San Bernardino County history – Big Bear Alpine Zoo

*Big Bear Alpine Zoo is located in Big Bear Lake.*

Located in the San Bernardino National Forest, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo has a long history of not only showcasing a variety of fascinating animals, but also providing a sanctuary for injured, orphaned and imprinted wildlife.

Formerly known as Moonridge Animal Park, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo opened its doors in 1959 after a devastating wildfire roared through the San Bernardino National Forest and displaced many local animals. Originally, it was not a zoo, but a safe place for injured animals to rehabilitate and eventually return to the wild.

The first animals to be cared for by the zoo include a black bear and two bobcats. In 1960, a 50-year lease was obtained and allowed the zoo to expand and develop into a zoological facility. In 1989, the Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (FOBBAZ) was founded as a non-profit to raise funds and support the zoo. FOBBAZ coordinates volunteer activities at the zoo, which include a wide range of duties.

Today, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo continues to serve as a safe haven for injured and orphaned animals. The zoo is managed and funded by the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, a Special District of San Bernardino County.

The zoo is home to numerous animals including bears, mountain lions and several species of birds. View the other types of animals found at the zoo. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and receives approximately 152,000 visitors annually.

The information in this historical feature was originally part of a video series produced by the Assessor-Recorder-Clerk’s office.

Additional County Update News – Jan. 23, 2025