Zootourism.com review: Golden Gate Park Buffalo Paddock

John F Kennedy Drive
San Francisco, CA
United States



In 1891, with the demise of the American bison becoming more fact than conjecture, a handful of the animals were delivered to Golden Gate Park to help stave off extinction. From the original herd, over 100 calves were born over the following century. Now, there’s a herd of a dozen or so, generally sleeping behind the rolling hills. The signage around the field is excellent, if a bit obviously dated, with information about the species, about their demise in the 19th century, and about their resurgence from near-extinction to a viable species. It’s quick, it’s free, and it’s between some of the nicest gardens and parklands in the city.