Fresno Chaffee Zoo

894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728, USA

Address:	894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, CA 93728, USA
Phone:	+1 559-498-5910
Site:	fresnochaffeezoo.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 6

Whitney Malzhan

Our not-quite-2-year-old had a GREAT time at the zoo! We arrived at opening (9am) and stayed until closing (4pm). We didnt have time to visit the reptile house, but we spent an hour and a half walking around with a napping toddler in a stroller. The new African exhibit is amazingly beautiful, and I love that the animals are all together. The lion cub was out and playing with its mom right up against the glass. We were definitely impressed by the new zoo additions. It had probably been 10-15 years since I last visited. I am only giving 4 stars since, after visiting several zoos over the last couple of years with a little one, there were a few things that struck me during our visit: 1) Zoo staff is not uniformly dressed and in most cases, not easily recognizable. Most of the staff wore plain, nondescript black jackets. They might have had the zoo logo on the breast, but that was about it. When we had a question, we found ourselves wandering around until we heard a [very loud] walkie talkie/radio, which most wear. 2) Bathrooms are few and spread pretty far apart. 3) Many of the animals had old/poor descriptions or even no description at all. There were a few exhibits that had no signs with any information about the animals. There are scheduled talks about some of the more popular animals, but I have been to other zoos that have signs that mention the animals by name, talk about their background, etc., in addition to the information about the species, and its really much nicer. 4) What happened to all the birds in the Rainforest? I remember as a kid the Rainforest was AMAZING because there were birds everywhere. During our recent visit, we only saw a small assortment of ducks, a couple other species, and the macaws. Overall, we had a great time at the zoo. One thing did strike me and make me sad, though, and that is all the signs with the number to call if you see someone abusing the animals. I thought, "Do people really do that?" Apparently, its enough of a problem that the signs are necessary. So sad.

Matthew Monnier

My wife, kids, and I came to Fresno for a wedding from Florida and decide to go to the zoo with our infant and 4 yr old. We must say that this was a Great zoo! Especially for the price! You get the chance to get up close and personal with so many animals like elephants, rhinos, gazelle, sloths, monkeys, a bunch of different species of birds, stingrays and sharks. There was also a great petting zoo area that you are able to interact and pet goats, baby cows, donkeys, turkeys, and lamas which my son and I enjoyed a lot! Plus We were amazed that our 4 yr old son was able to feed a giraffe in the new African animals exhibit (which is massive) for only $2. He was Sooo excited by the experience that he fed them 10 more times! The food and drink prices were very reasonable as well. Plus they are military and senior citizen friendly and offer a discounted rate for both. It was a great way for the whole family to hang out and not spend a lot of money. If we ever come back to the Fresno area we are definitely coming back to this zoo. We highly recommend it anyone!!!

Shirley Haukenberry

We were impressed at the size of zoo. I would like to make some suggestions. Before that , I want to thank you for free parking for disable persons. Also your discount on senior admission. I was surprised to find you offered no discount for vets with disibilities or seniors on you electric carts. Both could really use a break on the $20 dollar charge. Being a senior myself, it is hard to push my husband around in wheel chair up hills or even flat surfaces. We came early because of heat. However when it got hot, you had shade to eat in but it was still hot. I would like to suggest miss ters in several places. Children become quite heated also. Cooling places would really help them. Also in one area where children feed animals, the soap quickly ran out. You have people selling food, maybe someone could help keep an eye on soap too. We found amimals well cared for and clean areas they lived in. Restrooms also clean. Overall our trip was a good one and we only cut short because of heat for us. Thank you for asking.

A Private User

Great place for everyone. Takes about 2-3 hours to walk around the whole park, while spending time taking pictures and stopping at exhibits. My 3 year old daughter and 2 year old son had a blast running around. We went on Friday morning and they was no crowd. It costs $5 to park, and for me and my husband and two kids it cost $21 to get in, pretty good price for what you get to see and do. You can feed the giraffes which was $2 per person, and we pet the manta rays, which costs $1 per person. But is was all well worth it for the experience :) The Cafe has pretty good food, from tri-tip sandwiches to chicken strips, popcorn was fresh and good, about $4-$9 a meal. Snacks and drinks were cheaper. All of the attractions were done, except the sea lion exhibit. The animals were all out in the open in their exhibits, some were actually being social towards people walking by. It was very clean, no garbage. Landscaping and paths are beautiful. Bathrooms are clean. I will go back again...Highly recommend this place to everyone!!

A Private User

Of all the zoos that I have ever been to in the US and in England, this zoo is by far the prettiest. I have just read the old reviews from 2005, and Im not sure that the zoo is as bad as it used to be. The bird exhibits are amazing, and the rainforest section of the zoo is one of a kind - sometimes I go just to visit the rainforest section. I dragged my husband and kid around the enormous San Diego zoo recently, and we saw fewer animals and were completely exhausted at the end of the day. The Fresno zoo is small and a manageable walk with LOTS of interesting and rare animals and birds. The landscaping is very beautiful and the park layout is pretty. There is a great petting area with goats, and a place to feed the giraffes. Also, there is an amazing stingray bay where you can touch the stingrays. This zoo has everything you want in a zoo, in a reasonable-sized walk through a lovely parkland. Its beautiful, and I feel refreshed every time I visit.

Laura S

I didnt think I would enjoy this zoo, I usually end up seeing animals in tiny enclosures that look sad, but all the animals here seem loved and well looked after. My two friends an I had a great time! The staff was so nice to us and some asked us questions about Pokémon Go and was just over all really friendly and welcoming. We saw multiple shows in the zoo that were fun and educational, each show took time after to answer questions with the animals and audience. Its nice they let you know what your donation is going toward too. The food is pretty good and really decently priced, we paid like 10$ to feed 3 people and bought the refillable cup. Highly reccomend the member pass for the price. My husband and I will be buying the family pass and returning in future weekends.