FAQs & Rules
A. We are proud that every animal at the zoo has been rescued from some sort of human interaction. You will find every type of animal that lives in the Big Bear Valley, and some additional ones that respond well to our environment such as Grizzly Bears and Wolves. Please check out the animal bio pages to learn the history of the animals in our care.
A. Parking is free. Be sure to park in the designated parking lot to the east of the zoo. Handicapped parking is available.
A. No, the Zoo does not have strollers or wheelchairs for rent.
A. Smoking is not allowed on Zoo grounds.
A. For the safety of our animals, the following items are not allowed on Zoo grounds: glass of any kind, aluminum cans, pets, laser pointers, scooters, skate boards, roller skates, and breakable items. No plastic lids or straws are allowed that might accidentally find their way into the animals’ enclosures. No alcohol is allowed in the facility.
A. All animals that come in are assigned a number and our cashier can look up individual animals based on that number. We can let you know how an animal is doing if you call, but we cannot let you see the animal once they are brought to the zoo. That animal is in a quarantine situation for their safety and the health and the safety of the patrons and our other animals as well.
A. Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers several different memberships. Membership benefits also include: free zoo admission for one year, member newsletter, free admission to selected events, docent training, 10% off merchandise in the gift shop, and free or reduced entry fees to reciprocal parks. Contact them at 909-878-4200 to learn more.
A. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers a special program for animal lovers. When an animal is adopted, 100% of the funds go toward the care of the animal. It is a special way to give to the animals that you love. Contact Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo to adopt your favorite animal today (909-878-4200).
A. The Zoo is located at 747 Club View Drive. It is located at the bottom of the Bear Mountain Golf Course, at the Moonridge “y”.
A. The Zoo is open almost every day. The animals are interesting to watch while it is snowing or raining. The only exception is when there is a tremendous amount of snow accumulation and the facility may then close for a portion of the day (mostly in the morning) while tractors and snow blowers make the facility safe for our visitors.
A. We do not allow the zoo visitors to interact with the animals in our care for both the safety of the animal and the guest. It is important to remember that these animals are all WILD animals and can react unpredictably at times. It is also important to know that should an animal bite a guest, the animal could be euthanized per health regulations. For the safety of all the animals in our care and yours, please keep your fingers out of the enclosures.
A. The Zoo welcomes guests who wish to bring their own picnics into the Zoo with them. The zoo requests that you do not bring aluminum cans, glassware or any other breakable materials and refrain from using any plastic items such as straws and cup lids that might accidentally find their way into the animals’ enclosures. Light snacks and water are available in the gift shop.
A. Outside animals and pets are not allowed in the Zoo at anytime for the protection of the animals in our care, and for the protection of your pet. The Zoo does allow fully trained service animals to enter the Zoo.
A. Yes, we receive hundreds of orphaned and injured wild animals every year. We will accept animals as long as we have the room to care for them. If we suspect an animal has a serious infectious disease, we may refer you to someone else. We cannot risk the animals in our permanent care contracting an infectious disease that could put the entire collection at risk. Please note, we firmly believe that each year, well meaning citizens unnecessarily bring us baby animals. Please be absolutely sure that the animals are orphaned before taking them from their nest or home. Observe from a distance for a while, both mom and the babies will be happy that you did.
A. Our veterinary bill and food costs for rehabilitation are approximately $35,000 to $60,000 per year. These bills are paid for by monies generated from the admission paid to get into the zoo and from donations received from our generous visitors. There are donation boxes located throughout the zoo.