Museums For All Participation Update

Well, I happened upon some curious information this week, and feel I should share it, so no one comes to the Zoo and is blindsided. 

As I *posted on November 25th, I was informed that the Zoo had rejoined the Museums For All program.

When I visited this week, and walked by the Membership Office, I thought I'd confirm whether or not the low-income Community Discount Membership had also been reinstated, or if there were plans to do so.  I had planned to earlier, but never got that far on my to-do list.  Anyway, the office was closed, so I proceeded to ask someone at the ticket window.  They flat-out said, "Not in Museums For All".  I was shocked.

So, at this time, apparently there are no discounts using EBT for day entrance or membership.  Very disappointing news.  I apologize if my previous documentation caused anyone hardship.  I never thought it could be premature to share, as it would seemingly be something that could go into immediate effect, since it's basically a clerical action.  

I called the Membership Office a couple times, no answer, and no response to phone messages or email inquiry.  I'll update when and if I receive responses or otherwise hear something.  

Additionally, I did then check the San Francisco Human Services Agency's Museums For All website to view list of participants, and the Zoo is not listed.  That said, neither is **CalAcademy and to my knowledge, there has never been a break in their participation, so who knows when that list gets updated. Worth a mention that the RecPark Dept, which the Zoo is part of, is listed as a Sponsor of the program, and there are also four other department facilities/attractions that participate.

With this development, in hindsight I realized it was odd that the Zoo had not announced the program return, but they also never announced the Membership perk when it was created in Summer 2024. 

Considering the lack of communication from the Zoo Membership office, I of course wondered, what gives?  Is there a delay between reinstating and taking effect?  Or, is the Zoo waiting until the new year, to take advantage of full price holiday attendance?  I hate to think the later, and it purely comes from a past management jaded point if view.  If they have indeed rejoined the program, not having it available to families now, during the season of giving, certainly does nothing to working toward building community.

Related Post:

*Our Zoo Has Reinstated Their Participation In Museums For All!

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/11/our-zoo-has-reinstated-their.html

**CalAcademy Affordable Access Programs (listed on website)

EBT benefit: As part of the Museums for All cooperative, the Academy offers discounted $5 Daytime Admission and NightLife (21+) tickets and $49 Family memberships to EBT cardholders every day of the year. Museums for All tickets and Family memberships are not available online and must be purchased at the Academy ticket window. Limit 4 (1 for NightLife) per group per visit.

Discover & Go: Library cardholders 14 and older can check out passes good for free Academy admission at participating libraries from San Francisco to Sacramento. Select your library system and log in, or contact your local branch for details.