About
Zoo Camp includes hands-on science activities, games, crafts, and up-close animal encounters that may include a feeding opportunity or animal enrichment experience. Camp days include snacks and lunchtime, guided Zoo tours, and visits to the Zoo’s animal hospital where campers can practice medical procedures and assist staff in caring for some of the Zoo’s exotic animals. Specialty options include Jr. Vet Camp, Jr. Zookeeper, and Backyard Biologist, which features an overnight at the Zoo and training as a professional field biologist alongside the Zoo’s conservation team to learn about sustainable stewardship practices.
• Ages: 3–12 years old
• Schedule: Spring Zoo Camp runs March 30–April 3, and Summer Zoo Camp runs June 8–August 18 with week-long Jr. Vet Camp, Jr. Zookeeper, and Backyard Biologist sessions
• Price: Spring and Summer Zoo Camp range from $375–$425 per week depending on half or full day, with member discounts, and specialty camps range from $425–$460 per week with member discounts and an optional $100 per week extended day add-on
The Zoo offers traditional Zoo Camp in spring, summer, fall, and winter sessions, with age-appropriate themed programs and an average group size of around ten campers to one counselor, supported by teenage volunteers. Parents and guardians are not permitted to attend camp with their child. Campers are encouraged to bring their own snacks, a light morning snack, lunch for full or extended-day sessions, a reusable water bottle, and optional items such as a change of clothes and sunscreen; staff cannot apply sunscreen but can remind campers to reapply.
Santa Barbara Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums since 1982 and has been continuously accredited in subsequent five-year reviews, with accreditation last renewed on March 22, 2026. The Zoo’s mission is to conserve the natural world through education, science, and unforgettable experiences, and to preserve, conserve, and enhance the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation. The Santa Barbara Zoo works with the Santa Barbara Police Activities League to provide scholarships to low-income families and participates in multiple local and regional conservation efforts with partners such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and National Park Service. The organization’s leadership includes President & Chief Executive Officer Charles Hopper, Vice President of Animal Care & Health Julie Barnes, BVSc, MSc, Director of Conservation & Science Estelle Sandhaus, PhD, and Director of Education JJ McLeod, among other directors overseeing operations, community relations, and guest services.
Last updated April 5, 2026.
• Ages: 3–12 years old
• Schedule: Spring Zoo Camp runs March 30–April 3, and Summer Zoo Camp runs June 8–August 18 with week-long Jr. Vet Camp, Jr. Zookeeper, and Backyard Biologist sessions
• Price: Spring and Summer Zoo Camp range from $375–$425 per week depending on half or full day, with member discounts, and specialty camps range from $425–$460 per week with member discounts and an optional $100 per week extended day add-on
The Zoo offers traditional Zoo Camp in spring, summer, fall, and winter sessions, with age-appropriate themed programs and an average group size of around ten campers to one counselor, supported by teenage volunteers. Parents and guardians are not permitted to attend camp with their child. Campers are encouraged to bring their own snacks, a light morning snack, lunch for full or extended-day sessions, a reusable water bottle, and optional items such as a change of clothes and sunscreen; staff cannot apply sunscreen but can remind campers to reapply.
Santa Barbara Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums since 1982 and has been continuously accredited in subsequent five-year reviews, with accreditation last renewed on March 22, 2026. The Zoo’s mission is to conserve the natural world through education, science, and unforgettable experiences, and to preserve, conserve, and enhance the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation. The Santa Barbara Zoo works with the Santa Barbara Police Activities League to provide scholarships to low-income families and participates in multiple local and regional conservation efforts with partners such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and National Park Service. The organization’s leadership includes President & Chief Executive Officer Charles Hopper, Vice President of Animal Care & Health Julie Barnes, BVSc, MSc, Director of Conservation & Science Estelle Sandhaus, PhD, and Director of Education JJ McLeod, among other directors overseeing operations, community relations, and guest services.
Last updated April 5, 2026.
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