Declaration of Purpose
San Diego Municipal Code § 52.6001
in effect§52.6001 Declaration of Purpose
The Council for the City of San Diego finds and declares that:
(a) The San Diego Zoo’s animal collection contains 4,238 specimens representing 816 species and subspecies, including 1,607 mammals of 214 species and subspecies, of which 56 are endangered; 1,762 birds of 428 species and subspecies, of which 16 are endangered; and 869 reptiles and amphibians representing 174 species and subspecies, of which 6 are endangered.
(b) The Wild Animal Park’s animal collection contains 3,002 specimens of 374 species and subspecies, including 1,658 mammals of 122 species, of which 38 are endangered; 1,327 birds of 243 species and subspecies, of which 11 are endangered; and 17 reptiles of 9 species and subspecies.
(c) The San Diego Zoo is an officially recognized botanical garden and has special collections of more than 6,500 different species, and the Wild Animal Park’s botanical collection includes some 4,000 plant species, of which more than 260 are endangered.
(d) Title to all the animals and plants, and their progeny and product, as well as all exhibits and personal property located in the San Diego Zoo, is vested in the City of San Diego.
(e) Over the last several years there has been an increasing incidence of trespass on the grounds of the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park when the properties are closed to the public.
(f) Trespassers may climb over one or more of the many fences, or attempt to enter buildings, on the property of the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park, bringing these intruders into contact with life–threatening carnivores, primates, large hoof stock or reptiles.
(g) Trespassers may damage or injure one or more of the many animals or plants, including those that are endangered and in need of special care.
(h) The reasonable restrictions found in this Division on access to the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park during non– business hours will serve to protect the animals and plants maintained on these properties, as well as any trespasser, and will not unduly restrict legitimate visitors from enjoying entertainment and educational opportunities provided by the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park.
(“Declaration of Purpose” added 5–26–1998 by O–18518 N.S.)
Source: City of San Diego Office of the City Clerk, San Diego Municipal Code and City Charter (docs.sandiego.gov PDFs)URL: https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art02Division60.pdf#page=1Fetched: 10/28/2026