Zoo & Animal Rehabilitation at Big Bear Lake , CA

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

Website: https://bigbearzoo.org

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo (formally Moonridge Animal Park) opened its doors in 1959 after a devastating wildfire roared through the San Bernardino National Forest. Originally, it was not a zoo, but a safe place for injured animals to rehabilitate and get a second chance back in the wild. For some, returning to the wild was not an option as they had been imprinted by their human caretakers or were too injured to take care of themselves. The first animals in the zoo’s care were a black bear and two bobcats.

In 1960, a 50 year lease was obtained and allowed the zoo to grow to be the zoological facility that it is today. The zoo is currently home to animals and birds representing over 85 species and is located in San Bernardino County, the largest County in the contiguous United States. Our primary objective is to rescue, rehabilitate and release wild animals. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is the “go to” facility for injured and imprinted animals. Local, county, state and federal entities as well as other non-profit organizations and the public turn to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo to help animals in need.

Photo Tip: Bring the fastest zoom lens you have in your kit. The animal enclosures are ringed with chainlink fencing and nylon netting to prevent predators from attacking injured and recovering animals as well as preventing escape for those unable to be released. A lens with a fast aperture of f4 or f2.8 will be able to focus past the  barrier.