The Friends’ Mission: To expand access to nature and science education through community engagement and  support of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo.

For more than 90 years, the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) has sparked children’s curiosity in science and nature. Since its founding, the Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo (Friends) has supported the JMZ, ensuring that access to its programs is never limited by financial, physical, or cognitive barriers. Our mission is to expand access to nature and science education through community engagement and support of the JMZ.

The JMZ reopened in November 2021 after more than a decade of planning, fundraising, and construction. The new and enhanced facility offers richer experiences for visitors and greater accessibility for children of all abilities.

The Friends is very grateful to all of our donors and supporters for helping us raise more than $25 million to reimagine and rebuild the JMZ. These donations, along with funding support from the City of Palo Alto, helped make possible a museum and zoo that will offer a truly unique experience to children and families for generations to come.

Looking ahead, the Friends remains committed to advancing Access and Inclusion at the JMZ. The Friends continues to fund programs including the Science Outreach Program for the Ravenswood City School District (established in 1999) and Super Family Sundays (established in 2010) for families with children with disabilities. Details about these programs and how you can support them can be found on our Access & Inclusion page.

Our financials, including recent tax returns, are available upon request.