Will the Sacramento Zoo relocate to Elk Grove? Here’s the latest on the potential move
Elk Grove is just a few steps away from actualizing a new, state-of-the-art zoological park in south Sacramento County, and city leaders could decide within a matter of weeks whether to move forward with relocating the Sacramento Zoo.
The city of Elk Grove and the Sacramento Zoological Society since 2021 have been exploring moving the Sacramento Zoo, located for almost a century at William Land Regional Park, to an undeveloped site in south Elk Grove at Kammerer Road and Lotz Parkway.
The project would also significantly expand the size of the zoo, more than quadrupling it.
According to the city’s website, the proposed project is now entering its final stage of review and consideration by the City Council and the city’s planning commission. City and park officials will get together to formally present their findings from the final draft of the project’s environmental impact report to the Elk Grove planning commission next week, at 6 p.m. April 4.
Elk Grove public affairs manager Kristyn Laurence said the Elk Grove City Council could consider a vote on the project in May. According to the city’s website, that meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 8.
“For more than two years the City and Sacramento Zoological Society have been working through the environmental planning and design phase and engaging with local community members and stakeholder groups to bring forward a carefully designed, sustainably-focused project with a sound financing plan that prioritizes financial stewardship,” Laurence said.
Elk Grove and Sacramento Zoological Society’s draft environmental impact report was released in January, which detailed factors including a special planning area and rezoning, an amendment to the city’s bicycle and pedestrian trails master plan, and more.
When could the zoo open?
Should the Elk Grove Planning Commission approve the report, then it will be presented to city council to officially approve, which would move the project into final designs and construction. If approved, city and zoo officials will release their environmental impact report and prepare the finance plan and operating agreement by winter 2024.
An opening date of the new zoo has not been set, according to the city’s website. There are still multiple steps that need to happen including completing construction plans, construction time and securing community partnership funding.
But if there are no major delays, Elk Grove and the Sacramento Zoological Society expect to open the zoo by 2029. The city’s website said they are exploring options for a preview phase in 2027, but no final decisions have been made.
How would the Sacramento Zoo change?
The construction of a new zoo and associated facilities and amenities would sit on a 103-acre site near the northwest intersection of Kammerer Road and Lotz Parkway.
The park’s main facility would be 65 acres, enough to support up to 1.6 million annual visitors. It would feature the zoo park and its many exhibits, gift shops and restaurants. The other 30-plus acres are expected to be for associated support and operational, retail and guest services facilities including a new special planning area referred to as the Zoological Park SPA, development of the zoo, parking facilities, off-site public infrastructure improvements and an animal browse program.
The current zoo in Land Park is just under 15 acres. The size consideration is one of the main reasons for the proposed move, the Sacramento Zoological Society says on its website: the zoo’s “current footprint is landlocked and unable to provide the necessary space for many of its beloved residents, including giraffes, big cats, and apes.”
Age is also a factor. The Sacramento Zoo opened in 1927.
“This has been a long process,” Sacramento Zoological Society executive director Jason Jacobs said. “We feel confident that we have a design that is unique. We have listened to the community as to what their wants and needs are for a new zoo. We want to take into account the needs of the animals, our visitors, the community and our staff. And I think ... that’s a compelling project and an incredible vision for what a new zoo for this region can be.”
Jacobs said he’s excited for the different experiences the zoo could offer to the public.
“You might be able to come in on a Friday or Saturday night...have a meal overlooking a water hole that is surrounded by an African Savannah where you see giraffes...lions,” Jacobs said. “We’re going to bring the closest experience to a walking safari in Africa right here to this region.”
A series of illustrations were released in November 2022 and additional concept art was shared last November detailing what the potential zoo might look like.
“As one of the most consequential development projects ever proposed in the City of Elk Grove,” Laurence said in an email to The Sacramento Bee, “a new zoo presents a transformational opportunity to deliver wide-ranging benefits to the City and greater Sacramento region.”
There will be a virtual public meeting held on April 17 for residents to provide feedback. Those interested in attending via Zoom can register online at bit.ly/eg-zoo-zoom-link or visit elkgrovecity.org.
This story was originally published March 27, 2024 at 12:05 PM.
