Oakland Zoo to feature native California animals in 56-acre expansion

The Oakland Zoo will double in size when its newest exhibit featuring native California animal species opens to the public next month.

Boasting new furry friends ranging from jaguars to buffalo, the $70 million, 56-acre "California Trail" opens July 12, according to a zoo press release.

The exhibit, 20 years in the making, will open with six (soon to be eight) California native species and expands the zoo from 45 acres to 100 acres.

It will feature rescue animals that could not be released back into the wild, includes two grizzly and brown bear cubs, two California condors, four bald eagles, two gray wolves, two jaguars, three mountain lion cubs, a family of black bears, and an impressive 24 buffalo.

According to the zoo, each animal embodies an integral aspect of California's spirit and was selected for their "historical significance and status in the California wild."

The project has been a dream of the zoo's docents for nearly two decades.

"This is about inspiring people to connect with our state's remarkable biodiversity and how to live with wildlife so we can protect their futures," said Oakland Zoo's President and CEO Dr. Joel Parrott in a statement.

It will also include a family-friendly playground and "safari-style" campground.

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