The William Land Park Zoo opened in 1927, according to the resolution. It later took on its most recognizable name, “Sacramento Zoo,” in the 1970s. With its move to Elk Grove, the Sacramento Zoological Society urged that the zoo must include reference to the original Land Park location with the name “Sacramento Zoo,” according to the city.

When the doors open for the new zoo, it'll be called the Elk Grove - Sacramento Zoo. It was the second name brought before the city council for a vote. Elk Grove City Council revisited the initial proposal of "The Greater Sacramento Zoo at Elk Grove" to make the city's name more prominent.