Adham Sbeih

I am playing on behalf of the Sacramento Zoological Society, the non-profit that runs our Sacramento Zoo.

The Sacramento Zoo has been a much-loved family amenity that has delighted generations of guests for more than 95-years by inspiring appreciation, respect and a connection with wildlife and nature through education, recreation, and conservation.  While the nonprofit Sacramento Zoo provides a safe, interactive, and unique experience for family fun, the limitations of the Land Park site have made it critical for the Zoo to find a new home as soon as possible. And I am doing all I can to help the Zoo do just that.

 For many decades now, the Sacramento Zoo has been impacted by the limitations of its site and the lack of viable expansion capabilities. The current Zoo is more than 95-years old and requires extensive renovations to both the habitats and other facilities to meet current – let alone future – animal care standards. At 14.7 acres, the Zoo’s current footprint is landlocked and unable to provide the necessary space for many of its beloved residents, including giraffes, big cats, and apes. Over the past 30 years, the Zoo has lost many of its iconic animal species due to space constraints, including tiger, hippopotamus, and bear. This decline will continue if the zoo stays where it is.

 Because of these issues, it has long been a matter of consensus that relocation is necessary for the Zoo to thrive as a modern, sustainable zoological facility. After years of exploring several potential sites within the City of Sacramento without resolution, and as the animal habitats continue to age and the zoo’s accreditation is increasingly at risk, a new location is the only viable option.

The Sacramento Zoological Society and the City of Elk Grove have a shared vision for what the New Zoo can be and the impact it can have on the region and the community. We also share values supporting science education, habitat and wildlife conservation, and providing the public parks and recreation spaces.

Conceptual plans released in November 2022 by the Sacramento Zoological Society and City of Elk Grove depict a multi-phased, modern Zoo featuring expansive savannas where African wildlife will roam, and guests will be immersed in the animals’ surroundings. The drawings also illustrate a variety of possible options for future Zoo visitors to get up close and learn about threatened species like the white rhinoceros and the Masai giraffe, feed a hippopotamus or flamingo, and even get to stay overnight in a luxury tent-cabin with views of the hippopotamus lake. 

Together, we will make the Vision for a Wild Tomorrow and a new regional zoo a reality for the animals and for generations of families from throughout the Greater Sacramento Region and beyond.

About The Capital Cup

The Capital Cup adapts the historic Ryder Cup format—steeped in tradition—to promote community pride, healthy competition, and raise money for the Sacramento region’s most deserving charities. Each year, leaders from the Sacramento region are divided into two teams for an exciting 3-day golf competition. Donors will have the opportunity to support their favorite player (or their favorite charity), as each player is competing to benefit his or her favorite charitable organization. The winning team's designated charities share a prize fund of $100,000! The tournament started with the ambitious goal of raising $250,000 in its first year. When it well surpassed that goal, the tournament committee raised the bar, and has continued to do so every year since—and every year, the participating golfers exceed expectations. The Capital Cup has raised more than $13 million over its history.