From albino axolotls to rainbow-colored beetles, experience the full spectrum of animal awesomeness this summer.

Started in 2016 by the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County as a friendly competition, the City Nature Challenge has expanded to 754 ...

In FY25, the Academy incurred a cash deficit of $7.3M. For the current fiscal year, the cash deficit is projected to exceed $8.0M. This is due in large part to the costs of maintaining our buildings ...

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (December 2, 2025) — It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Claude, our beloved albino alligator, has passed away at the age of 30. Claude was an iconic California ...

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (December 1, 2025) — Submissions for the California Academy of Sciences ' 2026 BigPicture: Natural World Photography Competition are now open, and will be accepted through March 1, ...

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (February 18, 2025) — Academy researchers and partners made the first discovery of both a new genus and species of plant in a U.S. national park in nearly 50 years. The ...

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (December 19, 2024) — Researchers at the California Academy of Sciences described 138 new animal, plant, and fungi species in 2024, enriching our understanding of Earth’s ...

Don’t tell Claude, but he’s not the only long-bodied, sharp-toothed, extremely chill species in Steinhart Aquarium. Lurking in the shadows across from the Swamp exhibit is a misunderstood fish that ...

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (April 15, 2024) — In a historic reintroduction that further restores native ecosystems in San Francisco, the California Academy of Sciences and Presidio Trust released Silvery Blue ...

“We are delighted to welcome Jim Gohary to the Academy as we gain momentum on our mission to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration,” said Academy Executive Director ...

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA (September 7, 2023) — Today the California Academy of Sciences and partners across the City are thrilled to announce the new Reimagining San Francisco urban nature alliance, which ...