Article brought to you by Mountain Top Producers Reality and Mountains Community Hospital
Article by Malia Dietz
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is located in Big Bear Lake, California. It is one of two Alpine Zoos in the United States.
The zoo is scheduled to move to its new location at the intersection of Moonridge Road and Club View Drive. Even though there has been a delay, construction is continuing. Guests have been informed that the facility may not be ready for the September move as originally planned but they are hoping to have the new location open by December.
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo (formally Moonridge Animal Park) opened its entryways in 1959 after a fierce blaze thundered through the San Bernardino National Forest. Initially, it was anything but a zoo, it was a sheltered spot for injured or sick animals to receive care and recover. Officials used this facility as a way to offer the suffering animals a chance to return to nature. Over the years, after receiving treatment, most animals could be returned to nature. Some though, either due to injuries or inability to care for themselves, remained at the zoo. The very first full time animals in the zoo’s care were a black bear and two bob cats. The Big Bear Zoo’s top priority is to save injured animals, rehabilitate them and release them safely back into the wild. This includes the future animals they will encounter that need help, rescue, and care.
During the zoo’s upcoming move, it’s estimated that around 160 animals from 64 different species of animals will be relocated. These animals suffer from a wide range of challenges such as injuries sustained from cars, illegal hunting, birth defects (the Zoo’s one eyed snow leopards) and animals being orphaned at a young age. Other residents include Huckleberry, the Zoo’s cherished three-legged black bear, more than 30 birds of prey, a family of grizzly bears, two timber wolf packs, a pair of orphaned sibling mountain lions, and many more.
Adults 11 and up are $12, seniors 60 and up are $9, children ages 3-10 are $9 and children 2 and under are FREE. The Big Bear Zoo also offers military discount for serving or retired military (with ID) for just $9. Parking is also free. Their business hours are Mon-Fri 10AM-4PM and Sat-Sun 10AM-5PM.
For more information you can visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo website at
http://bigbearzoo.org/about/
