Merced's Applegate Park Zoo

Located in the heart of Merced, a city in sunny California, is the cozy Applegate Park Zoo. This small but significant space in the USA is home to more than 75 representatives of the local fauna. Unlike massive commercial safari parks, this place is filled with an atmosphere of care and tranquility.

What makes this zoo special is that almost all its residents are rescued animals. Mammals, birds, and reptiles came here from wildlife rehabilitation centers because, due to health issues or habituation to humans, they can no longer return to the wild. Here, they have found a safe haven and an important role as "ambassadors" for California's wildlife.

Professional zookeepers monitor the animals' well-being daily. Visitors appreciate this zoo for the opportunity to quietly observe the lives of regional species and learn more about environmental conservation. It is a wonderful place for those seeking an educational and heartwarming outing for the whole family.

For the latest information on the zoo's operations or special events, you can use the following contact details:

The main activity at the zoo is animal observation in conditions that closely mimic their natural habitats. You can see Californian mammals, rare birds, and reptiles, while information boards by the enclosures share the amazing rescue stories of each resident. This is a great spot for photography enthusiasts, as the well-maintained grounds allow for interesting shots of the fauna.

For those who want to dive deeper into zoo life, there are volunteering opportunities (for those aged 16 and older). Volunteers help with food preparation, landscaping, and enclosure maintenance. To join the helper team, you must contact the city's Parks and Community Services office in advance. It is a unique chance to contribute to wildlife protection.

To ensure the comfort and safety of all guests, certain rules are in place. Pets, food, and canned drinks are prohibited in the zoo, as is the use of bicycles, rollerblades, or playing loud music. This helps maintain a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a thoughtful introduction to the animal world.

Finding Applegate Park Zoo is easy, as it is conveniently located at 1045 W 25th Street. If you are traveling by car, you can use the coordinates POINT(-120.4872351 37.312783) for your GPS. Convenient parking is available for visitors right within Applegate Park.

For those who prefer public transport, buses run throughout the city, and the nearest stop is just a few minutes' walk from the park entrance. Taxi or rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) are also popular and fast ways to get around. A trip from the city center will take no more than 5–10 minutes.

If the weather is nice, the zoo is accessible on foot or by bicycle. The walk from the city center is about 2–3 kilometers through pleasant residential neighborhoods, which can be a lovely part of your route in its own right.

The history of Applegate Park Zoo began in 1962. For more than six decades, this site has served not just as an attraction, but as a true sanctuary for wild animals that, for various reasons, cannot survive in their natural habitat.

The zoo's primary mission is the rehabilitation and protection of local fauna. Most of its residents—mammals, birds, and reptiles native to California—were transferred here from specialized rescue centers. Here, they find professional care and a safe home.

Over the years, the zoo has evolved into an important educational platform. The animals act as "ambassadors" for the wild, helping visitors better understand the importance of biodiversity and environmental stewardship. This underscores the institution's significant role within the local community.

To leisurely observe all the residents and enjoy a stroll through the grounds, a typical visitor will need about 1 to 2 hours. The zoo is quite compact, making it an excellent option for a short break that won't exhaust even the youngest travelers.

This timeframe makes it easy to fit a visit into a busy sightseeing schedule. It is an ideal location for a family walk when you want to enjoy some pleasant experiences without dedicating an entire day to it.

When planning your visit, please note the schedule, as the zoo is not open every day:

• Thursday and Friday: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: Closed

Please note that the zoo is also closed on major holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. It is recommended to arrive at least an hour before closing to ensure you have enough time to see the entire grounds.

A visit to the zoo can easily be combined with other interesting sights in the area. Since the facility is located in the heart of a city park, a walk around the neighborhood will allow you to soak in the local atmosphere and see various monuments and architectural landmarks.