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.

Docent Spotlight: Meet Jilda!After retiring and moving from Northern California to Big Bear, Jilda was looking for a mea...
04/13/2025

Docent Spotlight: Meet Jilda!
After retiring and moving from Northern California to Big Bear, Jilda was looking for a meaningful way to give back. Attending a curator tour was what first drew her in—and she’s been a dedicated volunteer ever since!

As a docent, Jilda loves interacting with guests and finds joy in educating the public about our animal ambassadors and the zoo’s mission. She takes the time to explain how each animal is here because they can't be released—due to injury, imprinting, or being former illegal pets. When she sees guests’ faces light up with understanding and appreciation, she knows she’s making a difference.

Jilda feels her role directly supports the zoo’s mission by helping inspire others to live peacefully with wildlife and protect the natural world. And personally, volunteering has reminded her that there are so many kind and caring people out there—something we all need to be reminded of sometimes.

Her advice to anyone unsure about volunteering? “There are so many ways to get involved! Whether it’s being a docent, helping with animal meal prep, working the snack bar, or supporting special events and fundraisers—there’s something for everyone. And we’ll train you!”

Inspired by Jilda’s story?
Join our passionate team of Docents and help make a difference!

Learn more: https://friendsofthebigbearalpinezoo.org/volunteer/

Let’s CLEAN UP for EARTH DAY!We’re just 2 weeks AWAY from our Annual Earth Day Lake Cleanup — and we need YOU to help ma...
04/09/2025

Let’s CLEAN UP for EARTH DAY!

We’re just 2 weeks AWAY from our Annual Earth Day Lake Cleanup — and we need YOU to help make a difference!

WHEN: Wednesday, April 23rd, 9:30 am
WHERE: East Ramp, Big Bear Lake
WHO: You, your friends, your family, your community!

Join us and Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo as we team up to beautify our shoreline and protect the place we all call home.

Let’s show up in BIG numbers, Big Bear — and show this lake some love!

To sign up, call Vicki Cummings at 909-260-3735
Waivers are required (provided by the Big Bear MWD)
Pickers, gloves, and trash bags will be supplied — just bring your energy and enthusiasm!

Please SHARE this post and help us spread the word!

Mtn Lion Mondays!Hazel at the windowVisit daily from 10-4
04/07/2025

Mtn Lion Mondays!
Hazel at the window
Visit daily from 10-4

Docent Spotlight!!Ever Wonder What It’s Like to Be a Zoo Docent? Meg Has the Inside Scoop!When Meg moved to Big Bear ful...
04/06/2025

Docent Spotlight!!
Ever Wonder What It’s Like to Be a Zoo Docent? Meg Has the Inside Scoop!

When Meg moved to Big Bear full-time, she found herself with a little extra time—and a whole lot of love for the animals at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. After just a few visits, she was hooked. The rescue and rehabilitation mission, the amazing FOBBAZ volunteer community, and the opportunity to make a real impact drew her in.

One of Meg’s most memorable moments? Helping a skeptical guest understand our mission. By the end of their visit, that guest walked away not just with a new perspective, but also plans to buy a zoo membership. Small steps make big changes.

As a docent and FOBBAZ board member, Meg wears many hats: educator, ambassador, fundraiser, and lifelong learner. “It’s never too late to learn something new,” she says—and volunteering has given her a whole new appreciation for our local wildlife and community.

Thinking about volunteering but not sure if it’s the right fit? Come give it a try! Tag along with a docent, ask questions, and see what it’s all about. Whether you love working with the public or prefer behind-the-scenes roles, there’s a place for you here.

Join our zoo family and help us make a difference—one animal, one guest, one day at a time.
Learn more and sign up today:
https://friendsofthebigbearalpinezoo.org/volunteer/

🎳 Bowling for the Zoo – Fundraiser Alert! 🦉🐻Sunday, April 27 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PMThe Bowling Barn – Big Bear Lake Village...
04/04/2025

🎳 Bowling for the Zoo – Fundraiser Alert! 🦉🐻
Sunday, April 27 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The Bowling Barn – Big Bear Lake Village

Update: All 16 bowling lanes for Bowling for the Zoo 2025 are officially SOLD OUT!
A huge THANK YOU to all the amazing teams helping us reach our $20,000 fundraising goal to support animal care at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo!

But the fun isn't just for bowlers—you can still join us!

Here’s how you can be part of the event:

Silent Auction & Raffle – Come by between 3–6 PM and bid on awesome items or enter to win fun prizes!

Make a Cash Donation – Every dollar supports the animals at the zoo and is fully tax-deductible.

Other ways to help
Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo is still accepting donated items or services for the auction and raffle—gift cards, merchandise, unique experiences, and more!

To donate or get involved, contact Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo:
Call: 909-878-4200
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://friendsofthebigbearalpinezoo.org

Thank you for supporting wildlife care and conservation—we can’t wait to see you there!

04/03/2025

🎬🐾 RUN WILD THROUGH MOONRIDGE – April 26! 🏃‍♀️☕

Our resident raccoons Bowie, Karen, Tosh, and Vincent have one question for you: Are you ready to go WILD for a great cause?! 🦝🎉

Lace up those running shoes and join us for a fun walk/run along the scenic Rathbun Creek Path—complete with a wild twist through the Big Bear Alpine Zoo! Who knows? You might even catch a glimpse of our mischievous raccoon crew cheering you on!

🔥 Why You Don’t Want to Miss This:
✅ Coffee, pastries & refreshments along the course
✅ Costume contest – come dressed as your favorite animal!
✅ Kids' activities & family-friendly fun
✅ Same-day Zoo admission included
✅ All proceeds support the Zoo’s amazing animals—including Bowie, Karen, Tosh, and Vincent!

📅 Saturday, April 26 | 🚩 Starts & ends at Moonridge Coffee Company

🐾 Don’t just run—RUN WILD and help support our furry (and feathered) friends! Sign up now:
👉 https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GV8MLA3SZNLHS

A few weeks ago, we said goodbye to longtime resident Samba the coyote. She came to us in 2013 when she was sick and onl...
04/02/2025

A few weeks ago, we said goodbye to longtime resident Samba the coyote. She came to us in 2013 when she was sick and only a few weeks old.
At 12 years of age, she outlived her wild counterparts. She loved to follow along with the keeper carts each morning as they drove by and was a real pleasure to work with and for. In the last few months of her life, a variety of age-related issues arose. When we could no longer provide the quality of life she deserved, we made the difficult decision. She was surrounded by her loving staff at the end.

She was always a very spunky girl. Even in her later years, she was always active and even began making training strides with her primary keepers. Don't say you can't teach an old dog (coyote) new tricks. She was an excellent ambassador for her species and will be missed by staff and guests. RIP Sweet Samba ❤️

Back by popular demand, our annual "Washing of the Grizzlies" event will take place today from Noon to 2pm. A fun event ...
04/01/2025

Back by popular demand, our annual "Washing of the Grizzlies" event will take place today from Noon to 2pm. A fun event for the whole family that the bears can't seem to get enough of. Bring your favorite scrubber or loofah and we'll provide the bear-safe soap. $10 gets you 2 minutes of scrub-time. Not to be outdone, this year we'll also be debuting the Snow Leopard Social, Cuddling with Cougars, and Rocking out with the Raccoons.
Happy April Fools day!

03/31/2025

Mtn. Lion Mondays!
Mountain lions, also known as cougars, can spend a significant amount of time resting and sleeping, often up to 17 hours a day. Here's a short clip of Holly (left) and Hazel doing what they do best 😉

🌟 Docent Spotlight: Vicki Cummings 🌟Meet Vicki, one of our incredible docents who has been sharing her passion for anima...
03/30/2025

🌟 Docent Spotlight: Vicki Cummings 🌟

Meet Vicki, one of our incredible docents who has been sharing her passion for animals at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo for 17 years! 🦉🐻

Vicki first became a docent when her son started volunteering at the Zoo, and she never looked back. As a tour guide, she loves engaging with visitors—especially kids who are eager to learn! Watching their faces light up when they see a snow leopard or hear an owl’s call for the first time is what makes her role so rewarding.

Her mission? Inspiring a love for wildlife. She believes that when people connect with our animal ambassadors, they begin to care more about protecting their species in the wild. And after so many years at the Zoo, Vicki has become a go-to resource for visitors who have questions about local wildlife or need help identifying an animal.

For anyone thinking about becoming a docent, Vicki says there’s something for everyone! From leading tours to helping with animal diets, tending to the gardens, or even assisting at the snack bar—there are countless ways to get involved.

If you’re passionate about wildlife and want to make a difference, consider joining our docent program! Visit https://friendsofthebigbearalpinezoo.org/volunteer/
to learn more. 🦊🌿

03/27/2025

Snow Leopard sisters Asha and Shanti were offered scent enrichment in the form of some high-end cologne. Their keeper sprayed this new scent in their yard, and this was their reaction.
They normally react to new smells - this was a particularly strong reaction.

Mid-day Moments. Visit daily from 10-4.
03/25/2025

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

Mtn. Lion Mondays... Hazel on the left with her "Blue Steel" pose 🤣. Visit daily from 10-4.
03/24/2025

Mtn. Lion Mondays... Hazel on the left with her "Blue Steel" pose 🤣. Visit daily from 10-4.

The Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (FOBBAZ) and the Big Bear Alpine Zoo are hosting “Bowling for the Zoo” on Sunday...
03/24/2025

The Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (FOBBAZ) and the Big Bear Alpine Zoo are hosting “Bowling for the Zoo” on Sunday, April 27, at the Bowling Barn in Big Bear Lake Village to raise funds for supporting the wild animals that call the Big Bear Alpine Zoo home. 🐻 🦉 🦊

FOBBAZ was created in 1989 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit fundraising organization to support the zoo. FOBBAZ supports the zoo through a wide range of activities to enhance the guest experience, while providing funds for medical, dental and enrichment projects to better the lives of the animals in residence at the zoo. 💗

Want to help us reach our goal? Learn how to participate: call 909 878 4200 or write to [email protected]

03/23/2025

Snow Leopard sisters Asha and Shanti were offered a couple boxes with some meat inside. This enrichment activity is multi-faceted in that the cats needed to use their limited vision to see the box; their highly evolved sense of smell to realize there's something in the box that could taste good; and then some problem solving abilities - how do I get what's in the box? How do I do that before my sister gets the box??
Each cat found a box, broke into it and ate the meat inside.

03/22/2025

Keeper Greg wanted to test a theory... would Grizzly Bear Ayla - with her remarkable sense of smell - be able to discriminate between empty paper bags and bags that held treats. He set up the activity and Ayla did the rest. In the end she left several bags untouched - all were empty... great job Greg and Ayla 🙂

Some people take notes during meetings. Some sip coffee. And some—well, some get tong-fed snacks like a true VIP.Meet ba...
03/21/2025

Some people take notes during meetings. Some sip coffee. And some—well, some get tong-fed snacks like a true VIP.

Meet barn owl Dobby who clearly thinks the highlight of this staff meeting was the dining experience provided by our keepers. Who knew meal service during meetings was a thing?

Just before the most recent snowfall, we received several loads of freshly cut Juniper branches. One of the first exhibi...
03/20/2025

Just before the most recent snowfall, we received several loads of freshly cut Juniper branches. One of the first exhibits to benefit from the new greenery was the Raccoon exhibit. Bowie approves!

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.