Oakland Zoo

Oakland Zoo is a wildlife conservation destination and event venue situated in the scenic hills of Oakland, California, at the edge of Knowland Park. Founded in 1922 by naturalist Henry A. Snow as The Snow Museum, the institution has grown into a nationally accredited zoological park housing over 850 native and exotic animals across habitats that include an African Savanna, Tropical Rain Forest, and the California Trail. The Conservation Society of California, which operates the zoo, earned recognition as a Best Event Space by Oakland Magazine in 2025. Private events are hosted at the Snow Building, a historic indoor-outdoor venue nestled within the zoo's grounds. The space accommodates up to 200 guests for corporate outings, birthday parties, graduation celebrations, weddings, luncheons, and cocktail receptions. Panoramic windows and a private outdoor patio frame views of the Bay Area and zoo landscape, while full-service catering is provided exclusively through SSA Group, emphasizing locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.