Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
Our Mission
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo exists to provide an affordable, sustainable, conservation-centered outdoor adventure for families with children.
San Jose residents, again, supported Parks by passing the 2000 Parks Bond Act which allocated $52 million to HHPZ for the master plan build out (and additional funds for neighborhood parks and community centers). With this promise of funds, the 1994 master plan was reviewed and updated. While plans were drawn, specifications written, details specified and contractors identified for the construction that would begin in 2008, many smaller improvements occurred including the demolition and replacement of the 1967 Jaguar cage with a naturalistic day exhibit and night house (using additional funds donated on site from visitors), the demolition of a 1967 aviary which was replaced with a black and white lemur habitat, the removal of the old hippopotamus pool and addition of a faux tree trunk (night house) for the muntjac deer, and the addition of new exhibit for the Ring-tailed lemurs.
The Park closed its gates after 46 years on July 9, 2008, for a $72 million green renovation. The scope of the project included the renovation of the 12 acres of existing ride areas and Zoo, as well as adding 4 additional acres to the facility which include several new animal exhibits, Veterinary and commissary buildings, Education Center, Guest Services and Gift Shop, Restaurant, new parking lot and pedestrian bridge, and updated the facility to meet all ADA requirements. The New Happy Hollow combines innovative green architecture with whimsical fun and will be applying to become Silver Certified under the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program.
The gates to the new Happy Hollow Park & Zoo opened on March 20, 2010, 49 years after the original gates opened in March 1961.
In 2011 - Happy Hollow Park & Zoo will celebrate its 50th anniversary!
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