History of Sequoia Park Zoo in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 9, 2025

Sequoia Park Zoo, operated by the City of Eureka, California, is part of a 60-acre park complex that includes redwood forests, a playground, a duck pond, and gardens. Its mission is to promote appreciation for nature by providing educational experiences connecting animals, humans, and the environment. The zoo houses approximately 200 vertebrates and hundreds of invertebrates across 54 species on 7 acres. A notable feature is the Redwood Sky Walk, completed in 2021. At nearly a quarter-mile long, this ADA-accessible sky walk, the longest in the Western U.S., elevates visitors over 100 feet above the forest floor.

1907: Sequoia Park Zoo Founded

In 1907, Sequoia Park Zoo was founded on the land of the native Wiyot people in Eureka, California.

1982: Bear Euthanasia Incident

In 1982, following a community fundraising effort to build a modern bear exhibit, the two adult bears at Sequoia Park Zoo were euthanized, leading to significant public backlash and protests.

1995: AZA Accreditation Achieved

In 1995, the zoo achieved accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which led to a prioritization of conservation efforts.

2002: Zoo budget increase

In 2002, the zoo's budget started to increase while other departments faced budget cuts.

2008: Admission Fee Introduced

In the summer of 2008, after 100 years of free entry, the zoo started charging admission.

2012: Budget Criticism and Closure Proposals

In 2012, the zoo faced steep criticism due to its budget doubling in size since 2002 while other city departments faced budget cuts, leading to proposals for its closure.

2016: AZA Award for Exhibit Design

In 2016, the Sequoia Park Zoo received top honors from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) award for Exhibit Design (within zoos operating with a budget under $5 million) for watershed heroes.

2019: Death of Joh-leen the Gibbon

In 2019, Joh-leen, the white-handed gibbon, died of old age.

February 2020: Bono Moved to Santa Barbara Zoo

In February 2020, Bono, the partner of Joh-leen the gibbon, was moved to the Santa Barbara Zoo to be partnered with a female widow.

2021: Redwood Sky Walk Unveiled

In 2021, the zoo completed and unveiled the Redwood Sky Walk. It is the longest sky walk in the western United States, measuring just under a quarter of a mile. The sky walk is ADA accessible and allows visitors to walk over 100 feet above the forest floor.