Established in 1922, the Oakland Zoo is a beautiful facility that provides amazing care and habitats to the animals that live there. However, the Zoo is at risk of permanently closing due to a lack of funding if it cannot partially reopen this month. Please sign to ask Governor Newsom to allow the Oakland Zoo to reopen as an outdoor museum. According to the San Francisco Chronicle (July 1, 2020) the Sacramento Zoo, San Diego Zoo and others in California have been allowed to reopen on a limited basis to visitors who wear masks and maintain social distance. Oakland Zoo spokeswoman Erin Harrison said the zoo believes it can reopen safely on a similar limited basis and it has taken extensive precautions that include installing hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the grounds. For months, the Zoo has been drawing up plans to reopen in conjunction with the Alameda County Public Health Department. Neetu Balram, an agency spokesman, said the health department has requested the outdoor museum designation for the zoo but that it is the state’s determination to make. The Oakland Zoo is home to many animals that have been rescued from being euthanized or orphaned, including mountain lions, grizzly bears, and black bears. It also houses a pair of gray wolves that had pups in May, 2019. These animals are in addition to the many other species that can be observed. The Zoo is a treasure to the many people, families, and school groups that regularly visit. Please sign to ask Governor Newsom to allow the Oakland Zoo to reopen as an outdoor museum.