Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    America's Teaching Zoo

    4.2 (129 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 4:30 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    America's Teaching Zoo Zoos Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - America's Teaching Zoo

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Laura B.

    Fun place not too crazy and able to really see the animals. The staff or students? Were all awesome, knowledgeable, and friendly. Great Way to spend my Mother's Day with my Son an Daughter in law!

    Tiger!
    Francisco M.

    As other mentioned, this zoo is for teaching students that can be visited by others. So this zoo is small but still worth a visit for a fun quick afternoon event. The collection of animals is surprising. I definitely saw animals that I haven't seen in other zoos before. The folks that work here really do like and care for the animals. I'd would return here again and bring friends.

    Joy J.

    This zoo is super tiny, but great for little kids. We like to pair a positive experience with a college campus to create good memories for our child, in hopes that a decision to one day attend college will also be positive. This is the best place for that positive experience. You can get up close and personal with the animals and certain animals are walked around with the trainers and you can pet them. They have little shows at their amphitheater throughout the day. There are no concession stands, so be sure to pack your own food and drinks.

    First timer at the Boo at the Zoo. Such a cute place and they had so many activities for my son to participate. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed the shows and my son even got in the Teslas and was able to draw on the cyber truck. I will definitely

    Berta B.

    My kids co-op set up a field trip to this Zoo and I'm glad they did! We were able to get discounted tickets which was nice. The first thing we got to do was watch a small show where they showed us different animals and gave us some facts about them! The Zoo itself it's not that large but they have a good amount of animals and the best part is you can see how much they are cared for. One of the people working there explained to us that in order to get into that teaching Zoo you have to enter a lottery and get selected that way. We had a fun time and my children learned a lot.

    Happy 100th to my Man Clarence!!
    Lance L.

    I've visited a handful of Zoo's, Aquariums and Wild Animal parks throughout California and each are special in their own way. Some have more in depth exhibits. Some allow you to get just a little closer to these magnificent animals than others. While others offer the ability to touch, to feed and to even interact with these amazing wild animals. But what they all have in common... The People. But not just any kind of people... These Zoo's and Aquariums hire People who not only love animals, but go to school, get certified as trainers and/or zoo keepers and dedicate their careers to learning all about the animals that they work with. At the Americas Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, a program is offered where students wanting to pursue a career in zoology can enroll in the EATM program (Exotic Animal Training & Management Program) and learn about working with domestic and non-domestic animals firsthand. As far as the public is concerned, the America's Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College opens its doors to visitors on the weekends between 11am-430pm where you can see the animals up close, talk with the trainers and staff and learn all about the various animals that are housed here. -My favorite is their 100 year old tortoise named Clarence who taught me "you just need to slow down in life". -The Tigers are also really cool, you will be in shock at how close you can actually get to them! Although fairly small in size, the Zoo is a great place to take the family, the kids and even grandmas! Staff are all really friendly and love questions about the animals they oversee. Parking is free, and admission is only $10 for adults, $8 for Seniors & kids 3-12, and 2 and under are free!

    Hawk
    Jennifer W.

    This is not a traditional zoo, as its purpose is to train the college students. The zoo is small and the exhibits are not elaborate. But it has some advantages over traditional zoos. The students take animals out of their cages to do interactive displays for the guests. You can get within inches of the animals this way. The students are very friendly and helpful. For the animals in cages, you can get very close to them. There are primates, tigers, a 100-year-old Galapagos tortoise, and a lion, among many other animals. There are also shows throughout the day. For example we saw serval (wild cat) show which was spectacular!

    Tortoise
    Zsanae K.

    Love this little teaching zoo. The great part is there's enthusiastic students to answer all your questions about the animals. It's small but definitely a VC treasure.

    Up close and personal with one of the beautiful tigers
    Leslie S.

    America's Teaching Zoo is a perfect place for a short family outing. Our first time at the zoo was last weekend and we loved it. The best part about the zoo is how close you can get to the animals. We loved seeing the tigers up close and are looking forward to seeing their new enclosure which has much more space for them to roam around in. The zoo is walkable because it is small. There are reptiles, primates, tigers, a lion, a tortoise , an alligator, and many more awesome animals to see. The tickets are very reasonably priced. I suggest checking the daily schedule so you can see the feedings, shows, and demonstrations. We had a great time at the zoo and will definitely be back soon!

    Yesenia R.

    My little one came for a field trip and talked highly about it. We have family that lives in Moorpark and are almost always in the area but just never thought of stopping by. It was earth day and we decided why not. Best decision ever. This little place has so the perfect amount of animals to see and learn about. Will be returning soon to bring grandpa. Note: it is not a Zoo so don't expect ALL zoo animals. Give it a try, you will love it.

    Michael L.

    Fun day at Moorpark College's Teaching Zoo. Right now they are doing the "Boo at the Zoo" theme. This entails additional decorations and trick or treat booths. Tailored to young kids, my 2yo daughter had a blast. Lots of fun activities and things to do. Of course, all the animals make it that much more fun. Most animals were out and active. Overall a fun and affordable day in Moorpark.

    Monkeys
    Larissa M.

    Cute teaching zoo for the whole family to attend. It is located in Moorpark College and has its own parking lot. I brought my 2 year old here for a birthday party and he has a wonderful time. We attended a show where they brought out 8 different animals and got to attend the lion feeding as well. There's all so a ton of other animals to look at. He loved looking at the birds and the monkeys best. The zoo itself is very clean and tidy and the staff was really nice We will definitely come back another time for a fun mini trip!

    Karma and Neil
    Hui Koon K.

    We have visited this zoo for the past 10 years. It is a good way to spend a few hours with the kids. The enclosures are not all viewing friendly and the shows are skits put up by college students. But why keep coming back? It's for the thrill of a close encounter. Today's were seeing a sugar glider glide, and to catch the low growl of displeasure from the Lion about 3 feet away. I remember the 1st time I saw them exercise the Harris hawk right in the street for visitors to watch. Or when we watched a donor feeding the Galapagos tortoise. There are usually multiple small group opportunities to see an animal up close with the students. One summer we paid extra to see the tigers play in their pool and to step into the tiger enclosure while they were away. There are many other opportunities like this but you have to pay attention to the information, plan your trip and be patient. As my kids have grown older we use this as an opportunity to interact more with the student handlers and to pick up on animal behaviors. The students and staff have always been courteous and helpful. This zoo is ultimately a training ground for exotic animal management taught at the college. Their ticket cost reflects their low budget operations.

    See all

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Meron G.
    77
    20
    51

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joy J.
    245
    482
    2608

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 2
    Love this 7
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Great little zoo for small children and an easy outing. Friendly staff as well. Go enjoy

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cynthia M.
    355
    66
    42

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Olivia S.
    463
    97
    28

    2 years ago

    Been coming here for years. The zoo is clean and well kept. The animals are well taken care of and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sonj H.
    625
    1307
    759

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mara R.

    Mara R.

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mara R.

    Mara R.

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lois T.
    0
    39
    19

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    The zoo was very cool, it wasn't busy, for the animals that were out in the heat it was great to see them so close especially the tigers.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joanna S.
    55
    376
    114

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Mara R.

    Mara R.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - America's Teaching Zoo

    Review Highlights - America's Teaching Zoo

    Americas Teaching Zoo is an awesome little zoo tucked up at the top of the Moorpark College campus with a great quaint feel.

    Mentioned in 13 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Zoos 260 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum - Marine 1.  Pretty tight inside.  Used for short trips

    Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum

    4.4(1.4k reviews)
    3.1 mi
    Private events
    Large group friendly

    I've been up here several times now, different occasions, ceremonies different dignitaries, and…read moreseveral different politicians of different events. It's also home of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, who are both buried here on the property for those who don't know.. The scenery up here in the top of the hill is really there's no description to describe of how peaceful it is up here. Yes, it's in the heart of Simi Valley.. Also on the facility is Air Force One the plane that Reagan flew on during his eight years as president, his helicopter and a couple of his police vehicles that did the escort. There's also a Stout bomber an F-16 a tank also on the property that are displayed. I volunteered my time yesterday for the Boys and Girls Club of California actually, it was the boys in club of Simi Valley in Moorpark kids that are at a disadvantage who don't have both parents that need financial help moral support and other things in life to make them a better person. I helped do the silent auction where there was several different pieces that were auctioned off during the event. The staff did a phenomenal job. It was $190 per person for the meal and it was all catered and cooked by the staff here at the location portable bars were set up throughout the venue. So I just want to thank the staff for doing a great job in coordinating and supporting and doing this event for the boys and girls having allowing them to hold their event here. The main dish was a top sirloin, steak, salmon, asparagus, roasted potatoes, and of course, a garden salad and two different types of desserts. One was a strawberry cake parfait. Overall, the employees you're doing a fantastic job and maintaining it from the groundskeepers to the security most of all it was a tremendous.venue.

    Just close the restaurant that they pretend to have here. I don't know if it's some kind of…read moreemployment job creation program that they need to be open for two hours a day for no reason. But it is an absolute waste in a sham to pretend like they have an actual cafeteria here. The bar might as well not exist because it's basically open for a few hours two days a week. Seriously, just shut down this waste of taxpayer dollars we are funneling into keeping a restaurant open completely unprofitable

    Photos
    Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum - The shop

    The shop

    Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum - Air Force 1

    Air Force 1

    Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum - Auschwitz exhibit 7/5/23

    See all

    Auschwitz exhibit 7/5/23

    Fermata Farm and Cafe

    Fermata Farm and Cafe

    4.9(19 reviews)
    7.9 mi

    This is by far the GREATEST new gem to come to Thousand Oaks in a very long time! Fermata is unlike…read moreanything you've ever visited before, with an incredible cafe serving all your favorite hot and cold coffee drinks and using the best local coffee, Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters. In addition to the coffee, they also have iced teas and some unique creations of their own. The staff is beyond friendly and the outdoor seating area is a perfect hangout spot that overlooks the attached petting zoo. Yes, you heard that right, this cafe also has a mini farm with a FREE petting zoo! In the farm you'll find an array of animals, like highland cows, alpacas, and a nice shaded area where you can pet chickens, rabbits, and mini pigs! This type of activity could normally cost up to $20/person at other farms, but Fermata provides it all for free as a service to the community. If you're looking for an incredibly fun and free outing for your family swing by Fermata Farm and Cafe for an unbelievable experience that is guaranteed to put smiles on everyone's faces. While you're there grab a delicious drink to support the farm and take all the insta-worthy pictures that you'd like. One things for sure, once you leave Fermata you'll feel like you just experienced a piece of heaven on earth.

    (temporarly closed for now). A great local animal sanctuary. Kids love seeing the animals, and…read moreeasy to get to with lots of parking. It's small, and cute.

    Photos
    Fermata Farm and Cafe - Mini pig

    Mini pig

    Fermata Farm and Cafe - Alpaca

    Alpaca

    Fermata Farm and Cafe - Fermata Cafe ambiance

    See all

    Fermata Cafe ambiance

    Twenty Nine Oaks Ranch - The one thing that tasted okay beats and goat cheese

    Twenty Nine Oaks Ranch

    3.2(27 reviews)
    11.6 mi

    This was one of the worst experiences I've ever had…read more My fiancée booked a Valentine Lovers Horseback Ride last year, and it was a mess from start to finish. This was shortly after the really terrible rains in Los Angeles, so the horses were absolutely disgusting, covered in crusty mud and dirt all over. I had dressed a little cute to take some nice photos during the ride, which I quickly realized was a horrible mistake because we were told that we had to brush the horses ourselves. Dirt and dust was flying everywhere and got all over my clothes. It took at least 20-30 minutes to complete, and it felt like we were paying THEM to clean THEIR horses. We had made it very clear that we were very inexperienced horseback riders since we had only ridden a horse one time in our lives. So we were just looking forward to a very slow, relaxing ride with some beautiful views. However, after about half an hour of a nice slow walk with the horses, our guide (Wyatt) told us that we had to make our horses start trotting. I said over and over that I did not feel comfortable doing that, and I would prefer to stay at a slow pace. However, he told me that we weren't leaving until I made my horse (Biscuit, who might I add is a retired racehorse with all sorts of trauma, I'm sure) trot. After feeling very uncomfortable and trapped since Wyatt was peer pressuring me to make the horse trot (and I didn't know how to get off my horse by myself), I felt like I had no choice. Within minutes of telling my horse to trot, he started going way too fast for me and I couldn't get him to slow down. As a result, he bucked me off and I slammed on the ground, seriously bruising my kneecap and giving me an awful headache because I hit my head on the ground after I landed on my knee. I was crying the entire time, but instead of Wyatt calling someone to grab Biscuit, he MADE me get back on the horse to go all the way back down the mountain. I was crying and begged him to just let me walk him back down, but he wouldn't allow it and said we weren't going anywhere until I complied. I was so shaken up and in so much pain by the time I got back down the mountain, that I was completely numb to the event. I am so thankful that I am someone who is in relatively good shape because if this had been a child or an elderly person, this could have been a fatal event. DO NOT GO HERE. It's probably fine if you are an experienced horseback rider, but if you are looking for an easy gentle ride, this is the worst option you could possibly choose. I think this is the only review I've ever left a 1 star for because of how dangerous this was. :(

    Made and paid for a reservation online. $150.00 and when I get there no signs or information to…read moretell you where to go. My driver honked horn many times and finally someone came out and said they didn't have a reservation for me. Then someone else came out and said they did have one but didn't notice it in their systems. Asked me if I could come back tomorrow which I could not. They apologized and offered me a future bottle of wine if I came back. I don't drink. Property does not look like or behave like a professional business or ranch. Really bummed out as I planned my weekend around this. I would find another place to go riding and/or equine therapy. Zero stars.

    Photos
    Twenty Nine Oaks Ranch
    Twenty Nine Oaks Ranch
    Twenty Nine Oaks Ranch

    See all

    Saltwater Solutions - 75 gallon coral reef set by Saltwater Solutions pond and aquarium service

    Saltwater Solutions

    4.6(10 reviews)
    19.0 mi

    This is truly a hidden gem! I'm always searching around for new aquarium stores to visit and I…read morestumbled upon this amazing place today. I had just finished my shift at work nearby and wondered if there were any good saltwater stores nearby. I searched on Yelp and found this place. The store is run in a townhome and the only way you would know about it is by word of mouth or looking online, so it truly is a hidden gem ;). Jason was fantastic! He has a nice little setup that has one of the most amazing collection of corals I've seen in a compact space. If you're an sps guy like me, then this is the place to go to. He also has a nice variety of lps and softies. All of the corals are in great health and are thriving. I bought with confidence! Jason also has amazing prices on his selection of livestock and dry goods so it really is hard to complain about anything. He was really accommodating on my visit and made sure to answer any questions I had. If there is something that isn't there and you would like to get your hands on, just let him know and he will get it for you. I can't believe I drove by this place so many times without taking the time to drop by. I'm really glad I found this place as I will be back very soon for another splurge! It is hard to leave this place without wanting to buy something! Thanks Jason! Edit: also a tip, it would be a good idea to give him a call before arriving to see if he is available to open shop as he is in and out of shop sometimes.

    Not a store its a house dont waist your time driving here all the reviews are from friends they…read morewrote a store but its not true

    Photos
    Saltwater Solutions - 150 gal mixed reef tank set up by Saltwater Solutions aquarium service

    150 gal mixed reef tank set up by Saltwater Solutions aquarium service

    Saltwater Solutions - Make an appointment to see the coral grow and shop for coral frags!

    Make an appointment to see the coral grow and shop for coral frags!

    Saltwater Solutions - Reef Aquarium Set up by Saltwater Solutions aquarium service

    See all

    Reef Aquarium Set up by Saltwater Solutions aquarium service

    America's Teaching Zoo - zoos - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...