As the Sacramento Zoo prepares for a major expansion in Land Park, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dan Simon leads efforts in identifying land, collaborating with Land Park and securing funding from donors for renovations and future development of the zoo.
Simon was selected after a national search conducted by the Sacramento Zoological Society Board of Trustees and replaced former CEO Jason Jacobs, who returned to Florida. As CEO, he will oversee roughly 100 employees and more than 300 animals representing about 90 species, guiding the zoo’s education and conservation programs in expanding its footprint within Land Park.
Elizabeth Stallard, President of the Board of Trustees, said in a statement released by the Sacramento Zoo that Simon emerged as the most qualified candidate for his strong record of leadership, project management and strategic planning and commitment to the zoo’s mission of education, recreation and conservation.
“A zoo cannot function without a CEO who supervises operations and supports conservation and education,” Art Scotland, a member of the Sacramento Zoological Society Board of Trustees, said. “We’re thrilled Dan Simon is undertaking that role and will be a tremendous asset to the Sacramento Zoo and community.”
Founded in 1927, the Sacramento Zoo is home to more than 300 native, rare and endangered animals and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo welcomes an average of 500,000 visitors each year and focuses on conservation, animal care and education.
The Sacramento Zoological Society oversees policy, governance and raising funds for the zoo in support of its mission of education and conservation. Scotland assists operations of the zoo, subject to board approval for major fiscal or practical implications.
City officials are evaluating the zoo’s request for additional land, and a series of meetings with the City of Sacramento, the Land Park Neighborhood Association and other community stakeholders are ongoing.
“Many people grow up in urban environments without exposure to animals. Zoos provide that connection and help educate visitors about conservation challenges and how they can help,” Simon said. “We want guests, especially kids, to develop empathy for animals and grow into adults who support conservation.”
Additional space would allow the zoo to expand habitats for endangered species, improve visitor amenities and strengthen education and conservation programs. Zoo officials expect that larger, modern habitats will draw more visitors and increase revenue in support of conservation programs for animal care and wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
“With a bigger zoo and bigger and better exhibits for animals comes additional opportunities to educate more people as they come through our gates,” Simon said. “It will support the expansion of education programs and volunteer programs that will help engage and connect visitors with animals and make connections to the animals that are struggling to not go extinct in the wild.”
The proposed expansion location is across Land Park Drive from the current zoo footprint and requires a bridge or a tunnel to ensure safe visitor access between sites. The Board of Directors prioritizes minimizing traffic and environmental impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
In coordination with the Land Park Neighborhood Association, Simon gathers input on expansion plans, environmental considerations and parking additions. Staff members, especially the animal care team, provide input through the planning process, and public meetings and open houses gather residents’ feedback on proposed plans.
Completed in phases, the zoo is to remain open during development, maintaining visitor access and temporarily relocating rides. Noise levels of construction will be closely monitored to ensure animals’ behavior is not affected, with adjustments made if they exhibit signs of stress.
With over 18 years of leadership experience, Simon brings skills in zoo operations and exhibit development to Sacramento. Served as Executive Director of Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Texas, he has held leadership roles at ZooTampa in Florida and Great Plains Zoo in South Dakota. At the Great Plains Zoo, he oversaw new exhibits’ construction for black rhinos and Japanese macaques and remodeled the brown bear habitat over 13 years. A graduate of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium Executive Leadership Development Program, he serves as an AZA accreditation inspector.
“If we phase projects correctly, we’ll be able to keep the zoo open while we’re doing them, and that’s important from a revenue standpoint,” Simon said. “We need people to continue coming to the zoo while construction is happening because that helps fund everything we do.”
Financial sustainability is a key consideration as the zoo evaluates new exhibits and projects long-term impact on revenue and expenses. Expanded amenities, event rentals and after-hours programs are predicted to generate additional revenue and enhance guest experience. Improvements made in exhibits, entrance areas, visitor amenities and infrastructure work to support sustainable future growth.
“While there are projects to do and money to raise, I imagine the Sacramento community will step up and support those improvements to make sure Sacramento has a top-notch zoo,” Simon said.
Previous plans to relocate the Sacramento Zoo to Elk Grove were halted, facing rising costs and feasibility issues that made the project no longer viable. The Sacramento Zoo and City Council are evaluating the long-term feasibility of remaining in Land Park and pursuing the acquisition of additional acreage to enhance exhibits and amenities.
“I’ve lived in Sacramento my whole life and grew up near Land Park, so I know how valuable the zoo is to the community,” Scotland said. “I’m optimistic about the future and confident we can overcome challenges and help the zoo grow and flourish.”
