Governed by a volunteer board of trustees, the Conservation Society of California manages and operates Oakland Zoo.

Oakland zoo provides free and discounted science education programs for underserved students attending Title 1 schools in the Greater Bay Area.

[9] Through live native animal and plant habitats, the zoo highlights the delicate balance between humans and nature, and the impact of change on all three.

Along the trail, they encounter animals such as bears, wolves, mountain lions, bison and birds of prey.

playground introduces young children and their families to California wildlife and habitats through themed play structures.

Inside the Conservation Habitarium - with a wall-length window into the grizzly bear habitat, visitors explore California's diverse habitats, step into the shoes of conservation researchers, and find their place as a member of a community of people taking action for California's wildlife.

The project was designed by Noll & Tam Architects and built by C. Overaa & Co. California Trail is an example of the Oakland Zoo's leadership in captive animal welfare, and its commitment to providing natural and enriched environments to promote species-typical behaviors for captive wildlife.

California Trail is a model for other zoological facilities, sending the critical message that zoos have an important role to play in the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of wildlife...Oakland Zoo has long prioritized common sense and welfare, and PETA looks forward to continued collaboration on improving the welfare of captive wildlife across the U.S.In the summer of 2005 the 3-acre (12,000 m2) Valley Children's Zoo opened with spacious new animal exhibits along with plenty of interactive play-structures for children.

One feature popular with younger children are the brass insects embedded in the concrete walkways, which were installed as a form of public art.

The Clorox Wildlife Theater, which is home to many animal shows presenting all kinds of creatures, native and non-native, is also found in the Children's Zoo.