Oakland Zoo is now closed until at least January 17th due to a massive sinkhole that appeared following unprecedented heavy rains over the weekend. The animals and zoo staff are safe, but the road to the zoo is impassable. As a result, guests with reservations through January 17th will receive an email about refunds for their tickets. The zoo hopes to extend Glowfari into February if possible.
According to the zoo’s Instagram, the sinkhole measures about 10 feet wide and 10 feet deep, and will likely grow even larger due to the additional rain expected this week.
“All animals are fine and remained safe during the extreme weather”, writes the Oakland Zoo. “While closed, Zoo staff will continue to be onsite to take care of the animals, provide maintenance needs, and conduct clean-ups from damage caused by the rain.”
About Glowfari
Glowfari is Oakland Zoo’s immersive light show of epic proportions. Walk through dozens of stunning lantern displays for a totally unique holiday light experience that’s a favorite of both kids and adults!
Hundreds of gigantic hand-painted animal lanterns have been placed throughout the zoo’s campus, making for a totally unique tour of the zoo by night. The spectacular lanterns are arranged throughout a mile-long pathway, taking you through a landscape of kangaroos and koalas; a tour of the California coast featuring jellies, otters, and whales; and a trip back in time with a megalodon shark tunnel and an enormous T. rex.
Don’t forget to ride a train through this year’s fantasy wonderland, which features mythical beasts, unicorns, and fairies. Visitors can also take the Express Train to the Rides Area Friday-Sunday, where they’ll be greeted by Santa in a Winter Wonderland.
Glowfari is a special display happening after Oakland Zoo hours, so there will be no live animals to see as part of the event. Tickets cost $24 for adults and $20 for children and seniors. Children under 2 and adults over 76 get in free, and members get a 10% discount.
Find Oakland Zoo at 9777 Golf Links Road in Oakland.