22q at the Zoo

Worldwide Awareness Day

Oakland Zoo is teaming up with the International 22q11.2 Foundation for their annual ‘22q at the Zoo’ day. This is Oakland Zoo’s third year participating and includes free admission to all individuals with 22q with the purchase of an adult ticket.

Visit the 22q awareness table in the Children’s Zoo Commons to learn more about 22q.

Price: Included with Regular Zoo Admission

About 22q

22q is a very common yet poorly recognized genetic syndrome which may be as common as Down syndrome, and is estimated to affect over 3 million children worldwide! Yet most parents, teachers and even many medical professionals have never heard of it. 22q is caused by missing or duplicated genetic material on the 22nd chromosome.

There are hundreds of ways that children with this syndrome are affected, though the most common ways include developmental delays, learning differences, speech abnormalities, and often times congenital heart disease. Due to the variability in symptoms, 22q is often misdiagnosed. Early diagnosis and interventions make a big difference in outcomes for these special children.

This is why spreading awareness about the syndrome has become such an important part of what we do as a foundation.

Learn more about the Worldwide Awareness Day & 22q!