The Zoo is located on nearly 30 lush acres of botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Known as the world’s most beautiful zoo, it is also home to over 500 animals. These ambassadors of the wild are exhibited in open, naturalistic habitats. As you wander through this little slice of paradise, notice how the animals blend in with the natural beauty of the gardens.

More than just a pretty face, Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens promotes conservation, species survival, and education. Since 1963, the Zoo has been dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world through education, research, and recreation. The Zoo is part of an international effort to conserve rare and endangered species of wildlife, and is nationally accredited by the American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZA).

Animals Out Late
Ordinarily, many of our Zoo animals are moved off exhibit between 4:30-5:00 p.m. You may have the animals kept out for an additional period of time (up to three hours) for your event. This option is available from April – September only. Please note that the Zoo needs a minimum of one hour of daylight to put the animals away. If your event is affected by this policy, the fee will be pro-rated.

Bird Greeting
Have your guests greeted by a red-tailed hawk, owl, raven, macaw or sun conure. One bird is available per event. This unique opportunity is available from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m during the months of April – October. Due to certain weather conditions, we are unable to take requests for a specific bird.

Carousel Rides
Small children (4 feet tall & under) can ride our hand-made animal carousel, located across from the elephant exhibit. If guests would like to ride the carousel before 5:00 p.m., they must purchase individual tickets. The carousel is available for rental for up to three hours.

Train Rides
A miniature train circles the Zoo on a ten-minute tour, which includes a peek “behind the scenes.” The train station is located next to the giant anteater exhibit. Your group may have exclusive use of the train after the park closes at 5:00 p.m. If guests would like to ride the train before 5:00 p.m., they must purchase individual tickets. The train is available for rental for up to three hours, daylight permitting. An extra train is recommended for events with guest attendance over 750. In the event of rain, the train will not be available. If your event is affected, the bill will be pro-rated accordingly.After-hours options require at least three weeks’ advance reservation. All after-hours options begin at 5:00 p.m. No half-hour options are available. These options require a minimum of two weeks’notice for changes and/or cancellations. If cancellations are made less than two weeks prior to the event, you will be billed for the options.

Capacity:
The Zoo is available for private event use from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. year round; however, your group may enter the Zoo as early as 4:00 p.m. After the park closes at 5:00 p.m., your group will have the entire Zoo to roam and enjoy in privacy. The following sites are available for your event:

Hilltop Capacity: 2500
With magnificent views of the ocean and mountains, this large grassy area is the perfect site for company events, elegant dinners and wedding receptions. There are three barbecue pits along with a preparation area to accommodate catering needs. This area provides plenty of space for large group activities.

Palm Garden Capacity: 275
Our Palm Garden envelops you in beauty and splendor, and is the right size for a dinner party, reunion, or wedding ceremony. Outstanding ocean views accompany this secluded setting.

Entrance Courtyard Capacity: 120
A terrific alternative for dinner parties or cocktail receptions, the courtyard is an open area that features a koi pond. This area is available from 7:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. for morning events such as company breakfasts; for evening events, setup must begin after the Zoo closes at 5:00 p.m.

Amphitheater Capacity: 60
This intimate venue, located just off the hilltop, is a little-known gem. It features a staging area and stadium-style seating, and is a great location for presentations, slide shows, or puppet shows for the kids.

Boardroom Capacity: 18
Located in the Zoo’s administrative complex, the boardroom’s vaulted ceilings and many windows offer a spacious setting for any meeting. A small kitchen adjacent to the boardroom is available for food preparation. Two television monitors and a projection screen are available. Hours for the boardroom vary, so please inquire about availability.

Twig Room Capacity: 34
The Twig Room at the Ridley-Tree House Restaurant is a convenient spot for receptions, company meetings, or seminars. Located near the entrance courtyard, it is easily accessible and looks out to views of the koi pond. This area is available from 7:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. for morning events, and from 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. for evening use.

Cabrillo Lawn Capacity: 80
Otherwise known as the “little hilltop,” this lawn area is a beautiful expanse of grass with ocean views and plenty of trees. This area is excellent for company picnics, small weddings, or retreats.

Karisoke Outpost Capacity: 10
If you’re looking for a unique spot to host an intimate dinner party, look no more. The outpost was inspired by Dian Fossey’s mountain gorilla research station. Watch our lowland gorillas eat and play while dining in this cozy area. Discover the true meaning of party animals, and give your guests an experience they won’t forget!

Fees:
The ceremony and reception site fee is $2,500.

Deposit:
The zoo requests a 50% deposit upon reservation.

Tables:
Place settings are available for rent on a per person basis. A place setting includes: dinner plate, salad plate, bread plate, soup bowl, fruit cup, coffee cup and saucer, water glass, wine glass, salad fork, dinner fork, spoon and knife. A $100 refundable deposit is required for breakage.

Decorations:
The Zoo gift shop offers many options for party favors and decorations for your event. From fun merchandise, such as stuffed animals, to elegant options like candles with animal prints, the Zoo's gift shop can help add that "something wild" to your event. Contact the gift shop for pricing and options.

Alcohol:
All types of alcohol is permitted. No fees or licenses are required if you are hosting an open bar. If you are hosting a cash bar a liquor license must be provided and the Zoo must be notified of the liquor license number prior to the event.