Charles Paddock Zoo

9100 Morro Rd, Atascadero, CA 93422, USA

Address:	9100 Morro Rd, Atascadero, CA 93422, USA
Phone:	+1 805-461-5080
Site:	charlespaddockzoo.org
Rating:	4.1
Working:	10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM 10AM–4PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 26

Zoo Connoisseur

The Charles Paddock Zoo covers five acres in Atascadero Lake Park. It has an excellent animal collection for a zoo of its size. Notable species include flamingos, meerkats, lemurs, red pandas, and a tiger. In fact, every continent, except Antarctica, is represented by the animals on exhibit. Charles Paddock Zoo is currently in the process of updating their outdated enclosures and building towards their master plan. Construction has already been completed on a new entrance area, featuring a gift shop and a new home for the flamingos. This small zoo is generally not very crowded and has a peaceful atmosphere, making it a wonderful place for families to spend an hour or two.

flyingshamrockranch

A small but good teaching experience zoo for young children. My only complaint is the very small enclosures for the "wild" animals such as the Tiger, etc. Some animals probably dont mind (like the large tortoises) but the free roaming, more intelligent creatures certainly DO. The enclosures smack of the old, cramped and thoughtless style zoos designed to entertain humans but are like prisons to the animals. In todays age when we are a more thoughtful, empathetic global society it is sad to still see these types of "zoos". I think the Charles Paddock Zoo should improve their larger animal enclosures or rehome the Tiger and other larger animals.

A Private User

It takes less than ten minutes to see everything in this zoo. Its a huge waste of money. Its basically just a series of tiny square enclosures. No open spaces. The saddest part is that they have a Bengal tiger, a beautiful animal that is meant to run super fast through open spaces, in a tiny tiny square exhibit. Its unbelievable how small its exhibit is, and how bored and frustrated the poor animal must be, surrounded on three sides by dingy walls. The sadness in this animals eyes haunted me all day. I wish I had not visited this zoo. And I wish I had not spent $15 to support the miserable life this poor animal has to look forward to.

Reid Allen

Love the little zoo, had a great little aviary, lemur exhibit and a lot of Madagascan species. The only extremely annoying part was the gift shop/admissions was closed for well over hour due to the cashier on lunch. Really seems like that is a missed opportunity on some profit to help out the little zoo. The only reason we stayed and went around the zoo three times was to actually spend money. Cashier was also not very friendly and needed more guest experience skills. Love the little zoo but needs work on the guest experience.

A Private User

Thats what the CEO of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums said about the Charles Paddock Zoo when it recently received its new five-year accreditation. Only 220 out of some 3,000 animal exhibits in the country are accredited by the AZA. In addition to its many exhibits and educational programs, this zoo is undergoing a facelight. A new entryway is being constructed and much more is planned for the future. This is the only accredited zoo between Santa Barbara and San Jose and is the perfect stop for families visiting the area.

Deborah Simpson

Animals physically appear, for the most part, well taken care of.. As to be expected signs of stress/dispair, with the solo tiger, and the small brood of meerkat (Hawks?) Small, low traffic zoo, with mainly small nonnative animals allows for closer and better quality human to captive interaction and immersion, as close approaches to their cages allows easy eye contact and quiet speaking voices. Cage exhibits being updated/renovated at this time.

SLO Abolish Human Abortion

This Zoo is Awesome. I moved to Atascadero from San Diego so I didnt expect much from this small town zoo. I got a membership to save money visiting and took the family. The zoo is amazing. There are many different animals including a tiger and it is a very pleasant way to spend a few hours. The membership also gets us into the Santa Barbara Zoo for free and discounts on other zoos. Great value!!!

Ana-Liset Menodza

There are barely any animals and the price is too expensive. You can see the whole zoo in 15 minutes. Every time I take the kids, I regret it. The tiny lion cage is depressing. I know they are adding some exhibits, so hopefully the zoo will get better. Its often so hot, so ice cream is a must, which of course is over priced.

Mark Groene

This zoo has changed a lot since I was a kid. I brought my family (we live out of town). We had a great time and my 4 year old son loved it. Im taking one star off because it was tiger day, but there was no real tiger! They had all kinds of fun extra stuff that was tiger themed. Overall, it was a great experience.

Chris LaLonde

A great, short stop if you are taking a road trip along the 101 and need a break from driving. They focus on quality over quantity with the main attractions being a Malaysian Tiger and Red Panda. If you are in a hurry you could possibly tour the whole zoo in 15-20 minutes.

Amy F

Small, clean community zoo. There are lots of trees so you can be in the shade while looking at the animals. Its great that its right next to the park so you can spend an hour at the zoo then head to the playground and then back to the zoo if the kids want.

Juventina Gonzalez

Es un lugar economico practico Ademas de que cuenta con un parque muy espacioso y muy bonito.

A Private User

Nice place just small but thats okay.. just wished since it was small, that you could interact with the animals more.. would like a bear attraction, I live close by.. nice place , nice people, good weather...

Anthoney Hopper

Good fun zoo. Though I do hate seeing large animals stuck in small cages. Cute gift shop for a small town zoo. Plus its attached to Atascadero Lake. Great for BBQs, parties, and running around with the kids.

Heather Nguyen

We love visiting this zoo. Its great for little kids. I love it because the kids can run around and cant get too far away from me. We always get the annual pass so we can go for a quick lunch break.

Justin Fraser

Just the right size for toddlers and little kids. Fun exhibits with not allot of walking. The bird area is fun and the Tiger has been pretty active the last few times we were there

Erica Charest

Small zoo but really fun and the lady in the gift shop was so nice. Very interesting bird area!! Theyre adding a new red panda exhibit soon

Lewis Wasserman

A small zoo with animals in little cages. Highlights include a red panda who only comes out in the cold, and a nice little aviary.

Michael Granville

Nice little zoo. Good place for small kids (not too much walking). Well shaded so it is not too hot. And they have Red Pandas.

Christa Lam

I would categorize this as a very homey zoo. They are constantly working to improve the zoo which is a huge plus for the animals!

Jeff Andrews

Small zoo. It shouldnt take more than an hour to walk through and see everything. Next to a nice playground for the kiddos.

A Private User

Lady in ticket counter wasnt very friendly. Even Wth my three kids present. I wont be returning for a second visit.