What an amazing experience at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo! The entire zoo is small but it was incredibly clean and well maintained, making it such a pleasant place to visit. It was obvious that the animals are very well cared for and loved, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The gift shop was also fantastic well stocked with a great selection of unique souvenirs and gifts. I left with a smile on my face and can't wait to visit again. I highly recommend the Big Bear Alpine Zoo to anyone visiting the area! read more

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I really like the idea and concept behind this zoo. It's on the smaller side, but it was very well maintained and clean. The animals appeared to be well cared for, and I appreciated the focus on conservation efforts and protecting local wildlife. Being able to see some of these animals up close was definitely a cool experience. There were quite a few different animals throughout the zoo, although depending on when you visit, there may or may not be animals out in certain exhibits. I also liked that each exhibit had its own information card with additional details about the animals. It was helpful to learn more about what we were seeing and added a little more to the overall experience. Overall, I enjoyed spending some time here. It's a smaller zoo, so you probably won't spend an entire day here, but it's a nice place to stop by if you're in the area and want to see some wildlife while supporting their conservation efforts. read more

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Lucky for us we came to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo on the vest day of the year...ice cream day!!! For $5 we got 5 scoops of creamy delicious ice cream and got to saunter around the amazing zoo whilst gobbling it up. The zoo is a special little gem in the heart of Big Bear Lake that boasts conservation and wildlife protection while giving visitors the ability to enjoy these amazing animals up close (or as close as is safe). They have multiple species of bears that are incredible animals, eagles, owls, wolves, foxes, a snow leopard, and several other fauna from all over. It's the perfect sized zoo to get a few steps in and they also have a play area for the kids. Everything is clearly mapped out and it's clean and inviting. The price is admission is more than reasonable and I love that it goes towards protecting these wonderful creatures. Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a great place to experience wildlife, crisp cool Big Bear weather, and if you're lucky some ice cream on one special day a year. Check it out! read more

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This zoo was better than any zoo I have been to in a long time! Animals were so close and some awake some asleep, but wow! Eagles, bears, Snow Leopards, WOLVES!!!! Etc. This is a magical place! Thank you for helping these animals! read more

Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Black Bear - Zoos Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Visited Big Bear Alpine Zoo with my little nephews. It's open daily from 10a-4pm. Admission is reasonable. Children (2 & under) free. Children (3-12) $12. Adults $17. Most of the animals are nocturnal, so many of them were sleeping or not very active during the day. It made it really hard to enjoy or see much happening. I feel like you see more local wildlife rather than anything exciting or unique. They have a snack shop located right across from the kids' playground, with the restrooms and gift shop conveniently nearby. I respect that they focus on rehabilitation and rescue. It's clean, easy to walk through, and probably a good educational stop for kids. read more

Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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I know it's a small zoo so I wasn't expecting too much but most of the animals were sleeping when my friends and I walked through. I was also disappointed that some areas of the zoo were closed due to construction and the nacturnal room was closed. Other then that the zoo was very clean with lots of walking room. There are bathrooms right at the entrance along with the gift shop. They also had a little play ground for the kids which is a nice addition. read more

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The rumors are true, super underwhelming. Parking is to the left side of zoo. Parking in front of zoo is only disabled parking. We paid $58 for two adults and two children. Old ladies at the box office not very friendly. I had read the reviews about the lack of animals here. There's even a sign out front saying that you might not see many animals. Restrooms are right at enterance/ gift shop. With the time it'll take you to search for animals that are not there, I'd say it would take you about an hour to go through everything. We saw a bear, coyote, crows, pelican, squirrels, eagles, a fox, an owl, a racoon, and that about does it. There's more restrooms towards the middle. A couple of places to take photos at. There's a stand that sells drinks and snacks next to a small playground. Nocturnal room was closed and there's a stage but no performance. Honestly, I feel like this place wouldn't get such bad rep if they actually invested or tried to make it better or at least lowered the price to $5. I get the funds help take care of the animals so I don't regret going but would I return? Absolutely not. There's other small zoos that charge way less like Irvine, Santa Ana or Phelan and are way better. read more

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What a fun place to see lights during their Wild Lights event! We came here on a Friday evening and there weren't that many people. We bought tickets ahead of time and walked right in. Most of the animals are not visible during the evening, but we did get to see some! Plus, our main focus was enjoying the lights, which they did a great job with. Plenty of photo ops as we strolled around the zoo, and there was a guy singing live music as well. I can imagine it getting pretty popular closer to the holidays! Moonridge Coffee was also there in a little popup shop, and we enjoyed a couple of cups of hot chocolate as the kids played on the playground for a bit. Very relaxing. There's also a gift shop that has some cool swag. Plenty of parking in the lot, with a very relaxing atmosphere. read more

Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Every time a visit a new place I look for a Zoo or Aquarium, this time I was able to visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, it's a tiny little zoo that you can enjoy! Best time to visit it's when they open due that all animals are out, I came during summer so the animals stay indoors to avoid the heat. They also have a little shop and the Zoo itself is a great experience! read more

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I was hoping to enjoy this zoo, but unfortunately, it was kind of a waste of our time and money. The only reason I'm giving it 3 stars is because the staff were very friendly. It simply wasn't worth the price of admission, and I wouldn't return. Having visited zoos in major cities, this one doesn't compare. I understand it focuses on local wildlife, but it wasn't very interesting to our family. The scenery was very beautiful, offering a stunning view of the mountains in the distance. read more

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A little late here my friends, but I couldn't not post this review. We visited on a cold, rainy New Year's Eve and despite the cold, it was fantastic. We basically had the zoo to ourselves. Their holiday lights made the visit extra magical. Many of the animals were within their warm shelters, but the ones we did see were beautiful. The best part of visiting this zoo was knowing our contribution went towards rescuing and rehabilitating animals. read more

Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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One of the smaller zoos that I've visited. Not a bad attraction when visiting the area but I wouldn't actively seek this option. Unfortunately I visited when there was a power outage so all buildings except for the starting restrooms were available. There wasn't power to purchase tickets in person. Online tickets were $17 for adults, not including tax. There was a daily show available although it wasn't actively listed or advertised. When we visited, there was a staff member feeding skunks. We went through the entire zoo within 30 minutes. The birds were the most active and they were feasting on breakfast in the morning. The other mammals were mostly napping and chilling in the shade. There was a playground for children at the farthest end. There wasn't any food or drink options so I would come prepared with snacks and water for families. Very small compared to other zoos that I've been and it was underwhelming for the price. read more

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Had the best time at the Alpine zoo. It is the perfect size, has a playground for the kids, and great programs about the animals. We enjoyed seeing the animals that are local to Big Bear, especially the bears. Definitely recommend stopping here during your visit to the city. read more

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Love this zoo. It's well put together, with interesting exhibits, easy parking, friendly staff. It's really beautiful and unique and I would recommend a visit when your up visiting. read more

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a must do in big bear! I was not expecting so many animals and was pleasantly surprised by how many there was and for a great price too. I had such a fun time seeing all the animals and zoo koopers in certain areas talking about the animals was nice to learn about. read more

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We came to the zoo for family day yesterday. It was the perfect weather and a fun little outing. There's a playground in the middle which was fun for the kids. They had a good time looking at all the animals too. This was fun and I can see us going back. read more

Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Teddy Bear - Zoos Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is so much more than a traditional zoo. It's a rehabilitation and rescue with a dedicated staff that cares deeply about the animals they help. I started coming to the Alpine Zoo several years ago and did not realize this is also a facility that rescues and rehabilitates animals when they can. I'm not sure of another place where you get to see such majestic animals (bears, eagles, leopards, and wolves) up close and personal, just inches away. Jessica, Christy, and the team are doing truly great work, and their dedication and love for the animals shows. Highly recommend visiting and supporting this great place. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a gem in Big Bear and a great attraction to check out with family and friends. This spot is a rehabilitation zoo where they rescue injured and/or orphaned animals to care for them until they can be released back into their native habitats. To get here, there is a big parking lot right next to the zoo with free parking. For admission, it is $16 per adult. The zoo is smaller to medium sized with a gift shop as well. They have a plethora of animals to see ranging from different bears, mountain lions, snow leopards, foxes, wolves, coyotes, deers, birds, and more! Keep in mind that each exhibit will only have about 1-2 animals at a time and that they may often by hiding or resting. All in all, it was definitely a great experience to stop by, see some wildlife, and learn more about them! read more

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This is a nice small zoo to bring the family. Our kids enjoyed seeing the animals. There was a lot of parking and it wasn't crowded with a ton of people. The staff was nice and informative as well. I highly recommend coming here especially if you have kids! read more

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Bears, wolves, eagles, ravens, racoons, foxes, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes... should I continue? This little zoo is grrrrreat!

Wow. What an amazing place. We stopped by a few days ago while staying in big bear and had the best time ever. It's great when you go to a zoo that cares so much about their animals and you can truly see it. We came on a nice winter day and saw all of the animals! We even got a lovely howling show from the wolves when the ambulances drove by.. so cool! The workers were all lovely and so knowledgeable, I didn't catch the name of the man working Monday but he was so nice! We fell in love with this beautiful animal sanctuary and I highly recommend paying a visit if you're in big bear:) read more

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This zoo is small but amazing!!! The animals they have here are amazing. First time in my life that I have seen a wolf a grizzly all in one zoo. Oh I forgot they have a snow leopard!!!! I loved!!!! Definitely will be back and definitely recommend it!!! read more

Alpine Zoo Wild Lights: A Magical Winter Experience Without the Hefty Price Tag Alpine Zoo's Wild Lights is a perfect, family-friendly way to kick off the winter season--especially for young families looking for something festive without overspending. We visited with our two toddlers and debated between the regular daytime zoo admission ($58 for two adults, 2 children) or the nighttime Wild Lights event ($40 total). Since kids under five are free, the nighttime option won out--and it ended up being the best choice by far. The entire zoo transforms into a winter wonderland: glowing light displays, festive décor, and crisp mountain air that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. Our toddlers were mesmerized and still got to see most of the animals roaming around, so it truly felt like getting the full zoo experience at a lower price. Wild Lights runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through January 4, and you can comfortably explore it in about an hour. We strolled through the illuminated paths, took photos under the lights, let the kids burn off energy at the small playground, and ended the night sipping hot chocolate while listening to live Christmas music performed by a young singer. Simple, charming, and genuinely magical. If you're visiting during winter, bundle up--temperatures hover around 30 degrees--but don't let that deter you. This is an enchanting, affordable outing that checks every box: holiday magic, animal sightings, kid-friendly activities, and real value for your money. Highly recommend for families looking to make cozy winter memories without breaking the bank. read more

Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Great winter memories - Zoos Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Highly recommend for toddlers! We visited on a Saturday after it had snowed 2 days prior. We purchased our tickets online and arrived at opening. Large parking lot behind the zoo. Although it's a small zoo, I would bring a stroller if you have littles! There are a variety of wildlife to see including several bears, wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, birds, and smaller animals. There is a great play area too! Restrooms are located at the entrance. Super cute little gift shop as you exit. We spent 40 minutes and took our time with our 2 year old and 5 year old. Staff were very friendly! Highly recommend for a "cheaper" family friendly outing in Big Bear! read more

Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Kids play area! And a snack shack located next to it! - Zoos Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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A must visit for families with small children. It's small enough to enjoy and not feel overwhelmed. You could squeeze a quick visit here between other activities. We happened to come at noon after spending a whole morning playing in snow valley. It's very small, and comparable to a small walk at a park but better because if you get to see things. There's even a small playground inside. At the time, the playground was covered in snow but that didn't stop kids from playing. Worth the visit. read more

We took our son for the first time and he loved it! We got to see so many animals up close! Bears, wolves, coyotes, Eagles, and more. So great that you can scan a code at each animal to read their story and learn about why they were saved. It is kept very clean and they have restrooms at the entrance and at the end of the zoo. At the end there is also an amazing playground and tables to hangout at. Our son had fun playing there after seeing all the animals. It was $16 per adult and free for children under 2. It's a great spot to go to in big bear if you have children! read more

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Big Bear Alpine Zoo was a solid family outing overall. There were enough animals to make the ticket price feel reasonable and it was a nice activity to do with our toddler. That said, two things really hurt the experience. First, buying tickets online does not seem to speed up the process at all. You still have to stand in the same line as everyone else, which makes buying in advance feel pretty pointless. Another guest and I were both wondering why online tickets exist if they do not expedite entry. Second, the staff experience was disappointing. The man working the ticket booth was incredibly rude to multiple people and I later saw him being rude to someone while we were checking out at the gift shop too. It felt especially odd for a family friendly kids zoo. One minor personal note: the playground is nice, but once my toddler saw it, getting him to leave was basically impossible. Would have preferred more exhibits. Overall, the zoo itself was fine and worth visiting, but the ticketing process and customer service need improvement. 3 out of 5. read more

Although it's not as big as some other zoos, we love this zoo! You can get through it pretty quickly but you could also spend time looking at each of the animals. I think it's a great place for kids when you're in Big Bear :) read more

We visited the Big Bear Zoo around 11 AM, and overall it was an okay experience, but there are definitely areas that could be improved. The zoo is on the smaller side, and most of the animals were either sleeping or not very active. Many of the birds were hiding, and even the bear was asleep. I understand animals rest, but it would be great if the zoo could find ways to keep them a bit more active or provide some form of enrichment so guests can see more natural behavior. We also noticed a few gates and enclosures that looked worn down and could use some updates. The line to get in was pretty long, and the parking area is very small, which made arrival a bit difficult.both the blood ladies at the ticket box were rude . On the positive side, the gift shop was really nice, clean, and had cute souvenirs. For the price--$17 per ticket--we didn't feel like we got our full money's worth, mainly because many animals were locked up or not visible, but we still enjoyed parts of the visit. With a few improvements, this zoo could offer a much better experience. For now, we give it a 4 out of 5. read more

I decided to visit the zoo and it took me about 75 minutes to do the entire tour (including stopping in the gift shop). The entrance fee was $16 for an adult. I went at 10:30am on a Tuesday and was able to see about half the animals. Some of the animals were hidden in their dens (probably trying to stay cool). It was really neat to see the bears and wolves. Of course visiting places like this - with animals in cages - pulls at my heart strings. However, an employee that was talking about the bears, explained the animals on display are all permanent residents at the zoo due to injuries where they can no longer protect themselves (I.e. bald Eagle that can't fly), or they were illegal pets and dependent on humans to feed them (deer, coyote, wolves) . They have a separate section that is off limits to the public and staff that is for rehabilitation so they can be returned to the wild. All in all this is a nice way to spend 1-2 hours. read more

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Very cute zoo and admission is reasonable at $17 per adult. Love the fact that they help wild animals whenever possible. The animals seem healthy, have good enclosures and everything is very clean, the animals seemed satisfied. I would have loved to see more information about each particular animal - Why is it there? For how long? Where did it come from? Etc. The gift shop is quaint & perfect . This zoo is a must do when visiting Big Bear! And... great restaurants on an up and coming street that leads straight into the zoo. Come hungry, they all look pretty awesome! read more

Cute little zoo! Done in about 30 minutes but very well done. Very active critters and a little playground. Huge difference from their old one. Nice walk but don't expect too much-perfect to do when you are just looking for a jaunt! Cute gift shop too! No food or vendors but if you can't live wo food for 30 min I'm sure the gift shop had some snacks! read more

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While staying in Big Bear, we decided to get out and do something a little different. I've been to the different location a few years back and I remember it was small but cool so we decided hey this is the new one. Let's give it a shot. The parking lot is off to the side of the zoo and it's not too far of a walk to the front but just be prepared. There is no parking right next to it now I understand this is a local zoo and I'm sure it's a lot smaller than ones we've been to, but I'll tell you now you will blow through this place in 30 minutes easily and that's about it. No lie 90% of the animals here were sleeping or nowhere to be found which is why I was disappointed in the place .. it was like we were walking around looking inside the enclosures trying to find the animal instead of actually seeing what was supposed to be in there. Like I said, I'm really not trying to hate on this place and I know it's not their fault that the animals aren't awake, but I think they could do a little bit better on what they have to offer. That's just my opinion. read more

I've been to Big Bear Lake a few times now but never managed to make it over to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, luckily that changed on my last visit in July of 2023 (I know I'm late on this, but I'm trying to catch up on reviews). We arrived at the zoo when it was opening and there was a decent amount of people waiting to get in. The staff at the entrance was friendly enough and that's really the only time I interacted with any employees. The zoo itself is pretty small and took maybe 45 minutes to lap twice (we wanted to make sure the bears weren't doing anything cute before we left). Don't expect any rare exotic animals to be here, but they had a pretty good selection or Bears, Bald Eagles, Coyotes, Snakes, Mountain Lions, and a good array of animals found in the Big Bear region. Overall, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo isn't a tourist destination, a massive zoo full of exotic animals, or something to necessarily travel too, but it's certainly a small and charming zoo full of animals going through rehabilitation and being adorable, silly, cute little guys (Yes, this was written by a grown adult). Do yourself a favour and check this place out if you are in Big Bear, you won't regret it. read more

Big Bear Alpine Zoo - For some reason this bad photo of a bear is the only picture I took. - Zoos Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

This zoo is a fun place to see the animals. Each animal you go to watch has a through description to teach you about each one. The animals were very active when we were there. I also saw the zookeepers calling the wolf to feed him, I believe his name was "Loki" and he responded in a quick and happy looking manner towards the zookeepers. We already had quite a good understanding of the zoo because we have been going for years, and that was when the zoo was at the old site before this current location. One of the zookeepers Chris stop by and she taught us more about things we did not know and we appreciated that. Also there was another lady near the grizzly bears talking about the history and how they got here. We will definitely be coming back next year. read more

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It's a really small zoo you can walk the whole place in 10 minutes. If you are allergic to lavender I would not recommend there's many lavender plants. The gift shop smells too strong like lavender. read more

Solid zoo for up here! Something fun to do for a few hours. My kids loved it. Careful about going midday thought lots of animals nap time. read more

Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Zoos Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

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The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a unique zoo experience. The staff was very kind and made my first trip to the Big Bear zoo a joy to attend. Some pros are that the enclosures allowed us to see many of the animals clearly and upclose. The location was also great and the zoo was very easy to navigate. The zoo is also very affordable and had a reasonable price. As mentioned before the staff is very kind. It was also not crowded at all Although the zoo was very fun to look through, it is on the smaller side, with a fewer number of animals compared to larger zoos. Overall, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a great choice for families or those looking for a unique experience however, visitors seeking a large zoo with a wide variety of animals may want to consider other options. read more

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A beautiful and very clean zoo. The animals were so fun to see. Everything was well maintained and very nice staff. If you are in the area you need to go! My favorite were the wolves. read more

Barely any animals to see and not too good for kids to go in hot weather.. do not recommend to come here or hang out ...