Big Bear Alpine Zoo — Attraction in Big Bear Lake

We loved our trip up to Big Bear Zoo!

I can say that the only disappointment was the arctic fox and the peregrine wasn't there, which is one of my daughters favorite animals (she loves the movie)

Besides the little disappointing part above, it was great! The zoo is small and intimate, but it packs so much in a small area! We actually missed the grizzly at the beginning of the zoo, so I was sad, until we realized where they were! Not only is there one grizzly, but there are currently 3!

We also loved the little owls in the room, you have to see them in person for them to make their full impact. Theyl little buggers just glare at you, judging you through your soul lol.

The most majestic was the timber wolves, they were huge! And a whole pack of 4! I have a video of the alpha body slamming one of the other pack members.

The staff is also very knowledgeable about the animals and they have regular info sessions where they stand at the enclosures and tell you great info. We got the coyote Q&A session (they can run upto 45mph!) along with the raccoons (trash pandas), we just missed it with the wolves. We got to see the trash pandas actually being fed. They get a mix of fruits and veggies and dead mice, which are hid as an enrichment activity. Seeing them find one and rip its head off was kinda wow. Not for the faint of heart.

I suggest going through the zoo a few times if you don't get to see an animal that you really want to see. Our first time around, the snow leopard and Timberwolves were completely inactive and hidden, we kept going elsewhere and coming back, and finally we got to see then in action! We had no clue there were 4 wolves until they all came out, and 2 snow leopards!

Only thing that never came out of their den would be the mountain lions, which we could still see, they were just mostly hidden and far away. Luckily OC zoo at Irvine Parkhas some huge ones that we have gotten close to.

Best part is, we are santa ana zoo members, so we got in free! Normally admission is $12 for adults. We still left a donation to...

a truly exceptional little zoo. all of the animals were awake and playing!! we got to watch the zookeepers interact with them which was awesome, and we saw a bunch of them get fed, and I love that they're close enough to each other that they can hear each other. (it also means you're close enough to other exhibits so that if the grizzly bear is doing something cool, even if you're four or five exhibits away, you can see the crowd of people get excited and run over and watch what he's up to.) the raccoons were my favorite, they were playing together and were so funny!! i'm definitely going to be coming here again and again.

this is a perfect day trip for younger kids. the LA zoo can be overwhelming because its so big, and a lot of the time it's so hot out the animals aren't doing a whole lot. i LOVE the LA zoo and have been probably a hundred times, this is not a criticism!! it's just very hard to plan trips for young kids, or kids who are especially sensitive. this zoo presents a really beautiful opportunity to expose those kids to the zoo in a smaller dose. these animals are also all from the climate found in big bear, so it's easier for them to be comfortable. it's especially cool to see squirrels and raccoons treated as wild critters deserving of the same respect the grizzly bear or puma get. or the coyote or foxes. these are animals kids may get a glimpse of in their daily lives, and this is a fantastic opportunity to let them observe them safely and respectfully.

this was also a perfect day trip for me and my mid-20s friends!! we got to do this and then other stuff! $15/each is a steal and we donated more money before leaving. i will definitely be coming back again and again. this was my first time here and i'm considering an annual pass. i have been to a BUNCH of zoos of all different sizes and this was easily one...

As a 40-year-old mom of four, finding activities that captivate both kids and adults can be a challenge. Our visit to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo was a delightful exception, offering an intimate and educational experience that resonated with the whole family.

Educational and Engaging: The zoo’s focus on rehabilitation and conservation provided valuable learning moments for the kids. They were fascinated to hear the stories of each animal and understand the importance of wildlife preservation. The staff was approachable and eager to share insights, enhancing our understanding of the local ecosystem. 

Intimate Setting: Unlike sprawling city zoos, the compact layout allowed us to explore at a comfortable pace without overwhelming the younger ones. We could easily spend time observing each animal, making the experience feel personal and unhurried.

Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a playground provided a perfect spot for the kids to expend some energy, while shaded benches offered a respite for us parents. The on-site gift shop had a variety of souvenirs, and the availability of snacks ensured that no one went hungry during our visit.

Considerations: While the zoo offers ample shade from overhead trees, it’s advisable to visit during cooler parts of the day, especially in warmer months. The enclosures, though adequate, are on the smaller side, which sparked thoughtful discussions with the kids about animal habitats and the challenges of rehabilitation. 

Final Thoughts: Our trip to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo was both enjoyable and enlightening. It provided a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife and instill a sense of environmental responsibility in our children. For families seeking a meaningful outing that balances fun with education, this zoo is a...