Big Bear Alpine Zoo, Wildlife rehabilitation center in Big Bear Lake, California
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a wildlife rehabilitation center in Big Bear Lake that specializes in native Southern California species. The facility houses bears, mountain lions, eagles, and snow leopards in naturalistic enclosures.
The facility was founded in the 1970s and evolved from a small rehabilitation center into a comprehensive wildlife sanctuary. It has maintained its original mission of treating and caring for injured and orphaned animals throughout its history.
The zoo uses QR codes near exhibits to share the personal stories of rescued animals with visitors. These details help you connect with the individual journeys of the creatures you see.
The center sits at 6500 feet in the mountains and is easily accessible only during warmer months. Visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for changing weather, as conditions can shift quickly at this elevation.
This is one of only two alpine zoos in the United States and works closely with local wildlife areas. A striking feature is that about 90 percent of animals treated here are successfully released back into their natural habitats.
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