Beyond San Diego Zoo: 6 Unique Zoos In CA That Are Off The Beaten Path
CALIFORNIA — With over 12,000 animals residing in a scenic park setting, the San Diego Zoo is one of the nation’s most visited and most beloved zoos.
While the San Diego Zoo’s prestige is well-earned, animal-loving Californians and visitors should know that the Golden State boasts many more animal-centric attractions that are worthy of exploration.
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and Fresno are among the large cities that have their own zoos. But if you head further off the main freeways, a world of hidden-gem zoos and unique animal parks await.
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Among them are one of the nation’s only two alpine zoos, a haven for wild cats and a tiny zoo that’s the state’s oldest. Check out more information about those zoos, along with three others, below:
Sequoia Park Zoo
Eureka
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Some of the tallest trees on earth surround the Sequoia Park Zoo, which dubs itself one of the smallest accredited zoos in the U.S., as well as the state’s oldest. The zoo punches above its small stature, serving as the home to over 150 animals representing more than 50 species. And its signature attraction, the Redwood Sky Walk, offers something else even the largest of zoos can’t — the quarter-mile jaunt, 100 feet above the ground among sequoias, is the longest sky-walk in the West.
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Palm Desert
While it can appear cruel and “dead” at first blush, the Colorado Desert (south of the Mojave) — like so many arid landscapes — is actually bursting with activity from the plants and animals that live there. Located just outside Palm Springs, the Living Desert illustrates the diversity of the world’s desert ecosystems with exhibits featuring the flora and fauna from Africa, the Americas and Australia. Unique experiences include a chance to come face-to-face with rhinos, feed giraffes and embark on a private safari tour.
Big Bear Alpine Zoo
Big Bear Lake
Located over 7,100 feet above sea level in the San Bernardino Mountains, this zoo holds the distinction of being just one of two alpine zoos in the country. The zoo specializes in animals that can be found in the Big Bear Valley — like bears and mountain lions — as well as other species that respond well to the mountainous environment, like grizzly bears and wolves. Though grizzly bears are long gone from California, they once dominated the Big Bear Valley, giving the region its name.
California Living Museum
Bakersfield
You won’t find any cheetahs or elephants here. While many zoos wow visitors with animals that come from far-flung locales, the California Living Museum’s mission is to educate the public about the extraordinary diversity of animals and plants that exist within the Golden State. Exhibits include bighorn sheep, cats of California, Reptile House and California Coast Room.
Safari West
Santa Rosa
Safari West’s mission of bringing the wilds of Africa to California goes beyond letting visitors wander through its preserve on guided safaris. After the sun sets, guests are invited to spend the night among its 900 animals in a luxuriously appointed tent. Other special attractions reflect Sonoma culture, like private wine-tasting safaris.
Project Survival Cat Haven
Dunlap
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, this Central Valley facility is all about cats. As part of a mission of conservation and education around felines, the Cat Haven’s 93-acre grounds include familiar faces like leopards and cheetahs, as well as more unusual cats like caracals and jaguarundis.
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