Zoos in California

San Diego Zoo Safari Park, previously known as San Diego Wild Animal Park until 2010, is a sprawling 730-hectare zoo located in the San Pasqual Valley area of San Diego, California, in close proximity to Escondido. This vast expanse of land is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a popular destination for tourists and animal enthusiasts alike.

The San Diego Zoo, nestled in Balboa Park, San Diego, California, is home to a diverse range of wildlife. It boasts a collection of 4,000 animals from 800 different species, all residing in a 40-hectare wooded area. This vast space allows for a unique and immersive experience for visitors, offering a glimpse into the natural habitats of these animals.

The San Francisco Zoo, nestled in the southwest corner of San Francisco, California, is a sprawling 100-acre park that is home to over 260 different species of animals. The zoo is conveniently located between Lake Merced and the Pacific Ocean, making it a scenic destination for visitors. It is easily accessible via the Great Highway, which runs along the western side of the zoo.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, located in Los Angeles, California, is the largest natural history museum in the western United States. Its extensive collections include nearly 35 million specimens and artifacts that span 4.5 billion years of history. This vast collection provides a comprehensive view of the natural world and human history, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in natural history and culture.

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, founded in 1966, is a 133-acre park located in the city of Los Angeles, Southern California. The city of Los Angeles owns the entire zoo, its land, facilities, and animals. It offers a unique combination of a zoo and botanical gardens, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore a diverse range of animal species and plant life in one location.

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, previously known as the Living Desert Museum, is a non-profit organization that operates a zoo and a desert botanical garden. It is located in Palm Desert, Riverside County, California, United States. This unique combination of a zoo and botanical garden is dedicated to the deserts of the world, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about desert ecosystems and their inhabitants.

SeaWorld San Diego is a renowned American amusement park situated in California. It is owned and operated by the SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment group. The park was established in 1964 by four graduates from the University of California. Initially, the idea was to construct an underwater restaurant, but due to technical difficulties, the concept evolved into a public aquarium and zoo.

Point Reyes National Seashore is a vast nature reserve spanning 287.44 km², located on the Point Reyes peninsula in the western part of Marin County, California. The area was designated as a National Seashore in 1962, which placed it under the protection of the National Park Service. This designation allows for traditional ranch farming and oyster farming, which would not be permitted if it were classified as a National Park.

The Santa Barbara Zoo, situated near the ocean in Santa Barbara, California, spans across 30 acres of land. The zoo was constructed on the site formerly known as the Child Estate. This location offers a unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

The Sacramento Zoo, nestled in the heart of William Land Park in Sacramento, California, has been a staple of the community since its opening on June 2, 1927. Starting with a modest collection of 40 animals, the zoo has grown and evolved over the years, becoming a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo, located in Big Bear Lake, California, is one of only two Alpine zoos in the United States. This unique zoo specializes in the rehabilitation and release of local Alpine species, providing a safe haven for injured, orphaned, and imprinted wild animals. It's a place where wildlife gets a second chance, with 90% of all animals brought to the zoo for rehabilitation successfully released back into their native environment.

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary, located in Folsom, California, has been welcoming visitors since 1963. Unlike traditional zoos, this facility operates more like a sanctuary, focusing on the care and rehabilitation of animals rather than breeding or trading them. This unique approach to animal care makes the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary a distinctive destination for animal lovers and those interested in wildlife conservation.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a popular destination located in the heart of Roeding Park on Belmont Avenue, east of SR 99, in Fresno, California. The zoo spans an area of 7.3 hectares and is visited by over half a million people each year. It offers a wide variety of animals and exhibits, making it a great place for family outings and educational trips.

Balboa Park Gardens, located in San Diego, California, is a public park that spans over 1,200 acres. It features numerous garden sections, an arboretum, and a botanical garden. The park is a great place for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The Charles Paddock Zoo is a quaint community zoo situated in the city of Atascadero, California, within San Luis Obispo County. Despite its small size of just 5 acres, it offers a unique experience for visitors, being the only zoo in the Central Coast area of California.

Safari West is a private wildlife preserve that spans 400 acres. It is situated 12 miles north of the city of Santa Rosa in Sonoma County, California. The preserve is owned and operated by Nancy and Peter Lang. This location offers a unique opportunity to experience wildlife in a preserved environment.

The Living Coast Discovery Center, located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista, California, is an environmental education center. It features exhibits of marine animals, other animals, and birds. This center provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about and interact with various species in a controlled environment.

CuriOdyssey is a unique combination of a science museum and a zoo, offering visitors the opportunity to explore interactive science exhibits and observe a variety of animals. The museum is home to nearly 100 rescued animals, most of which are native to California and unable to survive in the wild. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about these animals and their habitats in a safe and educational environment.

The Orange County Zoo, nestled within the expansive 477-acre Irvine Regional Park in Orange, California, spans a modest 8 acres. Despite its size, the zoo offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife native to the Southwestern United States, all within the heart of a bustling city.

Oakland Zoo is home to over 440 native and exotic animal species. The zoo has always prioritized naturalistic animal care, aiming to provide the most authentic and comfortable habitats for its residents. This approach not only benefits the animals but also offers visitors a more realistic and educational experience.

The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is a 20-acre zoo located in Santa Ana, California. The zoo primarily focuses on the animals and plants of Central and South America, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about and experience the diverse wildlife of these regions.

The Lindsay Wildlife Experience, previously known as the Lindsay Wildlife Museum, is a unique combination of a family-friendly museum and a wildlife rehabilitation center located in Walnut Creek, California. This establishment is not only a place of learning and exploration but also a sanctuary for injured, sick, or orphaned wild animals. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with wildlife and understand the importance of co-existing with nature.

The Lindsay Wildlife Experience, previously known as the Lindsay Wildlife Museum, is a family-friendly museum and wildlife rehabilitation center located in Walnut Creek, California. It is a unique destination that combines education, conservation, and rehabilitation efforts under one roof. Visitors can explore various exhibits, learn about California's native wildlife, and even get a behind-the-scenes look at the wildlife hospital.

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, located in San Jose, California, is a compact 16-acre zoo and amusement park. The park, which first opened its doors to the public in 1961, offers a unique blend of animal exhibits and amusement rides. Despite its small size, the park is packed with a variety of attractions that cater to both children and adults.

The California Living Museum, also known as CALM, is a zoo located in Bakersfield, California. The museum's primary focus is on the plants and animals that are native to California, with a particular emphasis on those found in Kern County. This unique focus allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem and the diverse species that inhabit it.

The Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo is situated in the city of Palo Alto, California. It is a part of the City of Palo Alto's Community Services Department (CSD). This location offers a unique blend of educational and recreational activities for visitors of all ages.

The Sequoia Park Zoo is situated in Eureka, California, and is managed by the City of Eureka. This zoo is part of a larger park complex that includes a 60-acre mature second-growth coast redwood forest, Eureka's largest public playground, a duck pond, and both formal and natural gardens. The zoo is open to the public daily, except in winter when it is closed on Mondays.

Amazing natural center that aims to promote environmental issues and raise our awareness. Plenty of animals in a beautiful settings.

Micke Grove Zoo, located in Lodi, California, is a small 5-acre zoo that was established in 1957. The zoo is part of the larger Micke Grove Regional Park, which also includes a Japanese Garden, the San Joaquin County Historical Society and Museum, an amusement park, and facilities for picnics and Frisbee golf. This makes it a versatile destination for tourists, offering a variety of attractions beyond the zoo itself.