Charles Paddock Zoo facts for kids
Charles Paddock Zoo logo
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Meerkats at the zoo
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| Date opened | 1955 1963 (at current location) |
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| Location | Atascadero, California, United States |
| Land area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Coordinates | 35°28′00″N 120°40′13″W / 35.46667°N 120.67028°W |
| No. of animals | 100+ |
| No. of species | 45 |
| Annual visitors | 72,000 |
| Memberships | AZA |
The Charles Paddock Zoo is a small, 5-acre community zoo located in Atascadero, California. It's the only zoo on the Central Coast of California. This special zoo is home to over 100 animals from 45 different kinds of species! One of its most famous residents is a male Malayan tiger named Menderu.
The zoo has been approved by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1991. This means it meets high standards for animal care and conservation. It is also one of the smallest zoos to earn this important approval.
Contents
Discover the Zoo's History
The Charles Paddock Zoo was started by a county park ranger named Charles "Chuck" Paddock. He began caring for wild animals at the county animal shelter in 1955. By 1959, his collection had grown to more than 125 birds and mammals.
In 1963, all the animals moved to their current home next to Atascadero Lake Park. The new zoo was first called the Atascadero Children’s Zoo.
The City of Atascadero took over running the zoo in 1979. In 1980, the zoo was renamed Charles Paddock Zoo to honor its founder, Chuck Paddock.
In 2010, the zoo began many updates and repairs. This included new roofs, fresh paving, and new fences for visitors. A brand new entrance opened on November 9, 2010. In April 2019, the zoo opened a new area called The Thelma Vetter Red Panda Experience. This area is home to red pandas, Asian ratsnakes, and different kinds of birds.
Meet the Animals and See Exhibits
The Charles Paddock Zoo is home to more than 100 animals. These animals represent 45 different species from all over the world.
Amazing Birds
You can see many types of birds at the zoo. In the aviary, look for black-necked stilts, Inca terns, and colorful Mandarin ducks. You might also spot a ring-necked parakeet or a scarlet ibis.
At the Parrot Pond, watch for bright blue and gold macaws and scarlet macaws. Other birds at the zoo include burrowing owls, Caribbean flamingos, and tall emus.
Cool Mammals
The zoo has many interesting mammals. In the barnyard, you can find Jacob's sheep. The South American exhibit features titi monkeys.
Other mammals include African crested porcupines and Bennett's wallabys. You can also see black-handed spider monkeys, Channel Island foxes, and the unique fossa. Don't miss the Malayan tiger, slender-tailed meerkats, and red ruffed lemurs!
Reptiles and Amphibians
The zoo is home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians. You can see huge Aldabra giant tortoises and different kinds of snakes like the Burmese python and carpet python.
Other reptiles include the desert tortoise and the colorful South American red-footed tortoise. Look for the Gila monster and the African bullfrog too!
The Central Coast Zoo Society
The Central Coast Zoo Society helps the Charles Paddock Zoo. It started in 1962 as the Children’s Zoo Friendship Society. This group works with the City of Atascadero and the Zoo Director.
Their main goal is to support the zoo's exhibits and its programs. They also help with education, science, and protecting wildlife.
Exciting Plans for the Future
The Charles Paddock Zoo has exciting plans for what's next! They are planning a new exhibit for fisher animals.
There will also be a new Indo-Burma exhibit. This area will feature a tiger, more red pandas, and a special house for reptiles like Komodo dragons.
