Discover the Wonders of Fresno Zoo: An Unforgettable Adventure

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is located within Roeding Park in Fresno, California. The Zoo covers 46 acres and is home to nearly 700 animals representing over 200 species. Visitors from all over the state come to experience the Zoo’s various animals, which are housed in habitats designed to mimic their natural environments, including a walk-through rainforest exhibit. Here’s an overview of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo Attractions and Exhibits:

African Adventure: One of the Zoo’s main attractions is a savanna-like habitat where visitors can see elephants, giraffes, and lions.

Sea Lion Cove: Inspired by the marine environment at Point Lobos, it features an underwater viewing area that offers visitors an up-close and personal experience with sea lions and harbor seals.

Stingray Bay: Allows visitors to touch and feed stingrays. There is a $5 admission per person for non-members of the Zoo to view this attraction.

Reptile House: Showcases various reptiles in naturalistic settings.

Kingdoms of Asia: This fantastic exhibit features Asian wildlife, including sloth bears, otters, and songbirds.

Reptile House: This exhibit features frogs and other species, including a Mexican red-kneed tarantula and a red-ruffed lemur.

Tours and Activities:

Feeding Giraffes: Visitors can interact by feeding giraffes.
Winged Wonders Bird Show: A daily free-flight bird demonstration is held from March to October, weather permitting.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Offers unique experiences like meeting animals and participating in training sessions.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo History

The Roeding Park Zoo was founded in 1908 and officially opened in 1929. In the 1990s, it was renamed the Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno in honor of its longtime director, Dr. Paul S. Chaffee.

Fresno Zoo Events:

IllumiNature: An event featuring light displays during the holiday season.
Zoo Camp, Overnight Events, and Tours: Various programs, including twilight and backstage tours, are available.
Dino Dig: Children can participate in a fun, educational activity where they can “excavate” a dinosaur.
Zoo Boo: A Halloween event where visitors dress up and trick or treat through the Zoo.

Fresno Zoo Location and Accessibility:

Address: 894 W Belmont Ave, Fresno, California.
Hours: It is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To gain priority entry, it is recommended that you pre-purchase timed entry tickets.

Fresno Zoo Day Trip Summary

The Zoo’s mission is to offer a fun, unique, and immersive experience that enhances the connection between people and wildlife. It’s a great place to spend the day with your family. For the latest information on hours of operation and ticket prices, please visit the Zoo’s website.

Fresno County Points of Interest

Bravo Farms Kettleman City

Bravo Farms is a roadside attraction on Highway 99 between Tulare and Fresno. Kettleman City is the largest of the four locations. The theme here is the Wild West, featuring a ghost town, a restaurant, and a farm store. There’s even a designated area for dogs to play. Bravo Farms is a great place to stop on a road trip.

Yosemite  Sugar Pine Railroad

The Yosemite steam train ride lasts about one hour and takes you through the beautiful Sierra National Forest. You travel over four miles on the historic Madera Sugar Pine Railroad, and this trip is pet-friendly, and dogs ride free. The two steam locomotives operate daily during the summer months, and the railroad is only a one-hour drive from Fresno.

Take a Dip at Mercey Hot Springs

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Western Fresno County is Mercey Hot Springs, a hidden gem. Here, guests can soak in tubs filled with hot mineral water, swim in a beautiful heated pool, play Frisbee golf, hike, or mountain bike. Mercey Hot Springs is a great place to relax and rejuvenate.