Charles Paddock Zoo 

9100 Morro Road, Atascadero, California
Atascadero, CA 93422
charlespaddockzoo.org
Phone: 805.461.5080
open daily at 10 a.m. except major holidays

History of the Charles Paddock Zoo

Charles Paddock Zoo was established in 1955 by Charles Paddock, a county park ranger who nursed wild animals back to health. His reputation for rehabilitating animals soon spread throughout the area and, by 1959, Mr. Paddock's animal menagerie increased to over 125 wild birds and mammals. By 1963, the zoo was moved from the county animal shelter to its present site and became known as Atascadero Children's Zoo. In 1979, the City of Atascadero was incorporated and the city took over management of the Zoo. The Zoo took on the official name of "The Charles Paddock Zoo" in 1980, in memory of its founder. Over the years, the Charles Paddock Zoo has grown and improved into a fully accredited Zoo, exhibiting over 100 animals on 5 park-like acres within beautiful Atascadero Lake Park.

Menderu, the rare and endangered Malayan tiger from the San Diego Zoo, has been a very popular addition. The Atascadero City Council approved and budgeted funds for renovations of the over 50 years old zoo. Members of the public are invited to volunteer with this worthwhile effort. Those interested should contact Geoff English or Alan Baker at (805) 461-5000. The Charles Paddock Zoo is a unique and special community asset. It has been a part of residents' lives for generations, and brings thousands of visitors to Atascadero each year. Contact the Society at (805) 461-5083.

Birds
Aviary Residents
Parrot Pond Residents
Throughout the Zoo
Off Exhibit - African Grey Parrot

Mammals
Barnyard Residents
South America Residents
Bat-Eared Fox
Kinkajou
Old World Rabbit

Reptiles:
Corn Snake
Fly River Turtle
Four-eyed Turtle
Long-nosed Snake

Red-tailed Boa
South American Yellow-footed Tortoise
Ball Python

Amphibians
White's Tree Frog
Madagascar Tomato Frog

Invertebrates
Goliath Bird-eating Tarantula
Giant African Millipede
Red Tarantula

Bunny Town is held in the spring.