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Happy Hollow Park & Zoo facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo logo.png
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo logo
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo -San Jose, California, USA-2Oct2011 (1).jpg
The entrance to the zoo
Location 1300 Senter Rd San Jose, California, 95112
Land area 16 acres (6.5 ha)
Coordinates 37°19′32.45″N 121°51′43.4″W / 37.3256806°N 121.862056°W / 37.3256806; -121.862056
No. of animals 150
Memberships AZA, IAAPA

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is a super fun place in San Jose, California. It's a special spot that combines a small zoo with an amusement park. The park covers about 16 acres and first opened way back in 1961.

Happy Hollow closed for a big makeover in 2008. It reopened its gates on March 20, 2010, looking brand new! This park is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This means it meets high standards for animal care and education. It's also part of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

Discover the History of Happy Hollow

Did you know that Happy Hollow Park & Zoo was planned a long time ago? Members of the Jaycees, Alden Campen and Ernie Renzel, started planning the park in 1956. They helped the city buy the first 7.5 acres of land. This land is now part of Kelley Park.

Cool Features to Explore

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo has many exciting things to see and do. It's designed to be fun and educational for everyone.

  • Puppet Theater: Enjoy lively shows with puppets that tell stories.
  • Animal Hospital: See where animals get special care. This hospital has areas for sick animals to rest. It also has surgery rooms and X-ray machines.
  • Education Center: Learn about animals and nature in this unique building. It's made from hay bales! Classes are offered all year for kids and adults.
  • Play Areas: Find awesome slides, swings, and climbing structures. These areas are perfect for toddlers and older children to play and explore.

Meet the Animals: Exciting Exhibits

Happy Hollow is home to many amazing animals from around the world. You can get up close to some incredible creatures in their special exhibits.

Jaguar at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
Jaguar at the zoo
Meercats at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
Meerkats at the zoo
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo Petting Area
A corner of the animal petting area. Children can pet and feed – in addition to goats – also sheep and miniature cows.
  • Petting Zoo: Visit the animal barn where you can meet friendly animals. You might get to pet and feed goats, sheep, and even tiny miniature cows!
  • Parallel Play Area: This unique play area is right next to the lemur exhibit. Kids can play while watching endangered lemurs.
  • Fossa Exhibit: See the fossa, a cool animal from Madagascar. It's part of the mongoose family. You might remember it from the movie Madagascar!

Animals You Can See

Happy Hollow has a wide variety of animals living in their habitats. Here are some of the amazing animals you might spot:

Animals in the Education Program

Some animals at Happy Hollow are part of their special education program. These animals help teach visitors about wildlife.

Thrilling Rides to Enjoy

Get ready for some excitement! Happy Hollow has several fun rides for all ages.

Rides in the Giggle Grove Area

  • Dragon Flyer: Soar through the air on this gentle ride.
  • Kiddie Swings: Spin around on these classic swings.
  • Frog Hopper: Bounce up and down like a happy frog.
  • The Granny Bugs: Take a slow, fun ride on these cute bug cars.
  • The Mini Putts: Enjoy a mini golf adventure.

Other Exciting Rides

  • Keep-Around-Carousel: Hop on a classic carousel animal and spin around.
  • Pacific Fruit Express Family Roller Coaster: Get ready for a thrilling ride on this family-friendly roller coaster.
  • Danny the Dragon Ride: Take a magical journey on Danny the Dragon.

Images for kids

  • DocsCritterCare

    Doc's Critter Care, the animal hospital at the zoo.

Gallery