Overview
- The city and zoo struck a deal announced Tuesday to provide a $6.5 million bridge loan to keep the San Francisco Zoo operating during a turnaround.
- Up to $2 million more is available if the zoo delivers quarterly financial reports, produces a five-year plan, and keeps its national accreditation ahead of a 2027 review.
- Officials have not disclosed the loan’s interest rate or repayment schedule, and Mayor Daniel Lurie said the city will not take over the zoo because that would be too costly.
- Animal-welfare advocates urged the Board of Supervisors to pause any bailout until a pending city performance audit is fully released.
- The nonprofit operator reported a $6.3 million operating loss in fiscal 2025, and new CEO Cassandra Costello points to early attendance gains and improved labor relations as signs a turnaround is underway.