San Francisco Zoo Animals Predict Panthers to Win Big Game at Zooper Bowl

The animals are calling a win for the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 after a friendly Zooper Bowl competition pitting a black rhino against a lion cub at the San Francisco Zoo on Friday, February 5th. The five-month-old lion cub and his mom, Sukari, narrowly edged Boone, the seven-year-old black rhino named after San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Alex Boone, in a race to spike the “football,” a special game-inspired enrichment treat.

The lion cub (who will be named at this year’s Zoo Fest on April 30th) and his mom, Sukari, represented the Panthers and tore into the football treat in 1 minute and 13 seconds. Boone, representing the Broncos, posted a close time of 1 minute and 32 seconds in the visual and fun-filled event. Normally on the gridiron instead of spectating, former 49er and two-time NFL Pro Bowler Dashon Goldson of the Washington Redskins, helped time the event while on a special Zoo visit.

“Boone is a great species ambassador at the Zoo, but we saw today that he’s no match in speed to our adorable lion family,” said Tanya M. Peterson, President and Executive Director of the San Francisco Zoo. “We’re thrilled to kickoff Zooper Bowl weekend at the Zoo and encourage fans from near and far to take advantage of the beautiful weather and visit our more than 2,000 animals.”

Lions were recently placed on the endangered species list. The San Francisco Zoo is home to many vulnerable and endangered species whose populations are declining in the wild due to a number of factors.

During Zooper Bowl weekend, Friday, February 5th through Monday, February 8th, all guests wearing their favorite football attire will enjoy $1 off Zoo admission. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to both big cat conservation and Przewalski’s horse conservation.

For planning purposes, below outlines upcoming February events:

• All month long – Senior Sweetheart Month – Senior citizens ages 65 and up will receive 2 for 1 discount at the Zoo
• February 8 – Lunar New Year Kickoff – Guests born in the Year of the Monkey will receive FREE admission to the Zoo (2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932, 1920 and 1908)
• February 13 – Lunar New Year Celebration – Guests will be treated to a variety of activities celebrating Chinese New Year as well as free admission for those born in the Year of the Monkey
• February 14 – Senior Sweetheart Special – All seniors ages 65 and above receive free Zoo admission; guests are invited to listen to a special animal mating presentation (for mature audiences only) 
• February 27 – National Polar Bear Day – Ice and snow delivery for our own Uulu, the wonderful polar bear
• February 29 – Leap Day - Free admission for San Francisco residents

San Francisco Zoo

Established in 1929, the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens connect people to wildlife, inspire care for nature and advance conservation action. An urban oasis, the Zoo and Gardens are home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered and rescued animals representing more than 250 species as well as seven distinct gardens full of native and unusual plants. Located at the edge of the Pacific Ocean where the Great Highway meet Sloat Boulevard, the Zoo is open 365 days a year from 10 am to 4 pm (winter hours) and is accessible by San Francisco MUNI "L" Taraval Line.