Charles Paddock Zoo, Animal conservation center in Atascadero, United States.
Charles Paddock Zoo is a small animal facility spanning five acres in California's Central Coast region. The zoo displays over 100 animals representing approximately 45 species from around the world in naturalistic enclosures.
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 facility is compact and easy to navigate, making a visit manageable in a few hours and suitable for families with children of all ages. The walkways are well maintained and the enclosures are close together, allowing visitors to see all the animals without long walks.
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
