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San Francisco, California / Parks and outdoors

Bison Paddock

A historic urban sanctuary for North America's largest land mammal, featuring a small herd of bison that has been a beloved San Francisco institution since the late 19th century.

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Bison Paddock
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Where is the Bison Paddock located?

The Bison Paddock is located in a meadow just west of Spreckels Lake along John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park.

What is the Bison Paddock known for?

It is home to a herd of bison, which serve as an emblem of the American West and a conservation-era symbol. The park currently has ten bison, all of whom are female since the 1990s to avoid aggression from adult males.

How long have bison been in Golden Gate Park?

Bison have been part of the park since the early 1890s, with the first bison brought in 1891.

Who takes care of the bison herd?

The bison herd is cared for by staff from the San Francisco Zoo, while the enclosure is maintained by Recreation and Parks gardeners.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Bison Paddock is a unique urban sanctuary located in the meadow west of Spreckels Lake along John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park. This site serves as a home for a small herd of ten bison, representing the largest land mammal in North America. The animals are cared for by staff from the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, while the enclosure's grounds are maintained by Recreation and Parks gardeners. Bison have been a part of Golden Gate Park since 1892, with the first bison arriving in 1891. The herd's first home was established near the Music Concourse, but they were moved to their current meadow location in 1899. These animals were brought in under Park Superintendent John McLaren as part of an early conservation effort to save the species from extinction and to reflect the era's fascination with the American West. Interestingly, the current animals are not descendants of the original 19th-century herd. The population was replaced by younger animals in 1984 and again in 2011. To ensure safety, the herd has been all-female since the 1990s because adult males can be aggressive. In March 2020, for the park's 150th anniversary, five new bison calves were added to the herd. The paddock also serves as a site for volunteer habitat-restoration work focused on the White-crowned sparrow, often coordinated through the San Francisco Recreation & Parks website.

Visitor tips

  • The paddock is open 24 hours a day as part of Golden Gate Park, allowing for flexible visiting hours.
  • Keep a safe distance from the paddock fence for the animal's safety and safety of your own.
  • Look for the White-crowned sparrows in the surrounding habitat, as the area is used for restoration work.

Nearby context

The Bison Paddock is situated within Golden Gate Park, the largest urban park in San Francisco, located between the Richmond and Sunset districts. It is located just west of Spreckels Lake, providing a easy transition between the park's more manicured gardens and the meadowlands.

Sources

Evidence and links