Struggling San Francisco Zoo Will Get $8.5 Million Bailout

“It’ll continue our ability to operate without major disruption, continue our ability to fundraise and secure sponsorship for future exhibits and events, continue our capital campaign to bring giant pandas to the zoo, and launch our strategic business and master plan work, which will set the stage for the future of the zoo and inspire investment,” Costello said at a recent public hearing.

As part of the loan agreement, zoo officials agreed to a series of conditions, including developing a five-year strategic plan, cutting expenses by at least 10% and producing quarterly reports on zoo attendance and other metrics.

The zoo has struggled to attract visitors since the pandemic, and the attendance slump has hit everything from ticket revenue to concessions sales, even as costs to run the facility have increased.

But opponents like the group In Defense of Animals have noted the bailout comes after a recent city audit found the zoo spent at least $12 million on unapproved capital improvement projects. The nonprofit, they said, hasn’t shown it can manage more funds effectively.

Some residents have proposed converting the zoo into an EcoPark, although the proposal hasn’t gained substantial traction.

Supervisors said they will be paying attention to how the zoo moves forward.

“Please consider the next two years your most critical time,” Supervisor Connie Chan said at a recent committee hearing about the loan. “Use your staffing and resources wisely to be able to invest in something that truly can build a foundation for the long haul.”