Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Big Bear Alpine Zoo in Big Bear Lake

4.5 (198) 42801 Moonridge Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315, United States

Categories

Zoo
Animal protection organization
Animal rescue service
Park
Tourist attraction
Wildlife rescue service

Location on the map

Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County, California, US

Phone: +1 909-584-1299
Site: http://bigbearzoo.org/

Opening hours

Monday:10 AM–4 PM
Tuesday:10 AM–4 PM
Wednesday:10 AM–4 PM
Thursday:10 AM–4 PM
Friday:10 AM–4 PM
Saturday:10 AM–4 PM
Sunday:10 AM–4 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.5

198 Reviews for Big Bear Alpine Zoo 2024:

Review №1

2024-05-20 11:08:06

5/18/24:My family decided to come up to Big Bear for the weekend and the zoo was our first stop while we were in town!I highly recommend buying tickets online. Makes it quick and easy at the entry gate.The zoo was small, but perfect. Shaped in a U. Easy to see all the animals. I loved the birds the most but of course my kids loved the bears! 🐻 🦅A small playground is located at the middle point of the zoo. A great feature for the kiddos. My son loved it. The bathrooms were very clean.The gift shop was adorable and so cute! Love the displays and set ups! Bought all my kids a small souvenir for under $60.If you’re here for the first time it’s definitely worth stopping by the zoo. The zookeepers were friendly and the animals look happy! 😊

Review №2

2024-06-30 14:49:50

It’s a nice small Zoo. There’s not much to do or explore tho. It’s very quiet and small for the price you pay. The cages looked taken care of. Most of the animals were hiding (I don’t blame them). We were done in about 15 minutes. There’s a little playground for little kids to keep them busy for a bit. Gift shop is pricey. Definitely not budget friendly. It should be marketed only as a sanctuary where people can donate. They should add some activities for families in case animals are sleeping or are not in sight.

Review №3

2024-05-30 19:15:37

A very very small zoo that one can literally stroll around in 5-10 minutes.We visited on a Thursday a couple of days after the Memorial day when the zoo reopened its door to the public.Many animals are not visible in their exhibit maybe because of the high outdoor temperature. We still managed to see the main attractions, including black bear, grizzly bear, mountain lion, eagles, coyotes and grey wolves, though most of them were taking a nap.The path has very little shade and the high altitude gives a lot of UV. Be sure to have sun protections.

Review №4

2024-05-30 23:50:34

Really enjoyed the zoo. It was pretty much exactly what we had envisioned not having been there before. It is definitely the result of much love from the local community and does a great job of introducing one to the local animals. I would highly recommend you take the time to visit this zoo if you ever have the opportunity.

Review №5

2024-06-28 18:29:33

What a great zoo! The habitats are well crafted and clean. Staff is so friendly. We watched the black bear play in his pool with toys for a long time. Great park for kids too.

Review №6

2024-05-01 04:34:31

My husband and I attended the zoo during the weekday toward the end of April. The zoo is known as a safe haven and a rehabilitation center to its wild animals who have been injured, orphaned and or imprinted by humans and cant survive on their own. Each animal is in its own enclosure and a QR code is provided next to their animal sign that provides their unique story that brought them where they are now. The staff is friendly, the gift shop has a variety of merchandise and it takes about an hour to complete the walk through the zoo.

Review №7

2024-04-06 19:48:31

Small and cute zoo, we finished in less than an hour. The highlight was the shiny racoon! I also love the QR codes that lead you to the stories of the animals. Although kids there were a bit out of control, pushing people aside so they get a better viewing spot, howling to the wolfs and stuff, while the parents just stood there and took videos. Please respect other people who also paid to enjoy the zoo.

Review №8

2024-03-26 04:36:24

I loved seeing the animals!!!! My kids and I saw a lot of animals weve never seen before, up close too was so cool!!! There were a couple animals that didnt have a description or info on them I was disappointed about that but nice Lil zoo with a cute kids play area :) we were there for ìd say an hour ish? And omg we saw a blonde racoon!!! Lol

Review №9

2024-05-31 21:07:17

I like to come here in May. Its small but quaint. Sometimes I get lucky and see the animals, but sometimes I get there as they are snoozing. My grandchildren seem to like the little playground so the visits are never a dud.

Review №10

2024-06-20 03:42:21

We had a great time at the Big Bear zoo. Close interaction with the animals. Friendly staff. Not too big but big enough to spend an hour or so walking around looking at the animals and enjoying the playground

Review №11

2024-06-17 01:43:31

Hardly saw any animals. Its a nice little zoo but cages look lonely and abandon. It doesnt look like theyre natural habitat at all. Poor animals.

Review №12

2024-06-18 18:57:12

I love this place it was soo fun I saw the bobcats they where so cute but most animals were hiding but the cute and fun I had a great time with my family

Review №13

2024-06-30 19:21:40

If you love animals, this zoo is definitely worth a visit. Even though it was a hot day, we were able to see most animals. Some do hang out by the shade. We were there for about an hour and a half. I’d definitely recommend checking it out.

Review №14

2023-11-15 02:54:55

Ive been to many zoos small and large and this one had the saddest looking animals, with the smallest and most barren enclosures. The bears seem to be the star attraction and theyre kept in dirt and concrete with a few trees and a water feature. The four owls in a single enclosure with almost no shade was depressing as well. The only animal remotely happy was the fat squirrel. Again Ive been to smaller zoos before, but the animals had much more shade/privacy, usually the great frustration with zoos is that the animals are tucked away and hard to see, not here though, completely exposed.

Review №15

2024-04-18 16:16:30

Nice even walk. No hill climbing. Great leasurly pace. The animals are clean and happy and well cared for.

Review №16

2023-12-08 06:48:11

It was a very nice day. It is a very small zoo. It was a beautiful day cool weather and it felt like Winter. I must say the animals were very sluggish. It wasn’t very expensive free parking and $11 dollars for seniors.

Review №17

2024-06-19 01:53:11

The price to enter was cheap ($16 for 6/11/2024) and the zoo was empty, which was nice. But the animals were hiding bc it was so warm. There were misters for them and the guests. Its a small zoo. It was worth the visit, but I wont be back.

Review №18

2024-06-24 17:02:04

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a quaint educational and conservatory gem nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains. Despite its small size, its huge educational and rehabilitation impact cannot be measured fully! Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see the inhabitants. Membership has its privileges and also goes a long way to helping with the injured and orphaned animals that are rehabbed and released back into the surrounding area.

Review №19

2024-06-12 21:47:22

We came to big bear for a vacation and brought our little ones to this zoo and it was absolutely terrible. Our experience was the complete opposite of the reviews reflected here. The zoo was incredibly small and the majority of the animals were hiding or sleeping. We asked for a refund (which was not granted) but rather offered to come back. We certainly will not. Save your money and go take a hike instead.

Review №20

2024-06-05 22:56:56

Great for all ages very affordable and do have seating benches to relax

Review №21

2024-05-07 03:25:06

Quaint clean and uncrowded zoo. I liked the scan codes to help learn of the animals history.

Review №22

2023-02-16 03:15:03

A small but awesome zoo. All the animals are rescues so it’s easy to want to support it. They specialize in wildlife conservation and rehab, which I definitely support. I am always cautious of any zoo I visit and always make sure their focus is on animal welfare and not just money.I have been to Big Bear many times but this is was my first time visiting the zoo. They have a great collection of animals and it’s laid out in a giant ring shape so it’s easy to see every part of it. They have a lot of great animals to see and all their enclosures look like they’re well taken care of. I would say my favorite animals that I saw were the Snow Leopards and the Bald Eagle. We were lucky enough to see the Bald Eagle get fed and it was quite the site.It’s $15 per person and they have plenty of parking close by. It’s open every day from 10 to 4 and I definitely would recommend to anyone. I would like to go back next time I’m visiting the area.

Review №23

2023-12-30 08:03:57

Nice zoo with a nice path to see all the rescued wildlife animals. There were so many animals, owls, eagles, raccoons, bears, foxes, coyotes. Very clean a lot of traffic but easy to maneuver around. Gift shop was way to busy to buy anything. I will be back.

Review №24

2023-09-18 18:10:41

We enjoyed our visit here. Yes, its small and yes, the enclosures are way too small for the predator animals like the Mountain Lion & Coyotes. But its clean and there is a variety of animals to see. The staff were nice. Its a little pricey, but the money goes to a good cause!

Review №25

2023-07-17 00:25:17

Great place to take the kids, small but very nice Zoo with bears, birds, deer, and foxes. Small playground is an added bonus. I suggest going early in the summer months as it is in the sun. Small gift shop with very reasonable prices. I look forward to going again.

Review №26

2024-04-25 16:16:47

Cool spot. Very small not very much to do. They take care of their animal.

Review №27

2023-06-22 04:43:06

Small little zoo worth the day trip if youre in the area.They had black bears, grizzly brown bears, saw 3 owls (one was all white), foxes and wolves, 2 bald eagles, deers, some more animals also.They had a cute gift shop to buy souvenirs and stuffed animals, puzzles and games, shirts to support the zoo. Boxed water also for sale. Didnt see any other drinks on site for purchase.

Review №28

2024-03-20 03:37:12

Alex was such a friendly and welcoming staff member that provided incredible fun facts about each of their animals. Definitely a great place to visit any time youre in the area.

Review №29

2023-02-07 18:47:17

A good rehabilitation place for animals. They were all enjoying the sun and seemed really happy and well taken care of. Places like these are great for animals unable to return to the wild. I was able to see almost all of the animals. Very few were out of sight. Loved it. Perfect for the price.

Review №30

2023-09-21 20:48:05

Awesome zoo with a variety of cute and big animals. Such an amazing place that cares deeply about their animals that can no longer be released back to the wild.

Review №31

2023-07-24 02:09:42

Nice little zoo in Big bear! It will be fun for kids and usually takes less than an hour to walk around! There are many animals and birds to see but keep in mind that they will be in the shadows if it’s too hot when you visit!

Review №32

2022-09-04 09:03:28

Enjoyable experience for the family. 15 dollars for adults.Lots of parking in the lot.and free.This is the new location! Construction on roads can be difficult to find the entrance even if youre right there looking at the zoo.Needs better signage. Had to drive all the way around.Costs about 15 for adult tickets.You can see bears, ravens owls foxes wolves coyotes, raccoons, deer, eagle hawk snow leopard.No shade in here only by restrooms. Bring sunscreen and water. No water provided.Children have a small playground inside.Gift shop available.Small zoo. Id say you can see all the animals in 30 to 1hr taking your time.But its cool to see 👀 ravens tear apart mice during feeding time.

Review №33

2023-10-31 19:47:42

The staff was really nice and the place was well maintained. I noticed all the animals were well maintained and well taken care of. My husband and I really enjoyed our time at the zoo and also learned a couple of things about each animal(QR you can scan) which we found really cool

Review №34

2024-02-23 23:04:47

We had a blast with our two year old. It’s a small zoo nestled in the mountains and the views are GORGEOUS. It’s set up so that even toddlers can have a great view into every enclosure and there were a couple of play places. This zoo provides the opportunity to get the closest we’ve been to bears before. Very cool.

Review №35

2022-08-05 14:23:11

First time to the new Zoo, and we really enjoyed it! The layout and flow is great. All the enclosures give ample space to see any animals that are out. The bear exhibits have glass so you can watch them in full detail. Little playground toward the back end of the zoo with some tables and covered patios to relax and let the kids enjoy. They rehabilitate many animals and release back into the wild with only sine staying on permanent display. Great way ro spend an hour or 2. This will be a place we stop on future Big Bear trips.

Review №36

2022-08-10 15:44:16

Beautiful zoo! Clean and wide open walkways, big enclosures for the animals! My kiddos, ages 6, 5, and 4 all enjoyed it very much! They were so excited to see the animals pretty close up. Nice small playground and covered picnic tables to take a break at, or have a snack or lunch. Could use some more shaded seating throughout the zoo. Entry fee is a little pricey for such a small zoo, but overall its a nice place to take your little ones. 😊

Review №37

2024-05-01 05:40:34

It is not a very big zoo but worth visiting.

Review №38

2022-03-17 23:52:18

Amazing little zoo!! Didnt expect a whole lot going in and boy was I wrong. This intimate little zoo allowed us to see these animals way closer than expected! Went on a weekday, so it wasnt very busy. All of the exhibits were great, but the bear exhibits truly stood out. I have never been able to get that close to a bear before. It was truly magnificent. The thing that puts this zoo ahead of all others I have been to is how closely all of the animals can be viewed. Also my first time seeing a snow leopard. Definitely recommend!

Review №39

2022-06-10 23:10:46

Small zoo. Good introductory zoo if you have never been to one or taking your kids for their first time. Hard to take pictures of the animals without capturing the fence in the foreground. If you are looking for exotic and unique animals this zoo does not have it. I think the closest it comes to having those types of animals are Snow Leopards. Overall, good zoo but dont expect to spend too much time here.

Review №40

2023-06-26 23:23:12

Very nice and well maintained small zoo. I remember coming to Big Bear and seeing this place near the ski place many years ago. I think it used to be called a sanctuary before, now labeled a zoo. Everything is new and the animals appeared to be taken care of. Nice place to visit with the kids when in the area.

Review №41

2024-04-16 23:03:12

Excellent!Big Bear Zoo provides a great and needed service to animals that can not return to the wild. Please show your support and visit.Another great day at the Big Bear Zoo 🐻

Review №42

2023-06-28 03:08:24

It was a very pleasant experience here, its a rather small zoo but it was very clean and well kept. My only concern was with the gray wolf who was pacing in circles and panting. It was a very hot day and It genuinely didnt seem like there was any sort of water available to him.

Review №43

2024-04-04 03:09:41

Only been here once (March 2024) and loved it. Its not a giant zoo but you see a lot of animals and the playground for children was in great condition, my kids loved it. My favorite was the birds, especially the Golden Eagles!

Review №44

2021-06-05 22:46:00

Awesome place! Just a beautiful layout and the habitats are great. Lots to see and animals were visible even during peak heat since set up with shade and/water. My 8yo and 4yo had fun! If you take it slow could certainly be a 90min event, and there is a small playground so even more for kids to do.

Review №45

2023-08-08 00:18:41

The zoo is very small but nice. Its worth the visit. I cant speak on the gift shop because we waited 45 minutes for it to open, and when it didnt, even after they said it would only be 5 minutes, we left with some very disappointed children.

Review №46

2023-06-21 19:41:08

Small zoo. Youll spend about an hour or so there. Great views of bears and other animals. Staff knows the stories behind all of the rescue animals. If youre questioning the admission price know that the animals are being very well taken care of. Kids playground, bathrooms, drinking fountain, gift shop.

Review №47

2024-06-07 00:16:53

Honestly, its not worth it. There are hardly any animals to see, and most were not out, so I only got to see maybe 3 animals. Wasnt worth it and was disappointed. Then I got the stare down from a Caucasian employee at the souvenir store, and so did my husband. Didnt feel welcomed.

Review №48

2023-02-17 20:49:15

Visiting the Alpine Zoo in Big Bear was an unforgettable experience. The animals are all well-cared for, including many rescued animals. I highly recommend checking out the enclosures for the black bears and grizzly bears - it was truly amazing!

Review №49

2023-01-27 21:17:18

I LOVE THIS ZOO! This zoo is centered on animal rehabilitation and it shows! All the enclosures are based on the natural environment of the animals and it perfectly highlights each of them. It takes about an hour to see everything and the gift shop has cute souvenirs at fair prices. I make sure to come here every time I visit Big Bear, and its always my favorite part.

Review №50

2022-10-25 22:23:37

So, my wife worked at the San Diego zoo for 18 years. We were expecting to see a so-so zoo and yet this place is amazing! The exhibits are clean with decent space for the animals and their education program seems to be on point. At this point in time one can buy a yearly pass for only $50. If you come to Big Bear and you have kids its a no-brainer. 🐻

Review №51

2024-03-28 01:08:27

Though the zoo was on the smaller side, it was very well done. The enclosures were well made and the signage was very well designed. I highly recommend using the QR codes scattered throughout as they share lots of very interesting additional information about the animals.

Review №52

2023-11-13 06:09:57

The staff was really nice, well maintained.Clean restrooms. Small snack shack. Free parking. They have QR codes that you can scan and read the history of the animals. We were there for about 1.5-2hrs.

Review №53

2022-09-05 09:25:09

This was a nice place to take the kids. It isnt huge but its nice and will laid out. Both my kids were amazed at the black bears, bald eagle, coyotes and reptile room. Oh and they definitely liked the gift shop. Both kids got a little toy to remember the day. A little pricey, $50 for the family, but I felt like it was worth it. Its pretty new and everything was nice.

Review №54

2021-04-18 05:09:00

Pretty cool small zoo, the tickets are cheap and have great Animals to see especially for the price. Its a small zoo so dont expect for it to be long. They have bears, wolfs, deers, eagles, foxes, birds etc. I would recommend to come and try it out. If you have kids take them here, they will love it here. They also do have a small playground inside the zoo for kids to play

Review №55

2024-03-16 04:36:32

I cannot believe how many negative reviews there are, especially complaining about the price “for what you get”. It’s appalling seeing such nasty judgement. Are there not guides to help give you a tour along with the story behind each animal? Or how this zoo is funded? Your admission to get in, is what funds these animals…and they think $15 too expensive? I think that’s weird.I have enjoyed this zoo since moon ridge. It’s nice that they have been able to expand and find a larger plot of land. It’s not meant to be like the big San Diego Zoo where animals are there solely for our entertainment. It’s a rescue, with all types of circumstances and backgrounds. I read where someone was complaining because they think all of these animals belong in the wild. Well, of course they do but a lot of these animals are rescues from a domesticated situation, and need to learn how to survive in the wild. While others were injured. This group of people and their volunteers are doing their best with what means that they have. The more funding they get, the more they will be able to accommodate these poor animals.I don’t see anyone (or company)around, taking on these animals. The major zoos won’t even take them. What Big Bear Alpine are doing, is amazing from the heart. Instead of complaint about the zoo, I would rather complain about the people who tried to domesticate these beautiful creatures, the one’s that these animals confiscated from.I originally came on here to write a review on my wonderful day and experience, but for some reason, the one star reviews really bothered me. I don’t think they were fully informed

Review №56

2024-06-05 20:30:16

Wish I could give them negative stars wasted almost $100 for my family to come here. All the enclosures are super small and tiny. The animals don’t look well cared for and they looked very depressed so sad that we just contributed money to this zoo.

Review №57

2021-07-19 06:07:39

This was our first time coming to the new zoo location, since the old zoo closed and it was beautiful. seeing the Bears up close was a wonder and the kids were ecstatic! Smaller than your typical zoo but perfect for the little ones. A great selection of animals and the gift shop was awesome. The friendliness of all the staff is also a major experience . They even have a small playground for the kiddos to play which I think was a great addition to the zoo. The bathrooms were really clean too. We loved it! And can not wait to be back. Thank you Big Bear!!!

Review №58

2024-04-16 14:54:39

Went here for a field trip for my kids school. Our tour guide was awesome and having a park inside was an awesome touch for those kids that need to expend some energy to really pay attention. Cant wait to come back during warmer days!

Review №59

2023-12-15 20:54:10

Absolutely loved this sanctuary! The staff was very friendly and informative, the grounds were well kept, and they animals all looked healthy and happy. I wish I lived a little closer so I could volunteer!

Review №60

2021-08-27 20:50:18

I had no idea there was a Zoo in Big Bear, so I decided to take my kids. It was a cute little zoo...I loved how the separation between some animals like the bears were Glass...really lets you get an up close look. The animal enclosures looked clean and well kept. The staff was friendly & the lady whom worked in the gifts shop was super sweet. I would definitely come back especially on a less hot day where more animals come out but overall this was a fun little adventure for me and my boys.

Review №61

2021-09-16 23:21:55

Great little zoo to visit with plenty variety for its relatively small size! On the far end of the zoo, theres also a fun play place which is perfect for young children to play on by the grizzly bear exhibit, with benches for parents to sit near and watch. There is not a lot of shade, so I would recommend wearing sunscreen and/or a hat during the summer.Masks were not mandatory to wear in the park nor in the gift shop for those who are fully vaccinated, and there are restrooms and a drinking fountain located near the entrance and multiple porta potties on the opposite end of the zoo for convenience.

Review №62

2022-08-22 21:11:46

I wouldn’t say it was a bad experience, but the zoo is extremely small. It might be just me, These months I’ve been to zoos in Berlin, Zurich, Munich, San Diego and LA. It’s totally not fair to compare but if you’re looking into lots of animals and things to do it’s definitely not it, it’s an Alpine zoo, few animals live there and the 4 stars is for how confusing it is to reach the zoo, the whole area is under construction and they don’t really have clear signs on where and how to get to the parking lot, I was going in circles for a hot minute and then the Maps kept on sending me to a wall. I would suggest that you try to use some common sense to get there until they get it updated, anyhow it wasn’t bad, it’s really recommended if you’re up there, tickets aren’t expensive and people who work there are very friendly

Review №63

2019-03-30 05:02:14

Beautiful zoo! I love all the animals here! This zoo is small but has a lot of amazing animals! The staff here are really kind and polite. Its in a great location, soon to be relocated though. The parking is not great. Theres actually a small choice of parking so its difficult if u arrive by noon. I would definitely come back. Its a great place for families!

Review №64

2022-08-13 21:31:48

They redid the zoo a few years ago and its bigger and nice. Still small compared to zoos in California like the San Diego or Los Angeles but they gave each animal more room. Wheel chair friendly, you can see all the animals pretty quickly. Its nice and have a gift shop.

Review №65

2021-08-25 19:44:32

We brought our boys at opening and enjoyed our visit! Being one of the first ones in, modest of the zoos tenets were not up and out yet, so we headed to the far side to let out kids play on the play ground for a bit and then headed out to see the animals.This was our first time at the new site and it was quite nice. Albeit in a few years and the trees get bigger, there will be more shade. Our kids did get heated up quickly, so bring some water, sunscreen, and a hat!Our boys really did enjoy the visit and were talking about it for the remainder of our time in Big Bear, so its say it was a great time and money spent!

Review №66

2023-11-02 18:37:31

This is a great little zoo where they rehabilitate animals for release or if they cannot release them then they care for them. Animals include a bald eagle, foxes, wolves, black and grizzly bears, snow leopards, owls, and others. There is also a small play area and a gift shop. We did the Halloween trick or treat event and had fun. Spent about an hour here then the kids were done.

Review №67

2022-01-26 17:17:46

This is a small zoo/animal rehabilitation center but my kids loved it. We came in January and were still able to at least see all of the animals. Its clean and the animals seem well taken care of. There is a nice picnic/play area on the opposite end of the entrance with tables and a small playground. Decently priced especially considering the money supports animal rehab.

Review №68

2024-03-21 06:22:59

It’s been a long time to visit again and everything become more organized and well layout but seems animal numbers is less than before ? Might be just my memory wasn’t vivid. Still great experience and so glad it’s getting better overall. Probably it’s winter time some animals such as bears and wolfs are not as active as summer time.

Review №69

2023-06-28 01:09:49

This is a sweet zoo that is a bit bigger than expected. My family and I love seeing the grey wolf, snow leopards, and of course the amazing grizzly bear! Well worth the price of admission. I would recommend coming early in summer months before it gets too hot, that way the animals are likely to be more active.

Review №70

2020-11-11 01:20:25

The new layout is really awesome. I do wish they would have more glass area for photos of animals, the cyclone fence makes any decent photo with a cell phone camera really tough.The selection of animals is great!! The new bear enclosure is the closest Ive ever been to a bear! Bravo team!The gift shop is filled with quality goods and quality stuffed animals. This is something that should be mentioned. I cant tell you how many times we visit places and the stuffed animals are over priced and poor quality. The shop here has fair pricing and very very good quality stuffed animals. Bravo to whoever made the decision to not take as much profit in order to allow children fond memories of this place through the quality stuffed animals.

Review №71

2021-11-23 21:05:25

Zoo was clean and most of the enclosures were spacious. The grey bears towards the back had a little river and pond that looked fun for the summer.If you rush then everything could be seen in 30 minutes. I would suggest loitering to watch the animals play and sleep.

Review №72

2022-06-30 21:33:36

Great little zoo. We went in the morning and visited on a cloudy cool summer day. I can imagine that this would be a very hot experience in the sun as there was no shade. We figured out half way through that the animal exhibit signs had QR codes with a link to the personalized story of each animal which made it much more interesting. Kinda pricey for the size but a fun outing none the less.

Review №73

2023-07-07 15:24:31

They have updated the zoo since the last time we were here. More walk space, bigger animal enclosures, and they added a Small playground. This time we came in the summer so it was a bit hot and some animals were hiding in the shade. Best time to come for the price I would say is fall and winter.

Review №74

2023-05-03 18:27:14

Great little rescue zoo in Big Bear! Takes just about an hour to see all the animals and they have a small playground that is perfect for the kids.

Review №75

2022-08-23 14:41:40

If you are in Big Bear, stop at the zoo. The staff was friendly and all of the animals that are there were rescued. The entry fee is how they stay open. They have bears, foxes, birds, owls and so much more.

Review №76

2019-05-28 00:29:39

Saturday was the first time I visited Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Very small but lovely zoo. Staff are friendly and interactive with the visitors. Great place to spend some time looking around. I spent tops 45 minutes looking at all the animals.Took my family and friends and had a nice time. Good staff. Keep up the good work. Also, nice scenery outside of the zoo.

Review №77

2017-12-07 18:30:33

Great zoo and fun for the whole family. Its small enough to see and be educated in a couple of hours. This is a wildlife rescue and rehab center and they rehabilitate animals to release them out to the wild to be able to live normal lives. I recommend coming to learn about these incredible animals. Snow leopards, bears, raccoons, wolves, Eagles, geese, etc. Its amazing and were excited to come back when they open their new zoo location in Sept. 2018.

Review №78

2024-01-03 03:05:08

Small zoo, but very worth the visit! The wolves were my fav! SO gorgeous!!

Review №79

2024-03-20 02:09:44

I went to the park merely for the wolves for (since the LA zoo near me doesnt have any...) but Ill admit that I was a bit unsure since the price was a bit high for the size of the zoo. A lot of that went away once I got to actually talk to one of the zookeepers who was feeding the foxes.It turns out all the animals there are rescues or surrenders from people illegally holding them. The zoo apparently holds them, and if theyre able to assimilate back to the wild (i.e. they arent permanently disabled by some means), they get sent back once the animals are deemed healthy enough to survive. Love those sorts of concepts and that actually made me a lot happier to see these animals!Word to the wise, go right when they open. We were able to see the coyotes being really energetic to the point of howling!

Review №80

2021-10-16 04:53:03

What a nice little surprise this small zoo was. They have a lot of animals for such a small place. They have black bears, grizzlies, coyotes, eagles, bob cat, snow leopards, raccoons, mountain lions and more. Be prepared for different smells not just from urine but also from dead animals that some of these animals eat. My favorite animal was the bob cat and the mountain lions but all were unique and beautiful. The price was inexpensive as were many other things here at Bug Bear Lake.Price Point ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Staff ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review №81

2024-04-14 01:12:01

The new zoo is much improved. Wide and paved walkways, wide open exhibits, good signage including telling about each animal. Plenty of parking too

Review №82

2021-11-21 23:16:44

Came to the zoo in the middle of the day and the line moved pretty quick to get tickets.Good, mostly active selection of animals. My daughter was pretty sad when we got to the arctic fox exhibit and it was no where to be seen. It was the whole reason we went, since she had done a school report on it.The reptile exhibit was closed too.

Review №83

2019-07-13 22:56:40

It was a nice little zoo and the staff was very friendly! Definitely a cool little place to visit and very fairly priced. We paid $12 per adult. They are currently working towards moving to a new location, about twice as big. They anticipate it all being done by winter, so we plan to be back for that!

Review №84

2019-03-28 04:17:55

Ive been here a couple times and loved it. They are finally relocating down the hill not too far from where they are now. It is much nicer and bigger for the animals. They have enrichment times for each animal its pretty neat especially to see the timber wolves eating and burying their food. The grizzlies are nice and big. I like that they are always cleaning up the cages and the are for the animals.

Review №85

2023-04-30 03:37:05

Nice little zoo, animals here are rescues. If it is possible - they are rehabilitated and introduced back into the wild. The new zoo has kids playground.

Review №86

2019-01-07 06:16:03

Must go if you have kids! 2 hour parking in front. Request a parking pass once you walk in and tape it to your front inside windshield. They are relocating so enjoy this original gem now and then come back over the summer for its new home. Our boys loved the wolves, the fox, the snow leopard sisters and the animals feeding time. Its very easy to tell that all of the staff there love what they do.

Review №87

2020-01-24 04:12:48

I really enjoyed going to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. There were a lot more animals there than what I was expecting. Seemed like the animals were well taken care of there by the staff. The staff had an instructional presentation on Bob Cats right when I got there. So I got lucky, I learned a lot about Bob Cats. I can tell that there isnt a lot of funding at this zoo and I hope more people attend to support these animals. Overall great experience ! Thank you.

Review №88

2017-11-26 01:44:50

I love this place. Its a great way to spend an hour or two with the kids. Its a small zoo with some unusual animals that you can see up close. They have a gate for strollers and wheelchairs, just ask them to open it for you. They have feedings and info sessions. Check their website for details. The entrance fee is $12.00 per person as of 11/24/2017 and the money is used to care for the animals.

Review №89

2018-07-09 00:27:53

A wonderful wildlife rescue thats run by caring staff. Its small, but worth the visit as its an educational and also thoughtful institution about wild animals staying wild. They will be moving to a larger 5 acre facility in late 2018, cant wait to revisit.

Review №90

2021-08-02 19:43:21

This beautiful little Zoo is so fun. Just go in the afternoon you can see the animals more. It is super clean and quaint. Good to take the whole family . And you are helping them too to get more help for the animals😻🥰🌻😄

Review №91

2022-09-17 20:58:29

Cool little spot. Not much buts its a nice time. Wish they sold some sort of snacks or food or even drinks. A nice beer wouldnt hurt.

Review №92

2023-12-29 02:37:15

Great zoo for the size!..Second time this year visiting from out of the area

Review №93

2023-12-20 17:44:50

I went right at opening. The animals were all still waking up for the day, and it was adorable. I love that there are QR codes on the exhibit signs with information on the animals personal history.It was very affordable to visit and the gift shop was very cute.The older woman at the Window was very nice!

Review №94

2018-09-22 06:00:24

The staff was so friendly. So knowledgeable. The animals are so amazing and its so cool to see them so up close. Loved the presentations. My kids couldnt get enough of the super active snow leopards.

Review №95

2017-03-13 05:39:15

A nice place to spend the afternoon and get to know the local fauna.We spent the weekend in Big BEAR and we were looking for things to do and places to visit.The Zoo was less than 10 mins from our Cabin, We took our daughter and she totally love the place.Make sure to get a parking permit once you pay and take it to your car, this way your car wont be towed.The Zoo is nice, is not too big but has a variety of animals, from birds, snakes, wolves, mountain lions to Grizzly Bears.The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.Check out the 360° images I took of the Zoo.

Review №96

2018-06-27 00:00:04

For those who havent been there - this is a very special zoo. Their goal is not just entertain people, but they rescue wild animals there and send 70-80% back to the wilderness. And those who cant make it in the wilderness on their own (whether they are injured or imprinted on humans) - those are on display. So its a very good thing they are doing at this zoo, even if you are not so much interested to see the animals - just come and support them by buying your ticket. They have mini-lectures ever hour or so when they tell the story on one animal and those are super fascinating to listen to. Must do if you are in Big Bear.

Review №97

2020-08-30 16:29:48

Will be a quick trip to look at a couple animals in a cage. Overall, I was disappointed. I know they are trying there best, but a whole section was closed off. The bears were in smaller cages away from us for cleaning, and then some of the animals werent there. I would not go back. Although it was a QUICK (30mins) to see the whole place I guess it was a cute lil zoo. $12p/p

Review №98

2019-06-02 05:09:13

We love this zoo! Its so small and quaint. The animals are well maintained and cared for. They will be moving soon, hopefully it will be larger.

Review №99

2019-07-05 19:27:37

Cute little place to take the kids but missing some of the comforts. I was missing a little place for coffee and would like to have a little theater ... Doesnt need to be a show, just someone talking about the history of the zoo and the animals there. Really just a tactic to have people stay a bit longer as it only takes a Max 90 mins to see everything.

Review №100

2020-07-22 04:41:44

Inexpensive, and something you can do in 1 hour or 3! Bears, coyotes, wolfs, lots of Raptors & birds, snow leopards/multiple big cats and more! Safe distances but more up close and personal than a traditional big zoo! Environments were clean. Cant wait to visit the new location when its opened! Love, love, loved it!

Review №101

2023-06-26 00:38:43

Came across a sign for the zoo and decided to make a detour and wing it... this place was nice... staff members that we came across were really helpful.. this one we spoke with shared some fun facts about the animals and was able to call out to the animals and get them to turn for some pics... giftshop was a nice end to the visit where they had alot of items that we wanted.

Review №102

2022-06-19 04:54:03

I love zoos and this one did not disappoint. It’s a small sanctuary where the animals can live out the rest of their lives in a safe environment. The zoo was very clean and informative. The front office lady was also very sweet.

Review №103

2018-02-21 06:09:50

Such a lovely place for these animals to be safe - its an Animal Rescue for local Fauna, but they also serve as the towns Zoo. A great way to appreciate the beautiful Alpine Animals that call the San Bernardino Mountains home!! So excited to know that they are currently building a new & bigger facility, opening soon. Cant wait to go back to the BigBear area and check it out when it opens!💜

Review №104

2021-08-27 03:04:25

Other than Bear 🐻, there is nothing else exciting at this zoo. Only good thing is it is clean and looks new. But, definitely not worth the money. considering animals and price, Irvine zoo is far far better than this zoo.

Review №105

2018-05-07 01:25:40

We loved our trip up to Big Bear Zoo!I can say that the only disappointment was the arctic fox and the peregrine wasnt there, which is one of my daughters favorite animals (she loves the movie)Besides the little disappointing part above, it was great! The zoo is small and intimate, but it packs so much in a small area! We actually missed the grizzly at the beginning of the zoo, so I was sad, until we realized where they were! Not only is there one grizzly, but there are currently 3!We also loved the little owls in the room, you have to see them in person for them to make their full impact. Theyl little buggers just glare at you, judging you through your soul lol.The most majestic was the timber wolves, they were huge! And a whole pack of 4! I have a video of the alpha body slamming one of the other pack members.The staff is also very knowledgeable about the animals and they have regular info sessions where they stand at the enclosures and tell you great info. We got the coyote Q&A session (they can run upto 45mph!) along with the raccoons (trash pandas), we just missed it with the wolves. We got to see the trash pandas actually being fed. They get a mix of fruits and veggies and dead mice, which are hid as an enrichment activity. Seeing them find one and rip its head off was kinda wow. Not for the faint of heart.I suggest going through the zoo a few times if you dont get to see an animal that you really want to see. Our first time around, the snow leopard and Timberwolves were completely inactive and hidden, we kept going elsewhere and coming back, and finally we got to see then in action! We had no clue there were 4 wolves until they all came out, and 2 snow leopards!Only thing that never came out of their den would be the mountain lions, which we could still see, they were just mostly hidden and far away. Luckily OC zoo at Irvine Parkhas some huge ones that we have gotten close to.Best part is, we are santa ana zoo members, so we got in free! Normally admission is $12 for adults. We still left a donation to help the zoo.

Review №106

2022-04-23 03:06:22

This was a very small zoo but had a lot of different animals from California and America. My favorite was the black bear exhibit. Oh and the little old lady that sold our tickets to us was such a delight!

Review №107

2022-09-25 05:37:09

Amazing little zoo. Small but only costs $15. All the residents are animals that cant be released or would be at risk if released. The staff are very friendly. We asked one keeper, Dar, a question and he went above and beyond talking to us and giving us coyote knowledge. The place is a emaculate and well put together. They have signs for each animal giving a nice concise explanation.

Review №108

2022-09-23 20:34:32

Fun little zoo up in Big Bear. They have moved just FYI. They moved a couple years ago from their old location. Very well maintained place. Small little gift shop. No food available on site. Love coming here with the family every year.

Review №109

2021-05-16 22:44:38

Nicely laid out, animals look well cared for by their staff. great kids play area. very clean and easy to get around.

Review №110

2023-06-23 17:42:49

I knew going in not to expect much but just felt like a lot of the enclosures could use some updating/cleaning. Was a nice quick little trip to take though. They have a park for kids halfway through which I thought was clever & convenient. Seeing the snow leopards made it all worth it.

Review №111

2020-01-14 21:23:44

One of the best zoos Ive ever been to that gets you up close and personal with animals. You will be closer to animals here than anywhere else in America. Established in 1959, they really do alot of good for the animals that in many cases (ie..grizzlies, mountain lions) would have to otherwise be euthanized, Ive been to zoos all over the world, and this is one of my favorites. Its a very intimate zoo that will soon be expanding soon. Come here if you love animals, Cheers!

Review №112

2023-06-18 05:34:26

Its small but a great place to visit. The animals are well taken care of, and the staff is amazing!!

Review №113

2019-08-21 20:39:04

Nice Alpine Zoo on the smaller side. All mammals and birds are local native specie rescues with the ultimate goal of returning them back to the wild. There is a small gift shop and they have experts giving lectures throughout the day. Worth a visit.

Review №114

2023-12-01 00:20:35

Nice clean zoo, with quite a few animals to see. It was worth $16 admission for adults.

Review №115

2023-08-15 03:34:44

Great zoo with awesome exhibits! The bear exhibits are truly up close and personal.

Review №116

2023-05-18 22:50:36

Monday, we got there around 3pm. They were all ready for naptime. I would definitely go in the morning during their feeding time.

Review №117

2024-05-24 16:18:39

Very nice and clean so many animals to see and everything is flat so its easy to walk and very ♿️ accessible they also have a very nice gift shop

Review №118

2019-01-26 21:45:47

We had a great time!! So awesome to see animals you dont see in your average zoo. Parking was basically nonexistent with all the skiers. We had to park far and walk up which was a little dangerous but they said they zoo is moving and will have its own parking lot by summer which is great!! The zoo keepers were great and answered our questions. The last selling the tickets to get in seemed less than thrilled to be there but other than that we had a great time as a family of four. Our kids are 13 and 3. Great for all ages.

Review №119

2022-05-07 04:18:34

An inexpensive adventure to take in few bears, birds, and a variety of other mountain type animals. Was a bit of a warm day and the animals werent that active. Recommend going in the morning. Heard some of these animals were recovering. Would have been great to read some background on them. My 2 year old spent half his time playing on the playground equipment 1/2 way through the enclosure. Had a nice souvenir shop. Very nice employees throughout the zoo 👌

Review №120

2018-04-24 02:53:31

This is a really interesting place. You can get very close to the animals too. All of the residents are unable to live in the wild, so you dont feel as bad seeing them in captivity. You should allow about 2 hours to see it completely... Also check the schedule to see about presentations about the grisly bears.

Review №121

2024-01-09 08:53:08

So much fun!! Loved seeing the Snow Leopards and the Mountain Lions

Review №122

2024-02-12 22:44:59

Beautiful zoo, there are snow leopards which was fascinating to see. One of the Zookeepers was very helpful and told us a lot of info about the individual animals and how they got to be in this zoo.

Review №123

2022-09-01 03:05:59

Cute zoo! We spent about 1.5 hours here, loved seeing bears up close. Our toddler enjoyed the playground too.

Review №124

2023-07-16 20:10:06

$16 per adult, 3-18 kids $11 as well as military discount.About 20 animals to see. If you go on a hot day some might be hiding.Playground area is cool but no shade so the playground gets too hot

Review №125

2024-05-04 03:50:54

What a great zoo for such a small community. I really appreciated the educational information throughout the zoo. The whole park was well put together.

Review №126

2024-03-25 18:07:03

Nice zoo. The bear is so cute.

Review №127

2024-02-13 15:54:35

Good small zoo. The whole walk around will take around 30 minutes depending how long you want spend staring..but overall a clean nice neighborhood zoo.

Review №128

2020-11-23 00:30:07

This place was a great little family getaway for an hour or two the drive up wasnt bad at all. The staff wa super nice and friendly. They accept cash or cards and they encourage everyone to wear their face masks. Plenty of animals in their huge exhibits to see. Hand sanitizer is throughout the park. They also have picnic tables along with a playground as well. The restrooms are super big and clean. The gift shop is full of super cute items and great prices as well. Will definitely be coming back!

Review №129

2023-11-26 12:29:52

We enjoyed our visit to this small zoo. Yes, the cages are smaller than compared to many other zoos. But once youve been to a Japanese zoo, you can (sadly) consider these cages spacious.But the zoo is well maintained. The animals look healthy and staff is friendly. My kids also enjoyed the small playground

Review №130

2020-08-06 21:36:27

Its a small Zoo and its very charming but we did it in about 30 minutes. Come early as it gets full. They are building a new Zoo nearby and it already looks 1,000 times better.

Review №131

2024-04-13 21:14:17

We vacationed to big bear and my favorite animal is a raccoon, and this zoo definitely delivered with the raccoons! We had a great time seeing the bears, raccoons, and wolves.

Review №132

2022-02-01 17:36:13

We love the new Alpine zoo. Heads up though- the gift shop is closed due to the county COVID order. This may not affect too many people however our kids love to shop the stuffed animals as they’ve done every year.All of the indoor exhibits are also closed. However, still a great time walking around, watching the animals and occasionally hearing some insights from zookeepers as they feed the animals.

Review №133

2022-02-06 00:26:58

Great for the kiddos. Gonna be honest this place was better than I expected. Grounds are in good repair, and enclosures are good quality. I counted 7 bears (3 grizzlies, 3brown bears, 1 black bear). Lots of other local wildlife, all basically rescue animals. And they have a great little playground with a climbing wall and a couple springy riding things. My kids are 3 and 5, and it was perfect. Would probably be good for somewhat older kids too. I mean you can stand a foot away from the bears. Decent. Ample parking is just past the zoo, and you walk back over a footbridge. Especially if your kids are still a little small to ski, this is nice to have.

Review №134

2023-05-09 14:59:00

An underated delight! Is the zoo small? yes Is it exceptionally clean with huge well maintained closures? yes Does it have very clean restrooms, a covered picnic area, playground and kids rock wall? yes, yes and yes! And you also may be impressed by the GRIZZLIES, WOLVES, SNOW LEOPARDS, SNOWY OWL, DEERS, BLACK BEAR and others. Underlyingit all is the obvious love and dedication of the people working/ volunteering there. They are knowledgable and love what they do, which is to create this space and oppurtunity for hurt, injured or orphaned animals that would no longer survive in the wild. Great things absolutely do come in small packages. Go enjoy and support this zoo.

Review №135

2022-11-09 02:38:32

Nice place. Zoo is not a big. Many birds, eagles, wolf, coyote, fox, leopard, bear, grizzly bear, bobcat and more. The arctic fox was so so cute. She was found on the Beverly hills roof almost 10 years ago, but still doesn’t trust enough to people. We need to respect any pets and wild animals, and have responsibility for everything what we do.

Review №136

2023-09-16 18:40:34

Great Grizzly Bear Exhibit. The whole Grizzly family was out walking around,swimming,and arguing in their tunnel. Lol. Great zoo and the ladies who work there are extremely knowledgeable and kind.Definitely would go back. See full review on my YouTube channel....Steeve99

Review №137

2020-12-06 20:12:37

Such a great little gem in Big Bear Lake. If you’re visiting Big Bear. Give this place a visit. It’s a small zoo. But a great one. I’ve never seen a snow leopard before until now.

Review №138

2024-06-21 23:32:01

My granddaughter loves to go to the zoo every time she comes to visit us in Big Bear!

Review №139

2023-12-29 04:41:42

We had so much fun here. It was nice to see that the animals enclosures are large, clean and well maintained. My daughter had so much fun and the people inside the shop are extremely kind, patient and helpful.

Review №140

2022-09-14 17:07:26

Its a small zoo but worth going They also have little story

Review №141

2023-12-11 15:42:54

We had a great time at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo! Staff was very friendly, animal habitats were clean, and the aimals seemed well cared for. One of the staff members walked around with us and told us each of the animals name and their story. An overall great experience!

Review №142

2018-08-05 18:26:14

$24 for two adults, walked through in an hour, had a great time. Lots of cool animals! Animals are healthy and well cared for, too. We had a blast.

Review №143

2020-09-30 03:13:21

I’m looking forward to seeing them open up their grounds a bit more for the large bears. Otherwise, this is a great space to learn about some of the mighty and beautiful birds of prey and other wild animals who need a place after being injured. Lot of great information posted at each station. A nice little walk and highly recommend for the price. I loved the owls exhibits. Woohoo.

Review №144

2019-03-16 22:33:35

Cute little zoo. The animals are very active, so you get to see them quite a bit. The presentations were very good. Parking was rough, but it is ski season, so you have to expect that. Probably off season there isnt an issue. But, even then the shuttles running back and forth to the parking and resorts were well run and had friendly drivers.

Review №145

2018-06-22 06:11:26

Took my little ones there for their first time. I love this Zoo because they have mountainous animals what you dont get to see very often. Great experience and good people the tour guides do an amazing job of explaining all the animals.

Review №146

2019-05-20 04:30:12

Beautiful sanctuary. The sweet older lady who ran the register has a wealth of information about the animals and what they stand for. Im so glad we decided to visit while we were there!

Review №147

2022-12-08 20:32:50

Great experience. Staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. I would definitely recommend this anyone seeking to take their families or for those who love wildlife.

Review №148

2023-10-07 14:30:16

Very cute! I have been to the old Big Bear Zoo and found that one adorable but this one is like a much more elevated version. Staff was friendly and Zoo was very clean. I wish it was a bigger Zoo but thats not an issue. I enjoyed their signs with information about the animals and they were doing little tours also. Cute trip to do with your family especially if you want a non-crowded experience (at least the case when we went on a Friday morning)

Review №149

2023-08-06 19:20:40

The zoo is very well maintained and a great family spot to check out. We missed the 3 legged bear, but the other animals were fun to watch and read about.

Review №150

2022-06-25 18:57:43

The zoo has been beautifully remodeled. Its better to go early when the animals are more active. Great family outing!

Review №151

2022-04-05 22:37:53

This place sure is different from what I remember years ago. It had definitely had a major makeover and their wildlife is sparse but impressive.They have a couple of black bears and 3 grizzley bears there now. Its crazy seeing them up close since there are viewing staff with thick plastic.My favorite was the bobcat that came to the front of the enclosure when my wife called to it. Apparently it was found when its eyes werent even open and it imprinted on humans. Going this fun little fact in the calendar they sell at the gift shop btwOverall it was a short but satisfying visit. I would even venture to say that the $15/person entrance fee is worth it to keep these rescue animals in relative comfort.

Review №152

2021-12-13 23:55:05

This zoo/rehabilitation cented was a great experience for the whole family. They have a lot of commonly seen as well as evasive animals that provided a sense of awe and interest.There is even a small playground midway through the loop for children to play, and my neices has a blast!

Review №153

2022-04-09 23:13:39

First time at new location. Construction is ongoing and coming along nicely. The animals seem to like their new, larger spaces. Nice play area for the kids.

Review №154

2018-07-13 04:16:27

This is a zoo in transition. Right now the enclosure s are chain link and smaller than some zoos nowadays. Keep in mind this is a zoo for injured animals. They are going to be building the zoo up much larger so supporting now is vital to the future growth.

Review №155

2019-07-28 17:00:57

Its an adorable zoo. They make sure to have presentations on the animals and their goal is try to help rehabilitate as many animals as they can to get them back to their habitats.

Review №156

2020-02-21 20:38:28

I went here with my 2 year old. We loved it! Raccoons were my favorite. Its so cool to see a different variety of animals. The Bobcats, grey fox, red fox, deer, ravens, snow owls, bears ect. Its a nice work out for the little ones. Stroller friendly. And inside the gift shop they also have beetles, a snake, and some type of iguana. Absolutely wonderful morning at the zoo. Highly reccomend!

Review №157

2017-10-29 21:35:04

The animals in this zoo are so cute! I over heard someone say they all have been rescued or injured and are being rehabilitated. They have bears too, even though they were sleeping they were still amazing to see so close up!

Review №158

2023-11-25 19:36:44

Very intimate zoo compared to most others Ive been to. Exhibits look entertaining for the animals while also allowing people to view them. Someone mentioned that all the animals are rescued and the entrance fee is used to care for and rehabilitate the animals.

Review №159

2020-03-06 19:48:19

Easy parking, knowledgeable staff/ keepers. Gorgeous animals! We went first thing in the morning and were very impressed by the magnificent animals that stay here.

Review №160

2018-07-14 01:51:28

Let me get right to it. Good place to pass time, parking is terrible, too pricey for how small the zoo is. $60 for a family of 5. Walked the entire park in 30 minutes.

Review №161

2017-11-23 05:25:17

Looking forward to the new zoo, the present BB Alpine Zoo is still incredible in what they have done over the years. Worthy of regular visits and participation in adoption of a resident, the animals really need our help.

Review №162

2024-05-27 01:19:31

Quaint zoo with some cool animals. Most were sleeping when we were there, so its probably best to get there early in the morning

Review №163

2018-01-21 13:08:17

Very small zoo but worth it to help take care of the animals. my kids enjoyed themselves. staff was very friendly and knowledgeable.

Review №164

2021-11-11 22:26:43

This zoo is great. Its not a large zoo with a lot of exhibits but the animals look well taken care of. I overheard one of employees explaining that they take injured animals and rehabilitate them and release them back to the wild. The exhibit animals are animals that are no longer able to survive in the wild. I love that the money they raise helps animals in need, and they seem very passionate about what they do. I would definately go there again.

Review №165

2023-05-16 14:20:14

Awesome place to walk around for an afternoon. Lots of animals and they all seem quite content with their enclosures. Grizzlys and Snow Leopards were quite a surprise.

Review №166

2024-03-09 16:14:05

Very active zoo animals made for great spectating and keeping the kids involved. Nice park too

Review №167

2020-07-26 02:45:14

Very nice zoo that houses animals that have been injured in the wild. They are building a new zoo that will open around October. Please enjoy the pictures.

Review №168

2018-08-14 03:14:00

My son and friend and I went here while we were visiting And camping. It was a nice zoo with plenty of rescued animals that are very well taken care of. We were there on a hot day and I could see the animals were well care for even in those kind of circumstances. No. Theres bathrooms and the gift shop. There was plenty of parking outside of the zoo. Nearby was a nice cafe but all I can remember is they had a cooler with sodas and water for sale. it was very nice that they had postcards available with all the different animals they had at the zoo. I got one for my mom to send to her. I recommend this place for a fun time for all ages. I really liked the Raven and the eagle.

Review №169

2023-03-26 03:24:26

Small zoo that can be walked in 30 min. Able to get very close to all the animals.

Review №170

2022-07-06 02:24:17

Just amazing!! A must for children and adults alike. The new zoo is well laid out and is very easy to find, and has lots of parking.

Review №171

2019-04-30 00:21:40

This place was beautiful. I dont support zoos but this sanctuary makes it their mission to feed these animals to good health and send them back into the wild. They have a 85% success rate. Will definitely visit again when I visit Big Bear.

Review №172

2019-07-07 23:08:38

Saw many animals and birds newly here like bald eagle, red tail hawk, big bear, bobcat, gray fox, red fox, and many. There was bear presentation and guide was explaining very well

Review №173

2022-08-21 03:11:04

As always love the stories of the animals. Want more of their stories. Loved how the staff could tell me which was which name because I didnt know when there were multiple. So sorry to hear about their mountain lion sisters. They were wonderful and my heart goes out to the staff. Favorite zoo. Ill be back again and again and again

Review №174

2023-12-28 03:30:22

Wonderful animal rescue work done here! Great attraction!

Review №175

2023-09-02 19:27:32

Great zoo to see mountainous animals. Good way to spend an hour or two. Kids always enjoy the playground too! Animals can be a bit sedentary but fun to see them up close none the less. Love that its a rehabilitation and rescue zoo with proceeds going to continuing the health of injured animals

Review №176

2023-04-20 19:35:55

Its small cute zoo. I like it.But my 2years old boy wasnt interested at all except playground.

Review №177

2023-09-29 22:57:38

Very beautiful relaxing place. A volunteer was very kind and informative explaining to us about the animals which are all rescued and cannot return to the wild. They even have a rehab hospital for when they are brought to the zoo. Trainers work with the animals and get them used to people being around.

Review №178

2024-03-30 01:59:21

Fantastic zoo full of rescued animals and we were able to see most of them. Great experience

Review №179

2024-05-11 19:24:18

Lovely and interesting zoo. Loved to be there. I would like to visit it again.

Review №180

2018-03-21 17:23:30

I really enjoyed our family trip to big bear, the zoo was definitely worth the visit. They had all of the animals you typically go to a zoo to see, lions, wolves, and bears they even had a very majestic looking bald eagle. Seeing the mountain lions that close was unique and enlightening experience and I most certainly would recommend this as a stop to anyone with little ones, or perhaps if they were just an animal lover.

Review №181

2023-06-07 01:12:42

Zoo is great, but th birds cages are too little for them, they should be bigger.

Review №182

2018-04-19 02:23:29

Nice little Zoo with God local variety, get the annual pass if you are planning yo come for more than twice a year and have a family of 3 to 5.

Review №183

2017-10-31 09:27:21

This zoo is super cute. My two year old loved it. We spent two hours which was plenty saying hi to each animal.

Review №184

2024-03-23 23:45:40

Great local attraction, I had more fun here with my wife in a snow storm than the la zoo. Real 🐻 grizzle and Brown.

Review №185

2024-01-10 01:18:07

Fun tubing. Come early. Very busy, fun!

Review №186

2019-05-14 02:36:42

Love this place! They do phenomenal work and it’s such a joy to go visit. The people who work here are so knowledgeable and share important information on the animals and animal welfare.

Review №187

2018-03-24 07:35:26

This place is great! It has a lot more animals than expected! Would definitely visit again. Great for all ages and super nice staff.

Review №188

2018-05-23 03:45:58

Loved this small size zoo. We were gonna just stop by on the way home from the camp ground. We ended up enjoying this zoo for good 3hours. All the presentation and animal encount were fun and informative. The animals here were very lively and fun to watch. Dont forget to open those doors next to the restroom and see incredible snakes and geckos. We saw the gekco sheding its skin and eat it. Better than national geography!

Review №189

2017-03-27 04:11:45

Closest youll ever get to wild animals. This is actually a wildlife rehab facility. They rehab and release about 80% of the animals they get in. Animals on display are unable to survive in the wild, due to injury or human contact.

Review №190

2018-08-09 17:27:54

Such a great place, and quite big too. I got to see a lot of animals Ive never seen up close before. At the animal encounters I got to learn more about them too.

Review №191

2023-10-09 16:41:53

I visited the zoo with my two and a half year old grandson! He had a wonderful time! the most interaction was with the Bears, especially when we were running up and down the sidewalk with one of the Bears chasing us back and forth. Although Im sure he wanted to eat us it was still great and my grandson laughed endlessly running with the bear. The other animals seem to have been taking their afternoon naps! We spent about a couple hours there and the weather was beautiful! I was definitely impressed with how clean and orderly the place was. I will definitely be going back

Review №192

2019-09-08 05:04:16

This was the smallest zoo I have ever been to. There wasnt much room for the 3 bears to roam. They would have been better off sneaking back into goldilocks house again. It was interesting that the zoo was near residential areas.

Review №193

2021-06-30 03:16:39

Nice small local zoo. It has a small playground for the kids. Nice clean bathroom and plenty of things to look at.

Review №194

2018-08-12 05:38:07

This is a small zoo, all rescue animals. Theres bears, mountain lions, snow leopards and more. Price is a little more than I would like, $15 for adults, you are done in about an hour if you take your time looking at all the animals. They do have a couple picnic tables, you can bring lunch and enjoy the Eagles.

Review №195

2018-11-17 22:19:38

Awesome conservation zoo!! Can see animals up close. Wolves, coyotes, foxes, snow leopards, raccoons!! All fees go to helping the animals. Love it!!

Review №196

2019-10-14 01:09:30

The animals look very stressed out, pacing back and forth along the fence perimeter. The cages are too small for such large bears and wolves. I honestly feel like they need to be rescued again. Im glad there is a new zoo being built just next door. Hopefully the exhibits will be significantly larger.

Review №197

2023-12-31 21:08:37

If I can give this place negative stars I would. Do not listen to these fake reviews. Take a close look, and all the animals are depressed. There all nervous, and tired. We didn’t see one zoo keeper throughout the whole trip, and we saw dirty food and water for the animals. Animals don’t have enough space for themselves. I’m not any animal expert, but anyone with common sense will take a look at these animals and see what I’m saying.Kakem srants vren.

Review №198

2019-05-20 03:33:15

Great cause and great staff. New zoo coming soon. Keep up the good work of saving animals!