ZOO NEIGHBORS
A zoo within a neighborhood
Howdy, neighbors
Woodland Park Zoo has been an urban oasis for the community since 1899. Our collection of animals, commitment to sustainability and dedication to wildlife conservation make it a very special place for families to reconnect and recharge. The zoo’s picturesque location on Phinney Ridge, along with continued support from our neighbors, truly sets us apart from other city assets.
We value our relationship with the community and are committed to being a good neighbor. Please check back often to stay current on the zoo’s events, exhibits and projects, especially those of particular interest to the neighborhood.
Zoo Neighbor E-Newsletter Registration
Register to receive special updates on zoo news and important neighborhood information including details on our annual Neighborhood Appreciation event.
Neighborhood Updates
Help us plan the next 20 years!
Woodland Park Zoo is developing a Long‑Range Facilities Plan to shape its future as Seattle’s leader for wildlife conservation — connecting people with animals, nature, and one another. Guiding the zoo’s physical growth over the next 20 years, the plan will provide a flexible framework to support the needs of animals, the community, and the environment.
Open House
Join us at a special open house for zoo neighbors to learn more about our long-term vision and to share your ideas and feedback!
Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Woodland Park Zoo
Center for Wildlife Conservation Boardroom
5500 Phinney Ave N., Seattle WA 98103
Parking is free after 5:00 p.m. in the nearby Penguin and Otter lot.
Questions? Please email zooneighbors@zoo.org
Public Greenway – Neighbor Voice Survey
Zoo neighbors use the parks around the zoo to walk, rest, and play, so we created a special survey just for you to give feedback on our Public Greenway Concept. We’re exploring ways to make the areas around the zoo more welcoming, easier to navigate, and better connected to nearby trails, parks, and transit.
Your feedback will help shape these improvements and prioritize what matters most to our community. Please take this short survey to share your ideas and help guide the next steps. The survey will take about 5 minutes to complete.
For more information on our full Long-Range Facilities Plan, or to take our extended survey on additional concepts including expanding our seasonal experiences, please visit zoo.org/plan.
Zoo History
An aerial view of Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo with the surrounding Phinney Ridge neighborhood. Green Lake is at the top of the photo. The zoo was founded in 1899 when the property, originally an estate and residential development owned by Guy Phinney, was sold to the City of Seattle by his widow.
Contact
Please email zooneighbors@zoo.org for questions or comments.
For urgent issues please contact zooinfo@zoo.org or call our 24 hour security hotline at 206-295-0078. For immediate assistance with a zoo guest parking in or in front of your drive way please call the SPD non-emergency line at 206-625-5011.