How has the Oakland Zoo reached out to its local community/neighbors?
Community support for the Zoo—its animal care and education programs—has always been strong. As the Zoo prepares for future growth, numerous discussions have taken place with members of the community, including the Zoo’s neighbors around Knowland Park. Prior to the Zoo Master Plan approval by Oakland City Council in 1998, the Zoo and local neighborhood associations engaged in multiple discussions that led to a signed Memorandum of Understanding related to the Zoo’s growth. More recently, as the Zoo’s project plans have developed, the Zoo has (1) held numerous neighborhood meetings, (2) communicated with Oakland and Bay Area businesses, community-based organizations and individuals, (3) established a project-specific website, www.itsyourzoo.org and (4) created other vehicles to receive community input including a dedicated email and voicemail box. To learn more about the Zoo’s community engagement efforts, please visit http://www.itsyourzoo.org/projects/california-project.
