’s animals with exceptional care in a larger, more modern facility that can better meet their needs and, in turn, inspire and connect more people with the natural world. We are delighted that the Zoological Society and Elk Grove share a vision for what a new zoo could mean for our region.”
I think, if there are any improvements needed to the old zoo, it doesn’t mean that it is necessary to relocate it. The improvements can be done on the old zoo, including any developments necessary for the space, care or comfort of the animals or other upgrades. Singh-Allen says that the new site would honor the history of the old zoo location.
“Elk Grove is well-positioned to provide space and support for a new zoo that will be a major attraction for visitors throughout the Sacramento region and Northern California,” Singh-Allen said in a press release on Sept. 23. “The Elk Grove site will allow the zoo to become one of the country’s world-class zoos, while honoring its nearly 100-year history and heritage in the Sacramento region.”
In September, I visited the Sacramento Zoo, and I met one of the employees there before she started work. This employee said that it’s better to keep the same zoo. Two visitors, who I also talked with, had differing opinions. One said the zoo should stay, and the other one said the new one would give animals more space.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, meanwhile, says he is still “willing to continue looking for viable expansion sites” for the Zoo within the city limits.
“The question we must answer as a community and as a City Council is what magnitude of public resources are necessary to expand the Zoo here in Sacramento,” Steinberg wrote on Twitter, adding that the city has many needs and crises, such as affordable housing, and expanding the zoo has been difficult, according to Cap Radio website.
I drove to the new location in Elk Grove and thought the area there looked like a desert. The new project will require many years to be completed and will take time to be accepted by visitors.
Some other arguments for moving the zoo are the animals’ comfort, that a bigger zoo can put Sacramento on the map of the cities that have a big zoo, which would increase tourism. Also, the current zoo’s existing area is small, and the parking accommodates a limited number of cars.
All the things mentioned above are right, but all of that does not prevent keeping the old zoo in its place, because it isn’t making any difference to leave the old zoo in its place when constructing a giant project requires many resources.
The Sacramento Zoo is located within a very beautiful park, William Land Park, and is located between many entertainment activities, such as an adventure play area, amphitheater. fairytale town. Funderland basketball court. golf course. The current zoo location would save money because the zoo is already built.
In addition, the yearly expenses are covered, according to information posted on the Sacramento Zoo website. I believe there is always a third option that is a neutral one, which all sides can accept. The third option, which I believe is best, is to keep the old zoo and build a new one.
The Sacramento Zoo is an essential part of the city’s history, located between many interesting activities within the historical park. So, it is not objective to change the zoo’s location, which neighbors have a warm feeling about.
greg • Feb 19, 2023 at 12:31 pm
How about move the zoo into the William Land Golf course? Create a walking bridge to connect the old zoo to the new zoo in the park. Maybe create an aquarium in the old zoo. Move funderland inside the zoo and make parking in funderland and the old pony rides? Just my thoughts.
Matthew Goosen • Dec 14, 2021 at 5:24 pm
It seems like expanding the zoo in its current location would be easy since it is in a huge Park, why can’t they just expand it in it’s current location?
Sonny • Dec 13, 2021 at 8:22 pm
I’m optimistic the zoo situation will be resolved but there has been zero submissions of proposals for the current site that I’m aware of and typically hearings would take place to pour over the submissions and counter proposals to improve /modify plans and finally a community in-put if none of this has been done then we can conclude they want to be ( and who they are you have to figure out don’t forget developers as well ) the next zoo to indeed be the next marine world away from being a local community zoo >motivations are in question. I encourage everyone in the immediate residential area and community at large to organize and ask questions and for sure give community feedback to the elected officials and councilwoman of District 4 to be engaged thus far we have heard from the mayor but what about the council woman representing that very area? who is nowhere to be seen or heard on this matter as it does affect that area if they move away from that community how will it affect businesses nearby? Will that area be economically negatively impacted ?? Thank you
Larry Ahleman • Dec 12, 2021 at 2:39 pm
I did not read where the author addressed the question of the Sac Zoo losing its accreditation. Two zoos would be like having two state capitols, which creates a duplicity of services.
It seems that many people look at this as a historical convenience and are not taking the ANIMALS Into account.
Let’s build with a future in sight instead of “fond memories.”
Sonny • Dec 13, 2021 at 8:07 pm
Accreditation? Was an issue before all this they changed operators because of that awhile back memories are memories it is what it is , pragmatically and economically this is NOT the time to move to modernize and expand they can do all of that there and know it greed is motivation not for the animals they want to be the next “marine world” to get on the map . If they truly want to be that move it downtown where the original proposed arena outdoor was going to be built for the supposed future major league soccer team which seems to be turning out to be a bust because of COVID . Or move it to cal expo redesign it to include a zoo the parking is there at least .
Kiwi • Dec 20, 2021 at 1:35 pm
The Sacramento zoo is acreddited by the AZA. This holds them to the highest standard of animal care, conservation, and education. Because standards are constantly being raised as knowledge of what the animals need increases, the zoo has to move in order to keep their animals, particularly their large animals which are so beloved. Not relocating would mean losing this important accreditation or losing animals. Moving to Elk Grove may not be ideal but it is necessary to making more meaningful memories in the future.
Dawn Morrison • Dec 20, 2021 at 9:48 pm
As a home owner in the area this is part of our way of life. Our son has been walking to the Zoo since he could. We as residents give to the Zoo regularly, because it has become part of our culture. It is part of the history of Sacramento. Don’t talk about things that you do not understand. I agree the Zoo needs improvements, however, I think it should stay.
Brad Bailey • Dec 10, 2021 at 11:10 am
I strongly suggest add on to the zoo by pushing it a little northwards and moving the existing streets slightly. It would not impact land park too much. KEEP THE ZOO here!
O Correa • Dec 14, 2021 at 9:55 pm
Agree. Keep the zoo in Sac City. Elk Grove is fine for them to develop a zoo of their own if their mayor can get the funds but not Sacs. Having said the above, the current location must expand within Land Park to accommodate required modern zoo guideline’s compliance.
Elyhani • Dec 9, 2021 at 5:48 pm
If it moves somewhere else I’m gonna feel bad BC I have only been there once but it is to die for and I have made so many memories and I would HATE if they moved it……this is in my thoughts
Barry • Dec 9, 2021 at 10:36 am
The zoo is too small to properly and humanely house it’s animals to modern zoo standards. It needs more space to be able to do that. That being said, Elk Grove is a lousy regional location at the far southern tip of the metro area and the region. The Sacramento Zoo needs to stay in a more central location within its 100 year home in the city of Sacramento.
Michael A Michalski • Dec 9, 2021 at 7:44 am
The zoo needs more space and there’s just no feasible way to get it without relocating. It’s just a matter of average. Things like parking can be handled in various ways. For example, a remote lot and a shuttle and improved mass transit access. But there is no way to give the zoo itself the average it needs not just to build larger habitats for the current animals it houses, but also to build habitats meeting modern requirements for new animals.
Armando • Dec 9, 2021 at 3:59 am
Been there for many years no reason to move it it is still a great zoo and location if you think different go take a visit there no point of spending lots of money to relocate spend the money on the animals