Visit Big Bear Alpine Zoo for a one-of-a-kind experience where the focus is on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured or orphaned animals. It’s a kid-friendly activity in Big Bear that your kids will love, offering a chance to see wildlife up close while supporting a meaningful cause.
It provides a safe haven for animals that cannot be reintroduced to the wild due to various reasons, such as injury, human interference, or other factors that threaten their survival. This unique zoo serves as both a rehabilitation center and an educational resource, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature while learning about the importance of wildlife conservation.
It’s a great activity for kids where they can learn about wildlife up close, gain an appreciation for nature, and understand the significance of protecting endangered species. Interactive exhibits, engaging animal encounters, and educational programs make it an enriching experience for all ages, fostering a sense of responsibility and curiosity about the natural world. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the area, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers a memorable experience that combines fun, education, and a deeper connection to wildlife conservation efforts.
A History of Conservation
Founded in 1959, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo was originally established in response to a devastating wildfire that displaced countless animals in the San Bernardino Mountains. Local residents began bringing injured and orphaned animals to the area, and it quickly became clear that there was a need for a dedicated facility to care for these creatures.
Over the years, the zoo evolved into a full-fledged wildlife rehabilitation center, with a primary focus on the welfare and recovery of animals native to the region. The zoo’s commitment to conservation is evident in its impressive record of success.
Each year, the zoo rehabilitates and releases over 80% of the animals it takes in, helping them recover and return to their natural habitats. For those animals that cannot be released back into the wild, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo becomes their permanent home, where they receive lifelong care and attention.
What Makes the Big Bear Alpine Zoo Special?
What truly sets the Big Bear Alpine Zoo apart is its focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and education. Many of the zoo’s residents have incredible stories of survival—stories that highlight the importance of human intervention when wildlife is in need.
Visitors have the chance to learn about the individual animals, their challenges, and the ways in which the zoo has played a crucial role in their lives.
Animals You Can See at the Zoo
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to more than 75 different types of animals. Every animal has its own story, and each enclosure gives you a chance to see how these animals live. To explore all the amazing species at the zoo, you can visit their official animal page.
Here’s a list of animals that visitors can see at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo:
- African Pygmy Hedgehogs
- American Crow
- American Kestrel / Sparrow Hawk
- Bald Eagle
- Black Bears
- Bobcat
- Coyotes
- Gray Wolf
- Mountain Lions
- Snow Leopard
- Red Fox
- Sandhill Crane
- Snowy and Great Horned Owl
- Grizzly Bears
- Red Tailed Hawk
Why Visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo?
There are countless reasons to visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, but here are just a few of the highlights:
Conservation in Action
Every visit to the zoo supports its mission of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. When you buy a ticket, you’re directly contributing to the care of injured and orphaned animals. The zoo relies on public support to continue its work, so your visit makes a difference.
Educational Experience
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers an educational experience like no other. With a focus on alpine wildlife and ecosystems, it’s an ideal destination for families, school groups, and nature lovers. Informative displays, keeper talks, and interactive exhibits help visitors of all ages learn about the importance of conservation and the animals that call the zoo home.
Scenic Location
Located in the picturesque Moonridge community of Big Bear Lake area, the zoo is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Whether you’re visiting in the summer, when the landscape is lush and green, or in the winter, when snow blankets the area, the zoo offers a peaceful and beautiful setting for a day of exploration. The nearby outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, and boating, make it easy to plan a full day of adventure.
Up-Close Animal Encounters
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is designed to allow visitors to get close to the animals while still respecting their space. This means you’ll have the chance to observe wildlife in a way that feels intimate and personal, yet safe for both you and the animals. It’s a unique experience that will leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Support for a Good Cause
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo isn’t just a place to see animals—it’s a place that makes a difference. Every visit helps fund the zoo’s mission, contributing to the care, rehabilitation, and conservation of wildlife. By visiting, you’re supporting a cause that matters, and your day at the zoo will be more than just a fun outing—it will be a meaningful contribution to the well-being of animals in need.
Other ways to support their good cause is to adopt an animal for a small fee. You can choose the animal you’d like to adopt then you get a photo of your adopted animal, their story and a small plush stuffed animal. And best of all, you also get a customizable adoption certificate.
The adoption fee helps cover the cost of caring for animals at the zoo that can’t go back to the wild because of injury or losing their natural fear of humans. This support helps the zoo continue its work in protecting wildlife, educating the public, and helping other animals recover and return to their natural habitats.
Go to Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo to support their cause and choose which cute animal you’d like to adopt.
Plan Your Visit
Visit the official website for Big Bear Alpine Zoo to get the current hours and ticket prices. They even offer Military Discounts for the retired and actively serving military members. If you’re visiting with a party of 10 or more, you’re eligible for a Group Discount.
Another kid friendly activity you can visit is The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain.
