The Santa Barbara Zoo, founded in 1963, is a nonprofit corporation. The zoo preserves, conserves and enhances the natural world and its living treasures through various educational, research and recreational programs. It employs volunteers who provide information and knowledge about animals and the natural world for guests through interpretation, guided tours, animal handling presentations and hands-on discovery stations. The zoo, located in Santa Barbara, Calif., is home to more than 150 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. It is located on more than 30 acres of botanic gardens that feature formal gardens and lawns, native plants and trees, cacti and succulents, ornamentals, exotic species and less formal plantings arranged throughout the park to recreate natural habitats. The Santa Barbara Zoo is also available on rental basis for events, such as weddings, corporate events, birthday parties and picnics.