FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR EVENTS AT THE ZOO

Parking

Our main parking lot on Sloat Blvd and Great Highway has 400 parking spots. All parking is first come, first served and costs $11 (weekdays) and $13 (weekends). Inquire with your sales rep about discounted parking when booking a private event. There is an additional free parking lot on Sloat Blvd.

Zoo Access

A discounted Zoo admission ticket/wristband is an additional price with your private event. Zoo memberships are not applicable towards admission for private events.

Smoking

There is NO SMOKING anywhere on zoo grounds including e-cigarettes. Guests will be asked to put out their smoke. Smoking is only permitted in the parking lot.

Wheelchair Accessibility

All parking area and walkways in the Zoo are wheel chair accessible. If a guest needs an Electronic Convenience Vehicle (ECV), arrangements can be made with your sales rep and rented for an additional fee.

Private area for nursing mothers

Unfortunately, we do not have a private area in the Zoo for nursing mothers. We do have benches throughout the zoo for guests to utilize at their convenience.

Suggested Dress Code

San Francisco is known for the fog and cold. It’s suggested for guests to bring jackets and wear comfortable shoes for walking the park. September and October are traditionally our warm and “summer months” in the city.

Food Service

Service Systems Associates must provide all food and beverage for all functions at the San Francisco Zoo. No food or beverages may be brought into the San Francisco Zoo. If there is any food or beverage remaining from your event, it may not be removed from the premise by the group or guests due to California Health and Safety Codes.

Dietary Restrictions

Please inform your Event Coordinator about any dietary restrictions your group may have. We are happy to accommodate for all dietary needs in advance.

Beverage Service

Service Systems Associates holds the liquor license for the San Francisco Zoo. The group or their guests, vendors or employees may not bring alcoholic beverages into or out of the San Francisco Zoo. Service Systems Associates staff reserves the right to require identification from any guest in attendance, and limit and control the amount of alcoholic beverages consumed by guests. Alcoholic beverages will not be served to guests under the age of 21, and will be refused to guests who appear to be intoxicated.

Deposit

A non-refundable deposit of 100% of your room rental fee and 25% of your estimated food and beverage must be received with a signed agreement to confirm your event. Final balance for the event must be paid 5 business days prior to the event.

Cancellation Policy

If the event cancels within 60 days of the event, 100% of the room rental and 75% of food and beverage will be non-refundable. All deposits paid in advance are non-refundable.

Menus and Guarantee

Your final menu selection must be received 30 days prior to your event. Your minimum guaranteed attendance must be received 10 business days prior to your event. If attendance falls below the guaranteed number, the group will be charged for the guaranteed number on all food and beverage. If count increases less than 72 hours before the event date you may incur a cost of price and a half on all food and beverage.

Music/Entertainment

Your Event Coordinator must be informed of all entertainment 1 month in advance of event date. A representative for any entertainment company must be in touch with your Event Coordinator at least 21 days prior to event date to review their electrical, lighting, and any other requirements. Your Event Coordinator can provide music and entertainment services for you at an additional cost.

Decorations

Your Event Coordinator must approve the use of all decorations 1 month prior to the event. Due to the sensitive nature of our facilities, the following items will not be allowed inside the park: balloons, birdseed, rice, and glitter. Bubbles are approved. All candles must be LED operated.

EVENT INQUIRY FORM

To inquire about how San Francisco Zoo Events & Hospitality can make your next dream event a reality, please call us at (415) 753-7055, or submit an Event Inquiry Form.