A Visit to San Bernadino's Spectacular Big Bear Alpine Zoo

(Last Updated On: January 2, 2017)

There are so many things I am excited to return to San Bernadino County for. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is at the top of that list.

I’m almost ashamed to admit that I have lived in California for almost two decades but I have not ventured out very much into San Bernadino county. I had this fuzzy gray idea of the county, inland and upwards in my mind.

I’m so grateful that I had the chance to visit and tour as the guest of Visit San Bernadino and get the scoop on the best things to see and do.

Nestled in the trees in Big Bear, The Big Bear Zoo is not your “regular” zoo. You won’t see zebras and elephants here. This zoo is an Alpine Zoo, one of only a handful in the USA. All of the animals in the zoo are native alpine species, meaning they are normally found living in the wild at high altitudes. They are all also animals that have been rescued with the primary goal of rehabilitation and release. From the zoo’s website:

“The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a rehabilitation facility offering injured, orphaned and imprinted wild animals a safe haven; temporarily while they heal or permanently as they are unable to survive on their own. We are extremely proud that 90% of all the animals brought to us for rehabilitation are successfully released back into their native environment. Those that remain with us on exhibit are either too injured or have been imprinted by humans and cannot be released back into the wild to care for themselves.”

Many of the animals in this zoo are the same type that you might find wandering through the woods in this area, though I’m not sure you’d prefer to see the bears and mountain lions that way.

This caretaker had a hard time raking out the timber wolves enclosure as they all wanted to be pet. These wolves were hand raised and have clearly imprinted on humans, which precludes their release back into the wild.

The zoo is currently conducting a study on the mysterious flying squirrels that are native to San Bernadino. They are quite rare, and were almost thought to be extinct but we got to see a few up close in their enclosure. Very adorable, but don’t be tempted to keep one as a pet!

Here is a more complete list of the animals that you can see at the Big Bear Zoo. Though their enclosures are large enough for the animals to be comfortable, most of the animals are quite easy to see at this zoo and you won’t be disappointed, searching for them. Allow at least a couple of hours for your visit if you like animals. I could have stayed and watched these magnificent animals all day long.

I think my favorite part of the visit was the passion and knowledge shared by the staff. The caretakers here are extremely committed to the animals and are happy to answer questions.

My kids were not with me on this short trip and we had limited time to explore. I can’t wait to go back with them! See the Big Bear Alpine Zoo website for more information and hours of operation.

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