Applegate Park Zoo

26th & R Streets
Merced, CA 96340
209-385-6840
mercedzoo.org

23 of park land in the heart of the City, Merced's zoo includes Kiddieland offering amusements for children, including a train that runs through the park. The park is also home to the Merced Open Air Theater which hosts celebrations of music and art. The zoo is open daily at 10 a.m. hours, closed major holidays. Admission is affordable and kids under 5 are free admission.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0207
Tel: (858) 534-4086 Fax: (858) 534-7114

More than 350 species of marine you'll normally see in waters from the cold Pacific Northwest to the warm tropical reefs of the South Pacific are located in the Birch Aquarium, showcased in 46 tanks ranging in size from a 70,000-gallon and less. Set against a breathtaking view of the blue Pacific, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps is home to an artificial kelp forest, too. The aquarium also features a man-made tide pool that stimulates an awareness in visitors of the fragility of San Diego's intertidal environments. This coastal facility is also home to the country's largest oceanographic museum. Hands-on exhibits educate visitors about the ocean, earth sciences, and more. It hosts annual events focused on marine animals.

CALM Zoo

10500 Alfred Harrell Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93306
(661) 872-2256
calmzoo.org

CALM (CAlifornia Living Museum) displays and interprets native California animals, plants, fossils, and artifacts to teach a respect for all living things through education, recreation, conservation, and research. Founded in 1980 and opened to the public in 1983.

Chaffee Zoological Gardens

894 West Belmont Ave
Fresno, CA 93728-2891
Tel: (559) 498-4692 Fax: (559) 264-9226

Chaffee Zoological Gardens is home to the world's first computerized Reptile House. Environment chambers inside our Reptile House control temperature, humidity, and light cycles to create an environment that is as close to each species' natural habitat as possible. Since the building opened in 1979, the zoo has had considerable success in both maintaining and breeding reptiles and amphibians in captivity. Reproductive research is being conducted on several endangered species in an effort to enhance captive propagation. The first captive reproduction of Rattleless Rattlesnakes occurred here in 1980, and the Madagascar Ground Boas were first born here in 1985. The South American Tropical Rain Forest Exhibit covers 20,000 sq. ft. and is completely enclosed by a fine mesh screen suspended from towering poles which soar create a free flowing and natural environment. The rain forest contains plants and animal species found primarily in South American regions.

Charles Paddock Zoo

9305 Pismo Avenue
Atascadero, CA 93422
Tel: (805) 461-7603 Fax: (805) 461-7625

Discover over 100 animals in 5 park-like acres. Observe them up close and personal in naturalistic habitats. Picnic area and refreshments are available. A nominal fee is charged for admission. The Zoo belongs to the City of Atascadero, and is part of the Community Services Department. Virtually all of the Zoo's funding goes into basic care and feeding of the animals which include: Bengal Tiger, Red-Ruffed Lemur, Sumatran Tiger, Asiatic Black Bear, White-Fronted Marmoset, Titi Monkey, Two-Toed Sloth Blue, Gold Macaw, Salmon-Crested Cockatoo, Scarlet Macaw, Capybara Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine, Serval Cat. African Grey Parrot, Caribbean Flamingo, Greater Currassow, Masai Ostrich, American Alligator and much more.

CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point

1651 Coyote Point Drive
San Mateo, CA 94401-1097
Tel: (650)342-7755
curiodyssey.org

Habitats allow visitors both young and old an up-close view of native California animals. CuriOdyssey is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). CuriOdyssey houses nearly 100 animals from golden eagles to rubber boas which help environmental concepts come alive for Bay Area children and adults. Badger, bobcat, Channel Island fox, coyote, raccoon, European ferret, rat, river otter, striped skunk, Virginia opossum, ringtail cacomistle, reptiles, birds and invertebrates are seen in exhibits.

Exotic Breeding Cat House

Rosamond, California
661-256-3793
cathouse-fcc.org

Home to over 50 of the world's most endangered felines, EFBC/FCC is recognized by state and federal agencies as a zoo, wildlife museum, and licensed research facility. Funds received are used for the care and support of the compound's animals and long-term goals, which include a research clinic facility, a natural history museum, and public education programs. Open to the public. Visitors can get as close as 5 feet away from these beautiful (but dangerous) cats. Some parts of the compound are not open to the public. Wear comfortable walking shoes for your visit. Summer temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, it sometimes snows. The cats are more active in cooler weather, and at Twilight Tours.

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

1300 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112
408-295-8383

Located in Kelley Park, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo has been providing affordable family entertainment, education and fun since 1961. There are creative play areas, children's rides, hand puppet and marionette shows, special events, and birthday areas. The Zoo is an accredited institution that participates in conservation and propagation of rare and endangered species while at the same time offering children the opportunity to see wondrous animals such as the ruffed lemur or the pygmy hippopotamus. It also gives hands on experience with many animals and the education that is needed to secure the future of endangered species. The petting zoo features llamas, goats, guinea pigs and miniature horses.

Lindsay Wildlife Museum

1931 First Avenue
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
510-935-1978

This wildlife rehabilitation and educational center focuses on native California wildlife and natural history. The museum exhibits live, non-releasable native wildlife in Walnut Creek, California. Founded in 1955, the museum operates the oldest and one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, treating more than 6,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year. Lindsay Wildlife Museum fosters a living connection between people and wildlife in order to create a deeper commitment to the welfare of the natural world. Call for hours and admission prices.

The Living Desert

47-900 Portola Avenue
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Tel: 760-346-5694
livingdesert.org

Discover The Living Desert's 1,200 acres of native & exotic animals from the world's deserts. Botanical gardens, Wildlife Wonders animal shows and Hands-on Discovery Room in one of the most successful zoological parks in the countr includes 400 fascinating desert animals representing over 150 species including coyotes, bighorn sheep, oryx, zebras, cheetahs and meerkats. There are lush botanical gardens representing 10 different desert ecosystems and a journey to "Eagle Canyon," with its streams, mountain lions, bobcats, Mexican wolves and golden eagles is a definite must see. Location: Coachella Valley, just minutes from Palm Springs and Indio. From Hwy. 111 in Palm Desert, turn south on Portola Ave., go 1 1/2 miles, follow signs to main entrance.

Los Angeles Zoo

5333 Zoo Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Tel: (323) 644-4200
lazoo.org
The Los Angeles Zoo is located in the heart of the nation's second-largest city. Each year 1.3 million visitors pass through the gates to view a collection of 1,200 animals from around the world. The Los Angeles Zoo opened in November 1966. Several of the animals that were in the Zoo on opening day: elephant Gita, alligator Methuselah, Indian rhino Herman. The L.A. Zoo was the first major zoo in the United States to bar visitors from feeding the animals.

Micke Grove Zoo

11793 N Micke Grove Road
Lodi, CA 95240-9499
Tel: 209-953-8840

Micke Grove Zoo is a five-acre AZA accredited Zoo with mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates. Micke Grove Park also features a Japanese Garden, San Joaquin County Historical Museum, Rides, and picnic areas in a beautiful oak grove setting. Location: Micke Grove Zoo is located between Stockton and Lodi, California, off I-5 or Highway 99 @ 11793 N. Micke Grove Road Lodi, CA 95240

Oakland Zoo

9777 Golf Links Road
Oakland, CA 94605
(510) 632-9525
oaklandzoo.org
The Oakland Zoo is home to over 375 animals from 125 different species living in lush, naturalistic settings. The collection is organized in biomes, geographic regions that represent the ecosystem of that area. From Africa, to Asia, to Australia, to future California 1820 Region. For a fun-filled view of the Zoo, take a ride on the new "C.P. Huntington" miniature train, a two-thirds size replica of the Civil War-era locomotive. Then soar high over the hills on the Sky Ride to view American bison and tule elk grazing below on the "North American Range". This 15 minute chair lift ride also offers a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay. Fun continues with a ride on the old-fashioned carousel and other children's rides in The Rides Area. Call for hours and admission prices.

Sacramento Zoo

3930 West Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822-1123
Information: 916-808-5888
Two new female Grevy's zebras, Red Panda Forest with Maggie, Ashia and Huan-Huan, three Himalayan monal pheasants, a new baby bongo, Mi-Shan, the one-year-old female snow leopard and beautiful flamingos are but a few of the colorful animals and birds you will see.

Safari West Preserve

3115 Porter Creek Road
Santa Rosa CA 95404
707-579-2551

Safari West Wildlife Preserve is nestled on 400 acres in the heart of California's wine country in Santa Rosa. Safari West is home for over 400 exotic mammals and offers lodging in unique cabins shipped from Africa and re-assembled on the property.

San Diego Safari Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Road
San Diego Zoo
Escondido, CA 92027-7017
Tel: (760) 747-8702 Fax: (760) 746-7081
Located 32 miles northeast of the Zoo, the Wild Animal Park is 20 times larger and an entirely different experience! This 1,800-acre wildlife preserve was established in 1969 under the directorship of Dr. Charles Schroeder. It opened to the public in 1972, and allows visitors to view herds of exotic animals s they might occur in their native homelands of Africa or Asia. The Wgasa Bush Line, a silent electronic monorail, skirts the edge of the Savannah and offers five miles of unobstructed views of elephants, antelope, rhinos, and giraffes. Soon to open is Heart of Africa which will offer guests the opportunity to take a walking safari for an even closer view.

San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Drive in Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92112-0551
(619) 231-1515
sandiegozoo.org

The 100-acre Zoo was founded in 1916, by a colorful and extremely enterprising local physician, Dr. Harry Wegeforth. He gathered a collection of 50 animals from various local menageries and hired a single keeper named Army, "who had one arm but it was all he needed." Today the Zoo cares for 3,800 animals (800 different species) and employs 115 individuals to care for them. The total staff numbers more than 1,000. The Zoo has opened several new natural habitats in recent years: Tiger River, Sun Bear Forest, Scripps Aviary, Gorilla Tropics, Pygmy Chimpanzees, Raptors, Australasian Birds, Hippo Beach, and Polar Bear Plunge. And of course you'll want to see the two important visitors that now reside at the Panda Research Station.

San Francisco Zoo

1 Zoo Road
San Francisco, CA 94132
Tel: 415-753-7080 Tel: 415-753-7161

The major zoological park in Northern California and one of the Bay Area's most popular cultural and recreational attractions, the San Francisco Zoo is home to over 250 species of exotic and domestic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. The focus of the San Francisco Zoo is wildlife conservation. Through our naturalistic exhibits, field conservation projects, and educational programs, we are building a center for conservation and education. Come visit us anytime, 365 days a year.

Santa Ana Zoo

1801 E. Chestnut Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Tel: 714-836-4000

Today the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is a nationally accredited public zoological garden occupying a unique urban site in the heart of Orange County. Situated on approximately 20 acres, the zoo is an intimate urban oasis for animals and people. It features South American plants and wildlife; the only zoo in the country to focus exclusively on this region. The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is committed to providing recreation and education while bringing the message of conservation to the zoo's many visitors. It is a place to have fun, a place to learn, and a place that can be enjoyed by people of all ages every day of the year.

Santa Barbara Zoo Gardens

500 Ninos Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93103-3798
Tel: 805-962-5339

The beginning was modest with only a few animals - a llama, two sheep, a goat, a turkey and a pair of spider monkeys - but the potential was there in an incredibly beautiful location. The Zoo grew, always emphasizing quality rather than quantity, and soon became one of the most popular attractions in the City of Santa Barbara. Building the Zoo was a community effort. Masses of volunteers dedicated their time while local businesses contributed materials and supplies for everything from pathways to paperwork. Many of the original volunteers and contributors are still very much involved with the Zoo today. Also during the decade of the 70's, landscaping material, much of it donated, continued to be added to the park and zoo areas. Beautiful gardens were emerging. The Zoo took on a tropical atmosphere, highlighting some magnificent specimen plantings, especially palm trees. The entire lower end of the park had been marshy and only one lone eucalyptus tree grew there when the Zoo was opened. Now visitors wind their way through coral trees, jacarandas, silk trees, bananas and giant bird of paradise. Plantings in and around exhibits compliment the animals.

SeaWorld San Diego

500 Sea World Drive
San Diego, CA 92109-7904
Tel: (619) 222-6363

SeaWorldŽ San Diego ranks in the top 10 theme parks in California. SeaWorld not only features thrill rides and amusements, it also offers many family fun shows with sea mammals, oceanic creatures and lots of things for kids to enjoy in a kid-friendly, vacation destination theme park in San Diego, California. SeaWorld sits next to Mission Bay with many attractions, shops and restaurants overlooking Mission Bay. The setting is spectacular for this family fun attraction.

Sequoia Park Zoo

531 K Street
Eureka, CA 95501-1165
Tel: 707-441-4203

In operation since 1907, The Sequoia Park Zoo has long been considered one of the most important cultural facilities in the area. The Zoo is committed to providing a high quality facility that offers not only the care of a variety of animals, but also an opportunity for visitors to experience a greater appreciation of the value and diversity of our planet's life forms.

The Zoo serves as a valuable resource for more than ten counties located in the Shasta Cascade and North Coast Regions of California. Although the Zoo is small in relation to most facilities of this nature, it is the only municipal zoological gardens on the Pacific Coast between San Francisco and Portland. As such, it serves a wide and diverse population. Sequoia Park Zoo provides a facility that would otherwise not be available to more than a half million people. The Zoo's goals include conservation, education and recreation.

6 Flags Discovery Kingdom

2001 Marine World Parkway
Vallejo, CA 94589
Tel: 707-644-4000

An amusement park with thrill rides, it is billed as the only theme park with a marine section and a zoo, complete with bengal tigers.