Charles Paddock Zoo, Animal conservation center in Atascadero, United States.
The Central Coast Zoo, formerly the Charles Paddock Zoo, is a five-acre (2.0 ha) community zoo beside Atascadero Lake Park, just off State Route 41 in Atascadero, San Luis Obispo County. It holds more than 100 animals of 45 species, from a Malayan tiger and red pandas to Aldabra giant tortoises and an aviary of ibises, spoonbills and parrots.
The zoo was founded in 1955 by park ranger Charles Paddock next to a county animal shelter. It grew from a small care facility for injured and orphaned animals into an educational center focused on species protection.
The facility offers educational programs where visitors learn directly from staff about animal behavior and conservation efforts worldwide. These programs help people understand the connection between local actions and protecting species far away.
The zoo sits beside Atascadero Lake Park just off State Route 41, with a new entrance opened on 9 November 2010. Its five-acre layout keeps the 45 species within a short walk, and the compact paths suit families with children.
The zoo holds accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums despite being one of the smallest certified facilities in North America. This recognition shows that quality animal care and education do not depend on facility size.
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