San Francisco Zoo to Cut Jobs Amid Financial Pressures

Zoo leadership announces 'structural reorganization' that will reduce a 'small number of positions'.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 6:10am by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Francisco Zoo has announced plans to cut a 'small number of positions' as part of a 'structural reorganization' due to ongoing financial pressures, according to an internal email obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle.

Why it matters

The San Francisco Zoo is a major tourist attraction and community resource, but like many businesses, it has faced financial challenges in recent years. These job cuts could impact the zoo's operations and ability to care for its animals and serve visitors.

The details

In the email, zoo leadership cited 'financial pressures' as the reason for the upcoming job cuts, though the exact number of positions to be eliminated was not specified. The zoo has faced rising costs and declining revenues in recent years, likely due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic factors.

  • The job cuts were announced in an internal email sent on March 20, 2026.

The players

San Francisco Zoo

A major zoo and tourist attraction located in San Francisco, California.

Adalberto 'Aldo' Toledo

A city hall reporter with The San Francisco Chronicle who obtained the internal email about the job cuts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The job cuts at the San Francisco Zoo highlight the ongoing financial challenges facing many businesses and organizations, even prominent tourist attractions, in the current economic climate. The zoo will need to find ways to reduce costs and increase revenues to ensure its long-term sustainability.