Orange County Zoo, Native wildlife zoo in Irvine Regional Park, Orange County, US.
The Orange County Zoo occupies 8 acres within the larger Irvine Regional Park and focuses on animals native to the southwestern United States. The grounds feature enclosures designed to reflect the habitats where these species actually live.
The site began in 1905 with the introduction of red foxes and grew over decades with new enclosures for deer and birds. This gradual development established it as a facility for conservation and education.
The animals here come from deserts and mountains of Southern California, showing visitors which species actually live in this region. As you walk through the grounds, you see how these creatures belong to their native landscape.
The zoo is easy to reach along the main park road, with clear pathways between different enclosures and rest areas. Visiting in early morning or late afternoon offers the best chance to see animals at their most active.
A free cell phone audio tour lets you hear stories from animal keepers and veterinarians about each animal's life and care. These personal accounts reveal details about individual residents that you would not learn from simple signs or displays.
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