Brunch for the Wild Bunch: Elephants - May 18, 2024

Go behind-the-scenes and venture into the African elephant habitat to spread produce before Osh the elephant starts his day!

Tickets are $20 per person for Oakland Zoo Members & $40 per person for Non-members (includes Zoo admission for the day) with all proceeds going to support Oakland Zoo’s outstanding Animal Care work!

Please note: You do not need an advanced Zoo reservation if you purchase a ticket for this special experience. Quantities limited; 270 total tickets will be available for purchase. Tusker's Grill will open early - stop by for coffee and pastries!

Elephant All-You-Can-Eat

• 9:00am-9:30am - Guests check-in at Flamingo Plaza and receive a wristband

• 9:45am* - First 135 Guests enter elephant habitats and place food items

• 10:15am* - Second 135 Guests enter elephant habitat and place food items

• 10:45am - Osh the elephant comes out to enjoy snacks as guests enjoy watching him!

*Please plan to arrive at the animal habitat 10 minutes before your scheduled time.

Is there an extra cost to participate in this event?

Yes. Tickets are $20 per person for Oakland Zoo Members & $40 per person for Non-members (includes Zoo admission for the day) with all proceeds going to support Oakland Zoo’s outstanding Animal Care work. Those that do not pre-register will not be allowed to enter the animal habitat.

Do I need to purchase Zoo admission to participate in the event?

No. Regular Zoo admission is included with this event ticket. At entry, Oakland Zoo members and participants in this event must show proof of membership & photo ID and non-members must show their Brunch for the Wild Bunch tickets and parking ticket.

Event participants are not required to reserve daytime entry tickets through the Zoo's regular online ticketing system

Is there an age requirement to participate?

Yes. No one under the age of 2 is allowed to go in the elephant habitat due to safety concerns. Guests 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult to attend.

I bought tickets for my children to participate, but I am just watching. Do I need to purchase a ticket?

Yes. All guests, including supervising adults of children, must have event tickets to enter the animal habitat.

Are strollers or wheelchairs allowed on habitat?

No. Strollers are not allowed in the animal habitats and the habitats are not wheelchair accessible. Please note that the habitats contain uneven terrain and moderate inclines in places.

Do I have to wear a mask?

No. Masks are only required for guests participating in our grizzly bear, sun bear, and baboon food spreads.

What if it is raining?

In the event of rain or mud, keepers will place the produce and food in the animal habitats. This is at the discretion of the keepers for the safety of the public. In the event of rain, no rainchecks will be given, but refunds will be issued.

I bought a ticket for more than one spread. Can I participate in multiple spreads?

No. Animal spreads take place concurrently and do not allow for guests to participate in multiple food spreads.

How many tickets can I reserve?

Guests are allowed to purchase up to 6 spaces for a spread. Please keep in mind that this event has limited capacity.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

You may print your ticket or have it accessible on your phone. Tickets will be scanned at check-in and guests will receive a wristband to gain access to the animal habitat for their food spread.

Is there a dress code for Brunch for the Wild Bunch?

The animal keepers ask that you wear closed-toe shoes. Do not bring bags into the habitats. Limit jewelry as we do not want anything to fall off in the habitats.

If I am not participating in a spread, can I still enter at 9:00am?

No. The Zoo is open early only for Brunch for the Wild Bunch participants. However, if you have members in your party who cannot participate in the event, they are allowed to enter with you. For example, if you and your child over 2 are participating in a spread, and your partner and child under 2 don't have event tickets, they may enter at the same time with you, but will not be able to participate in the spread.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Oakland Zoo, Main Entrance, Oakland, United States