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Happy Hollow Blog
San José Welcomes New Red Panda to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
November 14, 2025
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is welcoming Twix, a one-year-old male red panda arriving from Zoo Boise as part of the Red Panda Species Survival Plan. His placement supports the long-term genetic health of the endangered species, and visitors can now see him in the red panda habitat as he acclimates to his new home.
Every Visit to Happy Hollow Helps Wildlife: 2025 Quarters for Conservation Award Recipients
August 26, 2025
Every visit to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo helps protect wildlife near and far through our Quarters for Conservation program. In 2025 we’re proud to grant more than $70,000 to organizations protecting macaws in Costa Rica, tortoises in Madagascar and vultures in South Africa. Thanks to your support, this program is making a lasting difference for endangered species and their habitats worldwide.
Beloved Danny the Dragon Ride to Reopen at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
July 10, 2025
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is thrilled to announce the reopening of the beloved Danny the Dragon ride on Tuesday, July 15, now featuring a brand-new storyline and magical journey through five themed lands. This is Danny’s first major update in 64 years, made possible by generous donors and community support. Read the full release to learn more—and make plans to visit and experience the reimagined ride for yourself!
Sophia’s Legacy
May 30, 2025
At 21 years old, Sophia is one of the oldest jaguars living in an AZA-accredited facility. As she’s aged, her care has become increasingly specialized to support her senior needs. From customized habitat modifications to voluntary health check-ups and carefully tailored diets, this blog takes you behind the scenes to show how zoo staff and veterinarians ensure Sophia receives the best care. Read the latest blog post for an inside look at Happy Hollow’s dedication to your favorite jaguar.
The Impact of a Quarter: 2024 Quarters for Conservation Award Recipients
February 7, 2025
Each time you visit Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, you’re not just enjoying an exciting experience – you’re helping to fund wildlife conservation around the world. Since 2015, the Quarters for Conservation program has directed 25 cents from every ticket and $1 from each membership towards global and local conservation efforts.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo Welcomes Capybara Social Media Star from Sacramento Zoo
January 23, 2025
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo has welcomed Donatello, a one-year-old male capybara and former social media star from the Sacramento Zoo, to join Wendy, their three-year-old resident capybara. This companionship aligns with the Capybara Species Survival Plan, promoting the species' well-being and genetic health. Visitors can now enjoy watching the pair in their habitat, with an expanded enclosure planned to enhance their space and guest viewing experiences.
Behind the Scenes: Ensuring Ride Safety at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
December 12, 2024
At Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, ride safety is a top priority, with a thorough system of daily inspections, routine maintenance, and extensive annual checkups to ensure safe operation. Annual maintenance, which includes major repairs and inspections, may require extended closures, but is vital to ensuring the safety, reliability, and enjoyment of the park's attractions.
Behind the Scenes of Animal Habitat Maintenance
November 7, 2024
Sophia the jaguar and Will the red panda are back on habitat in the Zoo in the Hollow! A lot of work went into prepping the habitats for their return. Happy Hollow's maintenance team took on the unique task of constructing "furniture” for both the jaguar and red panda habitats. Learn more about this creative process in this blog post written by Senior Zookeeper Melissa Young.
National Vet Tech Week: Getting to know Happy Hollow’s Vet Tech, Rachel Atkins
October 16, 2024
This week is National Veterinary Technician Week! Happy Hollow's Veterinary Technician, Rachel Atkins, recently answered some questions from Zoo Education's campers. To celebrate this national week, learn more about Rachel's journey, the diverse roles of a vet tech, and memorable cases she’s encountered at Happy Hollow.
Buzzing Success: Nurturing Pollinator Habitats with Happy Hollow’s Progress for Pollinators Program
June 28, 2024
Through a partnership between Happy Hollow Foundation and Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, the Progress for Pollinators program aims to foster the creation of pollinator-friendly habitats throughout Santa Clara County. This initiative is made possible by Happy Hollow’s Quarters for Conservation program, which allocates 25 cents from every ticket sold and $1 from every membership purchased towards the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.