Big Bear Alpine Zoo

Big Bear Alpine Zoo The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is San Bernardino County’s only zoo and also serves as a wildlife animal sanctuary, rehabilitation and education center.
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BBAZ opened in 1959 and has been saving animals since then. Most of the animals in our zoo are the ones that have been injured or impacted by humans and cannot be released back into the wild. Guests will enjoy our state of the art 5 acre facility which offers a close-up and personal experience with our animals. The brand new facility opened on November 5th, 2020.

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo will be CLOSED Sept. 22 – 26 for installation of new large shade structures. Tickets purchased d...
09/19/2025

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo will be CLOSED Sept. 22 – 26 for installation of new large shade structures. Tickets purchased during closure will be honored on a future visit.
Thank you for your patience as we make these exciting improvements!

09/18/2025

Every single animal at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo gets a personally handcrafted diet each and every day that is full of all the essential ingredients they need to be healthy and happy! Their diet is placed throughout their enclosures to encourage them to explore their environment and use their keen senses to forage for their snacks, and when you sign up for a membership or virtually adopt one of our animal ambassadors, you are contributing towards the delicious enrichment that our animals love! Come on by to see HollyBeary (and all the rest!) enjoying the appetizing activities that abound thanks to generous donations from near and far that make it possible to continue our mission of caring for wildlife!

We will be closed from September 22nd-26th for installation of new large shade structures. Tickets purchased during clos...
09/18/2025

We will be closed from September 22nd-26th for installation of new large shade structures. Tickets purchased during closure will be honored on a future visit. Thank you for your patience as we make these exciting improvements.

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09/18/2025

✨ Training Milestone Reached! ✨

Keeper Hailey and our Swainson’s Hawk, Mark Swain, hit an exciting breakthrough in training today! For the very first time, Mark flew to the glove on his own.

This type of work is called glove training. It’s a positive reinforcement method where the hawk learns that flying to the keeper’s glove leads to a reward (usually food). Over time, this helps build trust, keeps the bird mentally engaged, and makes daily care safer and less stressful for both animal and keeper.

Every small step like this is a big win in creating a strong, healthy relationship between our raptors and their caretakers.

Way to go, Hailey and Mark!

📹 Watch their milestone moment below.

09/17/2025

Holly!!

09/17/2025

Leucistic Raccoon Bowie was offered a puzzle feeder with mealworms. With his dexterous hands and digits, he made quick work of the feeder and gained access to the protein-rich mealworms. Visit Bowie daily from 10-4.

The wait is almost over… our first Twilight Safari is happening THIS Saturday, September 20th!Join us after hours at the...
09/16/2025

The wait is almost over… our first Twilight Safari is happening THIS Saturday, September 20th!

Join us after hours at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo for a guided tour focused on our amazing nocturnal animals.

First tour night: Saturday, September 20
Tours start at 5:00 PM and run every half hour until 7:30 PM
$30 per ticket (online only)
Kids under 3 are free. Minors must be with an adult.

Tickets are limited and selling fast — grab yours now before they’re gone!
👉 www.bigbearzoo.org

Bring a sweater, bring your curiosity, and get ready to experience the zoo like never before… in the twilight! 🌌🦌🐺

Mtn. Lion Mondays!!Holly and Hazel are now available for "Adoption".With the $60 adoption fee you will receive a photo, ...
09/15/2025

Mtn. Lion Mondays!!
Holly and Hazel are now available for "Adoption".

With the $60 adoption fee you will receive a photo, their story including information about their species, a small plush stuffed animal, and a customizable adoption certificate.

For more info, visit https://friendsofthebigbearalpinezoo.org/adopt-an-animal/

🐺 Join Us in Symbolically Adopting Wolf Ivar! 🐺We’re excited to offer you the chance to symbolically adopt Wolf Ivar thr...
09/14/2025

🐺 Join Us in Symbolically Adopting Wolf Ivar! 🐺

We’re excited to offer you the chance to symbolically adopt Wolf Ivar through the Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo!

For just $60, you’ll receive:
• A photo of Ivar 📸
• His unique story — including info about his species and why he can’t be released to the wild
• A plush toy
• A customizable adoption certificate 📜

Why it matters: this adoption fee helps with the ongoing care of animal ambassadors like Ivar — animals that can’t return to the wild because of injury or loss of natural fear of humans. Your support also helps with our mission of conservation, education, and wildlife rehabilitation.

Would you like to help us give Ivar the care he deserves, while also getting something special in return? Adopt him today:

www.friendsofthebigbearalpinezoo.org/adopt-an-animal

🐻🚴‍♂️ BIG BEAR DOUBLE CROSS 🚴‍♀️🐻📅 October 4–5, 2025📍 The Ranch – Big Bear, CATwo races. One altitude. Zero mercy.🔥 A US...
09/11/2025

🐻🚴‍♂️ BIG BEAR DOUBLE CROSS 🚴‍♀️🐻

📅 October 4–5, 2025
📍 The Ranch – Big Bear, CA

Two races. One altitude. Zero mercy.
🔥 A USAC-sanctioned cyclocross event at 6,700 ft — expect barriers, run-ups, and off-camber pain caves.

💥 Second race only $10
🍻 Beer garden + food
👧 Kids race
🐻 “Chase the Bear” fun race

💚 Proceeds benefit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, helping rescued wildlife and conservation efforts.

👉 Don’t miss your chance to grid up at altitude: www.bikereg.com/big-bear-doublecross

Bring your watts, your cowbells, and your best heckles. This is CX at its finest. 🏔️

Mid-day Moments!Visit us daily from 10-4.
09/10/2025

Mid-day Moments!
Visit us daily from 10-4.

Address

42801 Moonridge Road
Big Bear Lake, CA
92315

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+19095841299

Website

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Our Story

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo was started in 1959 as an Alpine wildlife center to rehabilitate and release injured wildlife. Most of the non-releasable animals here at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo are here because of human interference. As residents of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, these animals take on the important role of ambassadors, helping us to connect our guests to wildlife. Our commitment to our ambassadors begins with our pledge to provide the best quality of life possible, enabling all of our animals with opportunities to thrive.

Currently located on 2.5 acres, guests will enjoy an up-close and personal experience with our animals. Additionally, we offer enrichment talks every day at 12, 1, 2, and 3 PM.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo rehabilitates injured, sick, or orphaned native wildlife and releases healthy animals back into their natural habitat. Our goal is to provide the best welfare possible with minimal human interaction. When we accept wildlife from the public, we will use those opportunities to promote conservation education and stewardship of wildlife, habitat, and our mountain ecosystem.