big bear alpine zoo at moonridge

Fun little zoo to spend a couple hours at! All the animals are rescues and they have a pretty large variety. We go every time we visit Big Bear.

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge is unlike any zoo I've visited in the past. The animals that are housed at the zoo are either there to be rehabilitated and released, or they are there because they've become nuisances to neighboring communities. The zoo houses a mountain lion, coyotes, bald eagle, grizzly bear, black bears, foxes, timber wolves, and much more. I felt sad for the animals because their cages were so small, but felt better knowing that they would one day be released.

My friend and I decided to visit the Alpine Zoo since neither of us wanted to ski/snowboard, and there isn't much to do in Big Bear in the winter outside of either of those. We went when it was snowing heavily, and I didn't realize until after we had already paid that it was all outdoors. However, the fact that it was snowing and it was outdoors really made it magical! It was so, so cool to see the animals they have enjoying the snow. The timberwolves, mountain lions, and grizzlies seemed to especially be enjoying it. There was also a zoologist, Bill, around to answer any questions we had. He was super helpful and gave us a lot of information about the animals and how the Alpine Zoo helps to rehabilitate them. Definitely recommended for anyone who visits Big Bear!

This is a nice little Alpine Zoo. They have a great variety of animals you would find in the mountain regions. Quite a few of the enclosures have been updated to try to provide the animals with more natural surroundings and space. I honestly wouldn't expect to spend too much more than an hour here, but it is a great place to take the kids so they can learn about the animals that live in the mountains. We were lucky to get to experience feeding time for the wolves, foxes and several other smaller animals. The staff that works there is very friendly and open to answering questions from visitors. Definite must see for animal lovers.

Visited with my niece and nephew. Niece enjoyed seeing the animals. Hard to see some of the animals, others we didn't see at all. Place looks a little run down but what do you expect from a small zoo in a small town. It was cool to see the snow leopards. I also wanted to help support the animals and the community!

I usually don't like the idea of having animals in a cage, but this place is different! - I think both, kids and adults will enjoy... The pack of wolves, the Eagles, snow leopards, grizzly bears and amazing exotic animals. You will not regret!

Love , Love this little animal recuse / zoo - you can get close to the animals , see them feeding around 2 pm each day ... the Grizzly bears are fun see up close . as well last Poo ( the honey stealing bear) and Huckleberry the three legged bear .. Its a short trip through the grounds but the kids always love it ...

Just went here today as my mother was curious. Its right next to the bear mountain ski area. Its OK but more suited for small children.

We went on the weekend 3pm feeding tour and got to see all the big animals being fed. the bears came out for apples. The cougars and snow leopards got their meat and the Wolves all started howling. It was great fun and you get to learn why and how they animals came to live there.

I loved the 9 wolves and the coyotes - they howled and sounded great! Many animals you don't see often in large zoos - enjoyed the owls and arctic fox too!

Not very big, but has a handful of things to look at. It is out doors so if you are going during the cold season make sure to bring a jacket, cap and gloves! Cash/Visa/MC only

A great little zoo in Big Bear that allows the kids to explore in a smaller area. Interesting animals that you might not typically see in a regular zoo. Somewhat expensive but the money goes to a good cause. Our favorite were the timber wolves.

This place is a beautiful sanctuary for animals that have been injured in the wild. The environment is peaceful and the animals have large spaces to play comfortably. This is a must see for anyone visiting the area!

This little zoo has a surprisingly large variety of animals. We toured through with our 3-year old granddaughter, and she had a wonderful time walking around looking at all the critters, climbing on the froggie and bear statues, and watching the badgers and bears eat lunch! The public restroom was also very clean :) There is a modest tiered admission price, but well worth it.

Awesome zoo, love this place! One of the best attractions in Big Bear. I liked it when it was the old place, but I believe that the new zoo is now completed, which is great for the animals. Calm serene environment with bears, big cats, wolves, owls. Special place dont miss it!