The San Francisco Zoo is facing a financial crisis, and city leaders are proposing a short-term multimillion-dollar loan amidst a budget deficit. According to an analysis, the move would still be more affordable than finding the zoo a new operator or shutting it down completely.
Can the SF Zoo survive without a city lifeline? Officials consider up to $8.5 million loanThursday, April 9, 2026 1:59AMThe San Francisco Zoo is facing a financial crisis, and city leaders are proposing a short-term multimillion-dollar loan amid a budget deficit.
obtained by ABC7 News, the other options for the city would cost even more. Because the zoo sits on city-owned land, San Francisco remains responsible for the property, buildings and every animal, regardless of who manages operations. The loan under consideration totals $6.5 million, with up to $2 million more available if the zoo meets specific performance milestones. If the city found a new operator, estimated costs would exceed $42 million dollars. Even if the city shut down the zoo, it would take over $45 million to do so."The city cannot afford to take over the zoo and spend tens of millions of dollars to shut it down or keep it afloat," said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. "Instead, we are doing what our administration has always done and investing responsibly -- with accountability -- in San Francisco families."SF Zoo slammed in scathing report that claims it is unsafe for animals, employees and visitors "First, we needed to see a change in leadership," Lurie told ABC7 Eyewitness News on Wednesday. "We saw that." The zoo's former CEO Tanya Peterson stepped down after a tumultuous tenure and zoo officials say conditions have improved under new CEO Cassandra Castello, who officially took over in February. "She's someone who has really shored up the management there," Lurie said. "And now we have to figure out what the future is for the zoo, but they needed some support." "When new leadership identifies a problem and comes to the city with a clear, responsible plan to fix it, we should do everything in our power to support their efforts," said District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar. "This bridge loan gives the zoo the runway it needs to execute a real turnaround, one that is already showing results, and that I am proud to have helped make possible." Castello's plan focuses on stabilizing finances, improving operations and accountability, and rebuilding attendance and community support.Here's how much it could cost to host pandas at San Francisco Zoo, report says "When I stepped into this role, I knew we needed to identify the challenges quickly, develop a turnaround plan and work with our city partners to secure the support we need to see it through," Castello said. "This bridge loan is one piece of a much larger story: new leadership, a clear strategic direction and a team that is deeply committed to the animals in our care and the community we serve." Officials said early signs are encouraging. They point to a record 63,000 visitors in January, the highest attendance for that month in the zoo's history. Teamster 856, the labor union representing many zoo employees -- that was once sharply critical of management -- feels optimistic. "Our members have already seen real change under Cassandra's leadership, more transparency, more collaboration, and a genuine commitment to doing right by the staff and the animals," said union rep Corey Hallman. "This bridge loan matters because it gives that progress time to take hold. We are in this together." But not everyone agrees the loan is the right move. Justin Barker of SF Zoo Watch, a longtime critic of the San Francisco Zoological Society, the nonprofit that has run the zoo since 1993, argues that the operator should be replaced completely.San Francisco supervisors approve fundraising plan to host pandas at zoo "While we have, there is a new, CEO in place. It is the same nonprofit, that is running the zoo. So one person I don't think will actually solve the problems," Barker said. Barkler points to the Oakland Zoo, which he believes has improved significantly under the Conservation Society of California, and emphasizes that the zoo world has changed. He believes Oakland's focus on conservation over attendance is the direction San Francisco should follow. "And the difference is very clear. While the energy there is good, the animals are well cared for, they're in like, you know, pretty good conditions. If you support captivity, you know," Barkley said. If approved, the loan would come with strict oversight. For example, the zoo would be required to report its financials quarterly and said it's already cooperating fully with the city's ongoing audit.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Unsupervised' child at HersheyPark zoo injured by wolf after crawling under safety barrierFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
Parents charged after toddler injured at Hersheypark zoo wolf enclosureThe parents of a toddler have been charged with endangering the welfare of children after the child squeezed through a fence at a Pennsylvania theme park zoo and made contact with a wolf. The child suffered a minor injury Saturday at ZooAmerica at Hersheypark.
Read more »
Baby giraffe at Reid Park Zoo named after community voteDon Davis joined the KGUN 9 news team in 2025. Don is the Executive Producer, Digital and has over two decades of experience in journalism as a digital manager, writer and editor.
Read more »
Parents of toddler hurt by wolf at Zoo America charged with child endangermentThe Associated Press
Read more »
Terrifying video shows moment dancer is engulfed in flames during zoo performanceTerrifying Moment Performer Catches Fire During Zoo Show
Read more »
Cape vulture chicks recently hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo“Every hatching or birth of a species threatened with extinction is a victory,” said Dr. Jake Owens, Director of Conservation, L.A. Zoo
Read more »