San Diego City Council Approves 52-Year Zoo Lease Extension

Deal includes $3M annual payment to city, revenue split from new paid parking

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The San Diego City Council unanimously approved a 52-year lease extension with the San Diego Zoo that includes a new $3 million annual payment to the city and an equal split of zoo parking revenue. The extension, which moves the expiration date of the lease from 2034 to 2078, was prompted by the city's decision to begin charging for parking in Balboa Park.

Why it matters

The deal gives the zoo long-term certainty needed to make investments, while allowing the city to secure a partnership with one of its most important institutions. The revenue-sharing and annual payment will provide the city with a significant new funding source.

The details

Under the extension, the zoo will pay the city $3 million annually starting in 2030, with a 3% annual escalator. The city will also receive 50% of net revenue from the zoo's paid parking lots after expenses, but only if total parking revenue exceeds $6 million. The zoo is required to cover all infrastructure upgrades and capital improvements related to its parking lots.

  • The existing lease was set to expire in 2034.
  • The new 52-year lease extension will run until 2078.
  • The $3 million annual payment to the city will begin in 2030.

The players

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

The nonprofit organization that operates the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

San Diego City Council

The governing body of the City of San Diego that unanimously approved the lease extension.

Adam Day

Treasurer of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance board.

Jennifer Campbell

San Diego City Councilmember.

Joe LaCava

San Diego City Council President.

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What they’re saying

“This amendment strengthens the city's longstanding partnership with the zoo, providing stability for continued investment in the property and creating meaningful revenue to the city.”

— Jennifer Campbell, San Diego City Councilmember (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“I consider that to be frosting on the cake — something we should not plan our annual budget conversations on.”

— Joe LaCava, San Diego City Council President (San Diego Union-Tribune)

“Those negotiations were certainly rigorous and took us eight months, which is a bit of time. I think they were very thorough.”

— Adam Day, Treasurer, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance board (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The deal will now go into effect, with the $3 million annual payment to the city starting in 2030 and the revenue-sharing from parking revenue to begin immediately.

The takeaway

The long-term lease extension provides financial stability for the San Diego Zoo while also generating significant new revenue for the city, strengthening the partnership between the two entities. This deal highlights the importance of the zoo as a key cultural and economic driver for San Diego.