Big Bear Alpine Zoo

We have many different species of birds residing at The Big Bear Alpine Zoo. From waterfowl like Ducks and Geese to raptors like Great Horned Owls and Golden Eagles, we provide individualized care to nearly 40 birds. For more info on any of our animal ambassadors visit our newly revamped website at www.bigbearalpinezoo.com

Mid day Moments!!

The American Badger is an incredible species. Although small in stature, they have a commanding presence that allows them to fend off attacks from much larger predators. When threatened, they vocalize by hissing and growling and can emit a musky odor. They are also amazing diggers; long, curved front claws on webbed front feet coupled with shovel-type back claws allow them to burrow into the ground for prey. Lotus Blossom was brought to our zoo as a juvenile back in 2005. She was found on the side of the road either orphaned or abandoned. She unfortunately had imprinted on humans by the time she arrived at the zoo and was deemed unreleasable. She brings lots of joy to guests and staff alike with her zest for life.

Our promotional video thanks to graphic designer and longtime BBAZ fan, Alex Guillossou. Thank you Alex!

Little by little, the residents of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo are moving from the old location to the new one. We've moved over many of the birds and some of our smaller mammals. They are all acclimating well and can't wait to see you at our grand opening on November 5th.

During our closure, we will be doing our best to bring the zoo to you. We'll be providing daily content to connect our virtual guests with our wildlife. We cannot wait to re-open; but in the meantime we hope you enjoy our online content.

About a month before the move, keepers and staff made a design change request for the large black bear pool. The concern was that Hucklebeary, who is missing his front right limb, would have difficulty getting in and out of the pool. The modification, which decreased the initial slope, was completed quickly - but the concern remained. All doubts were gone after observing him getting into the pool for the first time (and getting out). All 3 - Huck, Zuni, and Holly use the pool several times throughout the day and can't wait to see you at our grand opening on November 5th.

Grizzly Bear Mama Tutu and her offspring Ayla and Harley were the first group of animals to move to the new zoo. Just being able to separate them for the sedation was quite a task. Keeper Katie worked for about a month - training the bears to go into different rooms separately so that when it came time to move them, our medical team could sedate them safely. All that training and planning paid off - resulting in a successful and safe move of the Grizzly Family to their new home. All 3 spend their days in and out of their multiple pools and stream; lounging in a mulch-filled dig pit; and exploring their much larger environment. Grand Opening of the new zoo is on November 5th.

As of today December 8th, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo will officially close to the public in conformance with the Regional Stay Home Order. Our closure will be in effect for three weeks. We will reopen when authorized to do so. The health and safety of our guests, staff, volunteers, and animals are our top priorities. Essential Zoo employees will continue to report to work in order to care for our animals and facility.

Prior to their move to the new zoo, One-eyed Snow Leopard sisters Asha and Shanti were both given medical exams under sedation. It was determined that each cat was visually compromised in their remaining eye. They had memorized their environment at the old zoo and used every square inch of their exhibit. But how would they fare in a brand new environment? For the first few days at the new zoo, they hardly ventured outside. When they did explore outside, they didn't do much cl...imbing. The staff were a little concerned that the big new structure that was built for them might be too imposing/tall. Plans were being drawn up to make exhibit modifications for their impairment. Those plans were scrapped when - about 2 weeks after their move - both were seen on top of their 15-foot-tall structure. Every day since, they've been exploring more and more of their new home and love being up high on their platform. See more

We thought long and hard about what type of structure to build for our black bear Pooh. We knew he liked to climb, but also liked his privacy. The first day he was given access to his yard, he was immediately drawn to the structure. He checked out all the nooks and crannies and even climbed up to the top.

It's been a very busy month at The Big Bear Alpine Zoo!! We've been getting the new location ready for the nearly 100 animals that are making the move. We assembled an incredible team of medical professionals and volunteers to help us move all our large animals (7 bears, 4 big cats, 5 wolves, 4 deer, and 3 coyotes). All of them are settling in nicely in their new homes and can't wait to see our guests at the grand opening on November 5th.

Don’t miss your last chance!!!!! Last wknd we are open at our beautiful original location. Come join us to celebrate our roots before it’s too late!!!! Last day open September 20th. Closing to make our monumental move to new home. A part of history, saving wildlife since 1959.

After 60 amazing years at our current location, an era that saw us grow from the first 2 residents - a Black Bear and a Bobcat - to the 100 or so that currently call The Big Bear Alpine Zoo home, we will begin the arduous task of moving the zoo to its new location in the coming months. Our final day of operation at the "old" zoo will be September 20th. So if you have never been or would like to visit 1 last time, now is your chance. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a very special p...lace that has helped the lives of countless animals over the years. We've provided a sense of wonder to the thousands of guests who visit each year, and brought the community of Big Bear together in its quest for wildlife conservation. Even though we will be closed for a short while, rest assured that we will be hard at work customizing each individual exhibit and preparing the new facility for Mama Tutu and her cubs, Blair and his sisters, Valentine, Hucklebeary, and everyone else. We are all so excited for the animals, for our guests, and for ourselves. We've worked tirelessly towards this goal for years. Now that it's within reach we will have to work harder than we ever have in the coming months. But the payoff will be getting to work at a brand new - state of the art facility that will allow our animals to express their natural instincts and thrive. See more

Former illegal pet "Karen" was surrendered to the zoo a few years ago. They do not make good pets!! She has been thriving at the zoo ever since. Here she is consuming one of her favorite foods. Raccoons are omnivorous and eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, insects, birds, rodents, amphibians, and smaller mammals such as rabbits.

Mid-day Moments! Snow Leopard, Grizzlies, Wolves to name a few.

Enrichment Monday!! 3-legged Black Bear Hucklebeary playing in the pool. Coyote Bonzai jumping for a bag filled with cinnamon.