Big Bear Lake, CA

Change City

---

• Back to Things to Do

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

43285 Goldmine Drive

Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

909-878-4200

History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.

A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and Nature Big Bear Alpine Zoo arose from the ashes of forest fires in 1959 that devastated the natural ecosystem of the San Bernardino Mountains. Several injured animals were brought to safety for rehabilitation and a second chance at life in the wild. But for some, returning to the forest was not an option due to human imprinting or injuries that would compromise their survival. For those healthy but non-releasable birds and animals, a 2.5-acre parcel located 7,125 feet above sea level in the same indigenous, sub-alpine conifer forest became their protective new home and the site of Big Bear Alpine Zoo.

An orphaned, 30-pound black bear cub, stranded in a tree after the fire, was among the first, permanent inhabitants at the zoo. Other early arrivals to the Southern California facility included mule deer and bobcats.

In 1960, a 50-year lease on the property enabled Big Bear Alpine Zoo to grow into a zoological facility. In 1961, the zoo became part of the San Bernardino County Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. Today, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to more than 150 birds and animals representing 85 species. Notably, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is distinguished as the only zoological facility in the United States located in an alpine/sub-alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine species.

Educational wildlife programs have grown right along with the resident animal population. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo presents zoological information in an historical context, to demonstrate the impact of human social conditions on the well being of wildlife. This is done with the assistance of only non-releasable wildlife that serves as educational ambassadors. Each year, with the help of trained docents, Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers hundreds of educational programs for school children, youth organizations, families, and visitors from around the world.

The growth of the facility is testament to the need for alpine wildlife preservation. Neighboring urban areas have grown and encroached upon bird and animal habitats to the point that the surrounding Big Bear Valley is now classified as an urban forest. The San Bernardino Mountains have become one of the last bastions for future generations to glimpse alpine wildlife in natural ecosystems.

Primarily a zoological facility, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo also is a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured or confiscated animals. Annually, at least 200 injured wild birds and animals are treated here. Over the years, thousands of injured, orphaned, or behaviorally handicapped wildlife have come to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The majority of animals rehabilitated at the zoo have been successfully released to the wild.

Flag This Place

Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors.

AARP Events for Big Bear Lake

AARP Events for Big Bear Lake

• Featured Event

  AARP Los Angeles, CA Soul Steppers Walking Group 12/3/24

  Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT

  Crenshaw Family YMCA

  Los Angeles, CA

• Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication

  Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. PT

  Online Event

• Disrupt Aging Book Club

  Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. PT

  Online Event

View All AARP Events

Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal

• Immediate access to your member benefits
• Discounts on travel and everyday savings
• Subscription to AARP The Magazine
• FREE second membership

Join AARP

Already a member? Renew or Print Card

Facebook

Contact AARP
California

• CAaarp@aarp.org
• AARP California
• Contact Us

     

Return to top

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Code Context
            <?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>43285 Goldmine Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Big Bear Lake</span>,
							<span>CA</span>
												<span>92315</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.moonridgezoo.org" target="_blank">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 909-878-4200</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Big+Bear+Alpine+Zoo%2C+43285+Goldmine+Drive%2C+Big+Bear+Lake%2C+CA+92315" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and Nature Big Bear Alpine Zoo arose from the ashes of forest fires in 1959 that devastated the natural ecosystem of the San Bernardino Mountains. Several injured animals were brought to safety for rehabilitation and a second chance at life in the wild. But for some, returning to the forest was not an option due to human imprinting or injuries that would compromise their survival. For those healthy but non-releasable birds and animals, a 2.5-acre parcel located 7,125 feet above sea level in the same indigenous, sub-alpine conifer forest became their protective new home and the site of Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>An orphaned, 30-pound black bear cub, stranded in a tree after the fire, was among the first, permanent inhabitants at the zoo. Other early arrivals to the Southern California facility included mule deer and bobcats.</p>
<p>In 1960, a 50-year lease on the property enabled Big Bear Alpine Zoo to grow into a zoological facility. In 1961, the zoo became part of the San Bernardino County Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. Today, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to more than 150 birds and animals representing 85 species. Notably, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is distinguished as the only zoological facility in the United States located in an alpine/sub-alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine species.</p>
<p>Educational wildlife programs have grown right along with the resident animal population. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo presents zoological information in an historical context, to demonstrate the impact of human social conditions on the well being of wildlife. This is done with the assistance of only non-releasable wildlife that serves as educational ambassadors. Each year, with the help of trained docents, Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers hundreds of educational programs for school children, youth organizations, families, and visitors from around the world.</p>
<p>The growth of the facility is testament to the need for alpine wildlife preservation. Neighboring urban areas have grown and encroached upon bird and animal habitats to the point that the surrounding Big Bear Valley is now classified as an urban forest. The San Bernardino Mountains have become one of the last bastions for future generations to glimpse alpine wildlife in natural ecosystems.</p>
<p>Primarily a zoological facility, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo also is a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured or confiscated animals. Annually, at least 200 injured wild birds and animals are treated here. Over the years, thousands of injured, orphaned, or behaviorally handicapped wildlife have come to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The majority of animals rehabilitated at the zoo have been successfully released to the wild.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/big-bear-lake-ca/report/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-los-angeles-ca-soul-steppers-walking-group-12324-tsn9yyxtytk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LOS-ANGELES-CA-SOUL-STEPPERS-WALKING-GROUP-12324">AARP Los Angeles, CA Soul Steppers Walking Group 12/3/24</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024 at 8:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue">Crenshaw Family YMCA</p>
					<p class="loc">Los Angeles, CA</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-11232024-2cn9yxyg6g3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />California</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BIGBEARLAKE-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and" name="description"/>
<meta content="Big, Bear, Alpine, Zoo, Lake, CA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.229198"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-116.859001"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>43285 Goldmine Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Big Bear Lake</span>,
							<span>CA</span>
												<span>92315</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.moonridgezoo.org" target="_blank">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 909-878-4200</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Big+Bear+Alpine+Zoo%2C+43285+Goldmine+Drive%2C+Big+Bear+Lake%2C+CA+92315" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and Nature Big Bear Alpine Zoo arose from the ashes of forest fires in 1959 that devastated the natural ecosystem of the San Bernardino Mountains. Several injured animals were brought to safety for rehabilitation and a second chance at life in the wild. But for some, returning to the forest was not an option due to human imprinting or injuries that would compromise their survival. For those healthy but non-releasable birds and animals, a 2.5-acre parcel located 7,125 feet above sea level in the same indigenous, sub-alpine conifer forest became their protective new home and the site of Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>An orphaned, 30-pound black bear cub, stranded in a tree after the fire, was among the first, permanent inhabitants at the zoo. Other early arrivals to the Southern California facility included mule deer and bobcats.</p>
<p>In 1960, a 50-year lease on the property enabled Big Bear Alpine Zoo to grow into a zoological facility. In 1961, the zoo became part of the San Bernardino County Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. Today, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to more than 150 birds and animals representing 85 species. Notably, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is distinguished as the only zoological facility in the United States located in an alpine/sub-alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine species.</p>
<p>Educational wildlife programs have grown right along with the resident animal population. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo presents zoological information in an historical context, to demonstrate the impact of human social conditions on the well being of wildlife. This is done with the assistance of only non-releasable wildlife that serves as educational ambassadors. Each year, with the help of trained docents, Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers hundreds of educational programs for school children, youth organizations, families, and visitors from around the world.</p>
<p>The growth of the facility is testament to the need for alpine wildlife preservation. Neighboring urban areas have grown and encroached upon bird and animal habitats to the point that the surrounding Big Bear Valley is now classified as an urban forest. The San Bernardino Mountains have become one of the last bastions for future generations to glimpse alpine wildlife in natural ecosystems.</p>
<p>Primarily a zoological facility, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo also is a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured or confiscated animals. Annually, at least 200 injured wild birds and animals are treated here. Over the years, thousands of injured, orphaned, or behaviorally handicapped wildlife have come to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The majority of animals rehabilitated at the zoo have been successfully released to the wild.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/big-bear-lake-ca/report/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-los-angeles-ca-soul-steppers-walking-group-12324-tsn9yyxtytk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LOS-ANGELES-CA-SOUL-STEPPERS-WALKING-GROUP-12324">AARP Los Angeles, CA Soul Steppers Walking Group 12/3/24</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024 at 8:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue">Crenshaw Family YMCA</p>
					<p class="loc">Los Angeles, CA</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-11232024-2cn9yxyg6g3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />California</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BIGBEARLAKE-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and" name="description"/>
<meta content="Big, Bear, Alpine, Zoo, Lake, CA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.229198"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-116.859001"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Big Bear Lake, CA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Code Context
            <?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>43285 Goldmine Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Big Bear Lake</span>,
							<span>CA</span>
												<span>92315</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.moonridgezoo.org" target="_blank">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 909-878-4200</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Big+Bear+Alpine+Zoo%2C+43285+Goldmine+Drive%2C+Big+Bear+Lake%2C+CA+92315" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and Nature Big Bear Alpine Zoo arose from the ashes of forest fires in 1959 that devastated the natural ecosystem of the San Bernardino Mountains. Several injured animals were brought to safety for rehabilitation and a second chance at life in the wild. But for some, returning to the forest was not an option due to human imprinting or injuries that would compromise their survival. For those healthy but non-releasable birds and animals, a 2.5-acre parcel located 7,125 feet above sea level in the same indigenous, sub-alpine conifer forest became their protective new home and the site of Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>An orphaned, 30-pound black bear cub, stranded in a tree after the fire, was among the first, permanent inhabitants at the zoo. Other early arrivals to the Southern California facility included mule deer and bobcats.</p>
<p>In 1960, a 50-year lease on the property enabled Big Bear Alpine Zoo to grow into a zoological facility. In 1961, the zoo became part of the San Bernardino County Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. Today, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to more than 150 birds and animals representing 85 species. Notably, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is distinguished as the only zoological facility in the United States located in an alpine/sub-alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine species.</p>
<p>Educational wildlife programs have grown right along with the resident animal population. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo presents zoological information in an historical context, to demonstrate the impact of human social conditions on the well being of wildlife. This is done with the assistance of only non-releasable wildlife that serves as educational ambassadors. Each year, with the help of trained docents, Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers hundreds of educational programs for school children, youth organizations, families, and visitors from around the world.</p>
<p>The growth of the facility is testament to the need for alpine wildlife preservation. Neighboring urban areas have grown and encroached upon bird and animal habitats to the point that the surrounding Big Bear Valley is now classified as an urban forest. The San Bernardino Mountains have become one of the last bastions for future generations to glimpse alpine wildlife in natural ecosystems.</p>
<p>Primarily a zoological facility, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo also is a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured or confiscated animals. Annually, at least 200 injured wild birds and animals are treated here. Over the years, thousands of injured, orphaned, or behaviorally handicapped wildlife have come to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The majority of animals rehabilitated at the zoo have been successfully released to the wild.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/big-bear-lake-ca/report/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-los-angeles-ca-soul-steppers-walking-group-12324-tsn9yyxtytk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LOS-ANGELES-CA-SOUL-STEPPERS-WALKING-GROUP-12324">AARP Los Angeles, CA Soul Steppers Walking Group 12/3/24</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024 at 8:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue">Crenshaw Family YMCA</p>
					<p class="loc">Los Angeles, CA</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-11232024-2cn9yxyg6g3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />California</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BIGBEARLAKE-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and" name="description"/>
<meta content="Big, Bear, Alpine, Zoo, Lake, CA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.229198"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-116.859001"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>43285 Goldmine Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Big Bear Lake</span>,
							<span>CA</span>
												<span>92315</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.moonridgezoo.org" target="_blank">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 909-878-4200</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Big+Bear+Alpine+Zoo%2C+43285+Goldmine+Drive%2C+Big+Bear+Lake%2C+CA+92315" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and Nature Big Bear Alpine Zoo arose from the ashes of forest fires in 1959 that devastated the natural ecosystem of the San Bernardino Mountains. Several injured animals were brought to safety for rehabilitation and a second chance at life in the wild. But for some, returning to the forest was not an option due to human imprinting or injuries that would compromise their survival. For those healthy but non-releasable birds and animals, a 2.5-acre parcel located 7,125 feet above sea level in the same indigenous, sub-alpine conifer forest became their protective new home and the site of Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>An orphaned, 30-pound black bear cub, stranded in a tree after the fire, was among the first, permanent inhabitants at the zoo. Other early arrivals to the Southern California facility included mule deer and bobcats.</p>
<p>In 1960, a 50-year lease on the property enabled Big Bear Alpine Zoo to grow into a zoological facility. In 1961, the zoo became part of the San Bernardino County Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. Today, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to more than 150 birds and animals representing 85 species. Notably, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is distinguished as the only zoological facility in the United States located in an alpine/sub-alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine species.</p>
<p>Educational wildlife programs have grown right along with the resident animal population. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo presents zoological information in an historical context, to demonstrate the impact of human social conditions on the well being of wildlife. This is done with the assistance of only non-releasable wildlife that serves as educational ambassadors. Each year, with the help of trained docents, Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers hundreds of educational programs for school children, youth organizations, families, and visitors from around the world.</p>
<p>The growth of the facility is testament to the need for alpine wildlife preservation. Neighboring urban areas have grown and encroached upon bird and animal habitats to the point that the surrounding Big Bear Valley is now classified as an urban forest. The San Bernardino Mountains have become one of the last bastions for future generations to glimpse alpine wildlife in natural ecosystems.</p>
<p>Primarily a zoological facility, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo also is a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured or confiscated animals. Annually, at least 200 injured wild birds and animals are treated here. Over the years, thousands of injured, orphaned, or behaviorally handicapped wildlife have come to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The majority of animals rehabilitated at the zoo have been successfully released to the wild.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/big-bear-lake-ca/report/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-los-angeles-ca-soul-steppers-walking-group-12324-tsn9yyxtytk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LOS-ANGELES-CA-SOUL-STEPPERS-WALKING-GROUP-12324">AARP Los Angeles, CA Soul Steppers Walking Group 12/3/24</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024 at 8:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue">Crenshaw Family YMCA</p>
					<p class="loc">Los Angeles, CA</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-11232024-2cn9yxyg6g3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />California</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BIGBEARLAKE-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and" name="description"/>
<meta content="Big, Bear, Alpine, Zoo, Lake, CA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.229198"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-116.859001"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Big Bear Lake, CA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>43285 Goldmine Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Big Bear Lake</span>,
							<span>CA</span>
												<span>92315</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.moonridgezoo.org" target="_blank">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 909-878-4200</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Big+Bear+Alpine+Zoo%2C+43285+Goldmine+Drive%2C+Big+Bear+Lake%2C+CA+92315" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and Nature Big Bear Alpine Zoo arose from the ashes of forest fires in 1959 that devastated the natural ecosystem of the San Bernardino Mountains. Several injured animals were brought to safety for rehabilitation and a second chance at life in the wild. But for some, returning to the forest was not an option due to human imprinting or injuries that would compromise their survival. For those healthy but non-releasable birds and animals, a 2.5-acre parcel located 7,125 feet above sea level in the same indigenous, sub-alpine conifer forest became their protective new home and the site of Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>An orphaned, 30-pound black bear cub, stranded in a tree after the fire, was among the first, permanent inhabitants at the zoo. Other early arrivals to the Southern California facility included mule deer and bobcats.</p>
<p>In 1960, a 50-year lease on the property enabled Big Bear Alpine Zoo to grow into a zoological facility. In 1961, the zoo became part of the San Bernardino County Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. Today, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to more than 150 birds and animals representing 85 species. Notably, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is distinguished as the only zoological facility in the United States located in an alpine/sub-alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine species.</p>
<p>Educational wildlife programs have grown right along with the resident animal population. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo presents zoological information in an historical context, to demonstrate the impact of human social conditions on the well being of wildlife. This is done with the assistance of only non-releasable wildlife that serves as educational ambassadors. Each year, with the help of trained docents, Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers hundreds of educational programs for school children, youth organizations, families, and visitors from around the world.</p>
<p>The growth of the facility is testament to the need for alpine wildlife preservation. Neighboring urban areas have grown and encroached upon bird and animal habitats to the point that the surrounding Big Bear Valley is now classified as an urban forest. The San Bernardino Mountains have become one of the last bastions for future generations to glimpse alpine wildlife in natural ecosystems.</p>
<p>Primarily a zoological facility, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo also is a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured or confiscated animals. Annually, at least 200 injured wild birds and animals are treated here. Over the years, thousands of injured, orphaned, or behaviorally handicapped wildlife have come to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The majority of animals rehabilitated at the zoo have been successfully released to the wild.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/big-bear-lake-ca/report/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-los-angeles-ca-soul-steppers-walking-group-12324-tsn9yyxtytk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LOS-ANGELES-CA-SOUL-STEPPERS-WALKING-GROUP-12324">AARP Los Angeles, CA Soul Steppers Walking Group 12/3/24</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024 at 8:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue">Crenshaw Family YMCA</p>
					<p class="loc">Los Angeles, CA</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-11232024-2cn9yxyg6g3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />California</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BIGBEARLAKE-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and" name="description"/>
<meta content="Big, Bear, Alpine, Zoo, Lake, CA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.229198"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-116.859001"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>43285 Goldmine Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Big Bear Lake</span>,
							<span>CA</span>
												<span>92315</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.moonridgezoo.org" target="_blank">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 909-878-4200</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Big+Bear+Alpine+Zoo%2C+43285+Goldmine+Drive%2C+Big+Bear+Lake%2C+CA+92315" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and Nature Big Bear Alpine Zoo arose from the ashes of forest fires in 1959 that devastated the natural ecosystem of the San Bernardino Mountains. Several injured animals were brought to safety for rehabilitation and a second chance at life in the wild. But for some, returning to the forest was not an option due to human imprinting or injuries that would compromise their survival. For those healthy but non-releasable birds and animals, a 2.5-acre parcel located 7,125 feet above sea level in the same indigenous, sub-alpine conifer forest became their protective new home and the site of Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>An orphaned, 30-pound black bear cub, stranded in a tree after the fire, was among the first, permanent inhabitants at the zoo. Other early arrivals to the Southern California facility included mule deer and bobcats.</p>
<p>In 1960, a 50-year lease on the property enabled Big Bear Alpine Zoo to grow into a zoological facility. In 1961, the zoo became part of the San Bernardino County Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. Today, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to more than 150 birds and animals representing 85 species. Notably, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is distinguished as the only zoological facility in the United States located in an alpine/sub-alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine species.</p>
<p>Educational wildlife programs have grown right along with the resident animal population. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo presents zoological information in an historical context, to demonstrate the impact of human social conditions on the well being of wildlife. This is done with the assistance of only non-releasable wildlife that serves as educational ambassadors. Each year, with the help of trained docents, Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers hundreds of educational programs for school children, youth organizations, families, and visitors from around the world.</p>
<p>The growth of the facility is testament to the need for alpine wildlife preservation. Neighboring urban areas have grown and encroached upon bird and animal habitats to the point that the surrounding Big Bear Valley is now classified as an urban forest. The San Bernardino Mountains have become one of the last bastions for future generations to glimpse alpine wildlife in natural ecosystems.</p>
<p>Primarily a zoological facility, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo also is a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured or confiscated animals. Annually, at least 200 injured wild birds and animals are treated here. Over the years, thousands of injured, orphaned, or behaviorally handicapped wildlife have come to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The majority of animals rehabilitated at the zoo have been successfully released to the wild.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/big-bear-lake-ca/report/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-los-angeles-ca-soul-steppers-walking-group-12324-tsn9yyxtytk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LOS-ANGELES-CA-SOUL-STEPPERS-WALKING-GROUP-12324">AARP Los Angeles, CA Soul Steppers Walking Group 12/3/24</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024 at 8:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue">Crenshaw Family YMCA</p>
					<p class="loc">Los Angeles, CA</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-11232024-2cn9yxyg6g3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />California</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BIGBEARLAKE-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and" name="description"/>
<meta content="Big, Bear, Alpine, Zoo, Lake, CA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.229198"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-116.859001"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Big Bear Lake, CA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>43285 Goldmine Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Big Bear Lake</span>,
							<span>CA</span>
												<span>92315</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.moonridgezoo.org" target="_blank">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 909-878-4200</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Big+Bear+Alpine+Zoo%2C+43285+Goldmine+Drive%2C+Big+Bear+Lake%2C+CA+92315" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and Nature Big Bear Alpine Zoo arose from the ashes of forest fires in 1959 that devastated the natural ecosystem of the San Bernardino Mountains. Several injured animals were brought to safety for rehabilitation and a second chance at life in the wild. But for some, returning to the forest was not an option due to human imprinting or injuries that would compromise their survival. For those healthy but non-releasable birds and animals, a 2.5-acre parcel located 7,125 feet above sea level in the same indigenous, sub-alpine conifer forest became their protective new home and the site of Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>An orphaned, 30-pound black bear cub, stranded in a tree after the fire, was among the first, permanent inhabitants at the zoo. Other early arrivals to the Southern California facility included mule deer and bobcats.</p>
<p>In 1960, a 50-year lease on the property enabled Big Bear Alpine Zoo to grow into a zoological facility. In 1961, the zoo became part of the San Bernardino County Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. Today, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to more than 150 birds and animals representing 85 species. Notably, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is distinguished as the only zoological facility in the United States located in an alpine/sub-alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine species.</p>
<p>Educational wildlife programs have grown right along with the resident animal population. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo presents zoological information in an historical context, to demonstrate the impact of human social conditions on the well being of wildlife. This is done with the assistance of only non-releasable wildlife that serves as educational ambassadors. Each year, with the help of trained docents, Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers hundreds of educational programs for school children, youth organizations, families, and visitors from around the world.</p>
<p>The growth of the facility is testament to the need for alpine wildlife preservation. Neighboring urban areas have grown and encroached upon bird and animal habitats to the point that the surrounding Big Bear Valley is now classified as an urban forest. The San Bernardino Mountains have become one of the last bastions for future generations to glimpse alpine wildlife in natural ecosystems.</p>
<p>Primarily a zoological facility, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo also is a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured or confiscated animals. Annually, at least 200 injured wild birds and animals are treated here. Over the years, thousands of injured, orphaned, or behaviorally handicapped wildlife have come to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The majority of animals rehabilitated at the zoo have been successfully released to the wild.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/big-bear-lake-ca/report/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-los-angeles-ca-soul-steppers-walking-group-12324-tsn9yyxtytk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LOS-ANGELES-CA-SOUL-STEPPERS-WALKING-GROUP-12324">AARP Los Angeles, CA Soul Steppers Walking Group 12/3/24</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024 at 8:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue">Crenshaw Family YMCA</p>
					<p class="loc">Los Angeles, CA</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-11232024-2cn9yxyg6g3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />California</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BIGBEARLAKE-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and" name="description"/>
<meta content="Big, Bear, Alpine, Zoo, Lake, CA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.229198"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-116.859001"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>43285 Goldmine Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Big Bear Lake</span>,
							<span>CA</span>
												<span>92315</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.moonridgezoo.org" target="_blank">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 909-878-4200</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Big+Bear+Alpine+Zoo%2C+43285+Goldmine+Drive%2C+Big+Bear+Lake%2C+CA+92315" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and Nature Big Bear Alpine Zoo arose from the ashes of forest fires in 1959 that devastated the natural ecosystem of the San Bernardino Mountains. Several injured animals were brought to safety for rehabilitation and a second chance at life in the wild. But for some, returning to the forest was not an option due to human imprinting or injuries that would compromise their survival. For those healthy but non-releasable birds and animals, a 2.5-acre parcel located 7,125 feet above sea level in the same indigenous, sub-alpine conifer forest became their protective new home and the site of Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>An orphaned, 30-pound black bear cub, stranded in a tree after the fire, was among the first, permanent inhabitants at the zoo. Other early arrivals to the Southern California facility included mule deer and bobcats.</p>
<p>In 1960, a 50-year lease on the property enabled Big Bear Alpine Zoo to grow into a zoological facility. In 1961, the zoo became part of the San Bernardino County Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. Today, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to more than 150 birds and animals representing 85 species. Notably, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is distinguished as the only zoological facility in the United States located in an alpine/sub-alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine species.</p>
<p>Educational wildlife programs have grown right along with the resident animal population. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo presents zoological information in an historical context, to demonstrate the impact of human social conditions on the well being of wildlife. This is done with the assistance of only non-releasable wildlife that serves as educational ambassadors. Each year, with the help of trained docents, Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers hundreds of educational programs for school children, youth organizations, families, and visitors from around the world.</p>
<p>The growth of the facility is testament to the need for alpine wildlife preservation. Neighboring urban areas have grown and encroached upon bird and animal habitats to the point that the surrounding Big Bear Valley is now classified as an urban forest. The San Bernardino Mountains have become one of the last bastions for future generations to glimpse alpine wildlife in natural ecosystems.</p>
<p>Primarily a zoological facility, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo also is a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured or confiscated animals. Annually, at least 200 injured wild birds and animals are treated here. Over the years, thousands of injured, orphaned, or behaviorally handicapped wildlife have come to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The majority of animals rehabilitated at the zoo have been successfully released to the wild.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/big-bear-lake-ca/report/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-los-angeles-ca-soul-steppers-walking-group-12324-tsn9yyxtytk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LOS-ANGELES-CA-SOUL-STEPPERS-WALKING-GROUP-12324">AARP Los Angeles, CA Soul Steppers Walking Group 12/3/24</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024 at 8:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue">Crenshaw Family YMCA</p>
					<p class="loc">Los Angeles, CA</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-11232024-2cn9yxyg6g3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />California</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BIGBEARLAKE-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and" name="description"/>
<meta content="Big, Bear, Alpine, Zoo, Lake, CA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.229198"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-116.859001"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Big Bear Lake, CA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]
Code Context
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>43285 Goldmine Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Big Bear Lake</span>,
							<span>CA</span>
												<span>92315</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.moonridgezoo.org" target="_blank">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 909-878-4200</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Big+Bear+Alpine+Zoo%2C+43285+Goldmine+Drive%2C+Big+Bear+Lake%2C+CA+92315" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and Nature Big Bear Alpine Zoo arose from the ashes of forest fires in 1959 that devastated the natural ecosystem of the San Bernardino Mountains. Several injured animals were brought to safety for rehabilitation and a second chance at life in the wild. But for some, returning to the forest was not an option due to human imprinting or injuries that would compromise their survival. For those healthy but non-releasable birds and animals, a 2.5-acre parcel located 7,125 feet above sea level in the same indigenous, sub-alpine conifer forest became their protective new home and the site of Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>An orphaned, 30-pound black bear cub, stranded in a tree after the fire, was among the first, permanent inhabitants at the zoo. Other early arrivals to the Southern California facility included mule deer and bobcats.</p>
<p>In 1960, a 50-year lease on the property enabled Big Bear Alpine Zoo to grow into a zoological facility. In 1961, the zoo became part of the San Bernardino County Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. Today, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to more than 150 birds and animals representing 85 species. Notably, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is distinguished as the only zoological facility in the United States located in an alpine/sub-alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine species.</p>
<p>Educational wildlife programs have grown right along with the resident animal population. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo presents zoological information in an historical context, to demonstrate the impact of human social conditions on the well being of wildlife. This is done with the assistance of only non-releasable wildlife that serves as educational ambassadors. Each year, with the help of trained docents, Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers hundreds of educational programs for school children, youth organizations, families, and visitors from around the world.</p>
<p>The growth of the facility is testament to the need for alpine wildlife preservation. Neighboring urban areas have grown and encroached upon bird and animal habitats to the point that the surrounding Big Bear Valley is now classified as an urban forest. The San Bernardino Mountains have become one of the last bastions for future generations to glimpse alpine wildlife in natural ecosystems.</p>
<p>Primarily a zoological facility, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo also is a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured or confiscated animals. Annually, at least 200 injured wild birds and animals are treated here. Over the years, thousands of injured, orphaned, or behaviorally handicapped wildlife have come to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The majority of animals rehabilitated at the zoo have been successfully released to the wild.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/big-bear-lake-ca/report/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-los-angeles-ca-soul-steppers-walking-group-12324-tsn9yyxtytk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LOS-ANGELES-CA-SOUL-STEPPERS-WALKING-GROUP-12324">AARP Los Angeles, CA Soul Steppers Walking Group 12/3/24</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024 at 8:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue">Crenshaw Family YMCA</p>
					<p class="loc">Los Angeles, CA</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-11232024-2cn9yxyg6g3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />California</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BIGBEARLAKE-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and" name="description"/>
<meta content="Big, Bear, Alpine, Zoo, Lake, CA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.229198"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-116.859001"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>43285 Goldmine Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Big Bear Lake</span>,
							<span>CA</span>
												<span>92315</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.moonridgezoo.org" target="_blank">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 909-878-4200</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Big+Bear+Alpine+Zoo%2C+43285+Goldmine+Drive%2C+Big+Bear+Lake%2C+CA+92315" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and Nature Big Bear Alpine Zoo arose from the ashes of forest fires in 1959 that devastated the natural ecosystem of the San Bernardino Mountains. Several injured animals were brought to safety for rehabilitation and a second chance at life in the wild. But for some, returning to the forest was not an option due to human imprinting or injuries that would compromise their survival. For those healthy but non-releasable birds and animals, a 2.5-acre parcel located 7,125 feet above sea level in the same indigenous, sub-alpine conifer forest became their protective new home and the site of Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>An orphaned, 30-pound black bear cub, stranded in a tree after the fire, was among the first, permanent inhabitants at the zoo. Other early arrivals to the Southern California facility included mule deer and bobcats.</p>
<p>In 1960, a 50-year lease on the property enabled Big Bear Alpine Zoo to grow into a zoological facility. In 1961, the zoo became part of the San Bernardino County Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. Today, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to more than 150 birds and animals representing 85 species. Notably, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is distinguished as the only zoological facility in the United States located in an alpine/sub-alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine species.</p>
<p>Educational wildlife programs have grown right along with the resident animal population. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo presents zoological information in an historical context, to demonstrate the impact of human social conditions on the well being of wildlife. This is done with the assistance of only non-releasable wildlife that serves as educational ambassadors. Each year, with the help of trained docents, Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers hundreds of educational programs for school children, youth organizations, families, and visitors from around the world.</p>
<p>The growth of the facility is testament to the need for alpine wildlife preservation. Neighboring urban areas have grown and encroached upon bird and animal habitats to the point that the surrounding Big Bear Valley is now classified as an urban forest. The San Bernardino Mountains have become one of the last bastions for future generations to glimpse alpine wildlife in natural ecosystems.</p>
<p>Primarily a zoological facility, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo also is a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured or confiscated animals. Annually, at least 200 injured wild birds and animals are treated here. Over the years, thousands of injured, orphaned, or behaviorally handicapped wildlife have come to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The majority of animals rehabilitated at the zoo have been successfully released to the wild.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/big-bear-lake-ca/report/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-los-angeles-ca-soul-steppers-walking-group-12324-tsn9yyxtytk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LOS-ANGELES-CA-SOUL-STEPPERS-WALKING-GROUP-12324">AARP Los Angeles, CA Soul Steppers Walking Group 12/3/24</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024 at 8:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue">Crenshaw Family YMCA</p>
					<p class="loc">Los Angeles, CA</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-11232024-2cn9yxyg6g3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />California</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BIGBEARLAKE-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and" name="description"/>
<meta content="Big, Bear, Alpine, Zoo, Lake, CA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.229198"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-116.859001"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Big Bear Lake, CA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]
Code Context
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>43285 Goldmine Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Big Bear Lake</span>,
							<span>CA</span>
												<span>92315</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.moonridgezoo.org" target="_blank">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 909-878-4200</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Big+Bear+Alpine+Zoo%2C+43285+Goldmine+Drive%2C+Big+Bear+Lake%2C+CA+92315" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and Nature Big Bear Alpine Zoo arose from the ashes of forest fires in 1959 that devastated the natural ecosystem of the San Bernardino Mountains. Several injured animals were brought to safety for rehabilitation and a second chance at life in the wild. But for some, returning to the forest was not an option due to human imprinting or injuries that would compromise their survival. For those healthy but non-releasable birds and animals, a 2.5-acre parcel located 7,125 feet above sea level in the same indigenous, sub-alpine conifer forest became their protective new home and the site of Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>An orphaned, 30-pound black bear cub, stranded in a tree after the fire, was among the first, permanent inhabitants at the zoo. Other early arrivals to the Southern California facility included mule deer and bobcats.</p>
<p>In 1960, a 50-year lease on the property enabled Big Bear Alpine Zoo to grow into a zoological facility. In 1961, the zoo became part of the San Bernardino County Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. Today, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to more than 150 birds and animals representing 85 species. Notably, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is distinguished as the only zoological facility in the United States located in an alpine/sub-alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine species.</p>
<p>Educational wildlife programs have grown right along with the resident animal population. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo presents zoological information in an historical context, to demonstrate the impact of human social conditions on the well being of wildlife. This is done with the assistance of only non-releasable wildlife that serves as educational ambassadors. Each year, with the help of trained docents, Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers hundreds of educational programs for school children, youth organizations, families, and visitors from around the world.</p>
<p>The growth of the facility is testament to the need for alpine wildlife preservation. Neighboring urban areas have grown and encroached upon bird and animal habitats to the point that the surrounding Big Bear Valley is now classified as an urban forest. The San Bernardino Mountains have become one of the last bastions for future generations to glimpse alpine wildlife in natural ecosystems.</p>
<p>Primarily a zoological facility, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo also is a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured or confiscated animals. Annually, at least 200 injured wild birds and animals are treated here. Over the years, thousands of injured, orphaned, or behaviorally handicapped wildlife have come to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The majority of animals rehabilitated at the zoo have been successfully released to the wild.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/big-bear-lake-ca/report/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-los-angeles-ca-soul-steppers-walking-group-12324-tsn9yyxtytk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LOS-ANGELES-CA-SOUL-STEPPERS-WALKING-GROUP-12324">AARP Los Angeles, CA Soul Steppers Walking Group 12/3/24</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024 at 8:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue">Crenshaw Family YMCA</p>
					<p class="loc">Los Angeles, CA</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-11232024-2cn9yxyg6g3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />California</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BIGBEARLAKE-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and" name="description"/>
<meta content="Big, Bear, Alpine, Zoo, Lake, CA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.229198"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-116.859001"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>43285 Goldmine Drive</div>
											<div>
							<span>Big Bear Lake</span>,
							<span>CA</span>
												<span>92315</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.moonridgezoo.org" target="_blank">Big Bear Alpine Zoo</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 909-878-4200</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Big+Bear+Alpine+Zoo%2C+43285+Goldmine+Drive%2C+Big+Bear+Lake%2C+CA+92315" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and Nature Big Bear Alpine Zoo arose from the ashes of forest fires in 1959 that devastated the natural ecosystem of the San Bernardino Mountains. Several injured animals were brought to safety for rehabilitation and a second chance at life in the wild. But for some, returning to the forest was not an option due to human imprinting or injuries that would compromise their survival. For those healthy but non-releasable birds and animals, a 2.5-acre parcel located 7,125 feet above sea level in the same indigenous, sub-alpine conifer forest became their protective new home and the site of Big Bear Alpine Zoo.</p>
<p>An orphaned, 30-pound black bear cub, stranded in a tree after the fire, was among the first, permanent inhabitants at the zoo. Other early arrivals to the Southern California facility included mule deer and bobcats.</p>
<p>In 1960, a 50-year lease on the property enabled Big Bear Alpine Zoo to grow into a zoological facility. In 1961, the zoo became part of the San Bernardino County Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. Today, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is home to more than 150 birds and animals representing 85 species. Notably, Big Bear Alpine Zoo is distinguished as the only zoological facility in the United States located in an alpine/sub-alpine environment, dedicated to the preservation of primarily alpine and sub-alpine species.</p>
<p>Educational wildlife programs have grown right along with the resident animal population. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo presents zoological information in an historical context, to demonstrate the impact of human social conditions on the well being of wildlife. This is done with the assistance of only non-releasable wildlife that serves as educational ambassadors. Each year, with the help of trained docents, Big Bear Alpine Zoo offers hundreds of educational programs for school children, youth organizations, families, and visitors from around the world.</p>
<p>The growth of the facility is testament to the need for alpine wildlife preservation. Neighboring urban areas have grown and encroached upon bird and animal habitats to the point that the surrounding Big Bear Valley is now classified as an urban forest. The San Bernardino Mountains have become one of the last bastions for future generations to glimpse alpine wildlife in natural ecosystems.</p>
<p>Primarily a zoological facility, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo also is a fully licensed, designated care and rehabilitation facility for injured or confiscated animals. Annually, at least 200 injured wild birds and animals are treated here. Over the years, thousands of injured, orphaned, or behaviorally handicapped wildlife have come to the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. The majority of animals rehabilitated at the zoo have been successfully released to the wild.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/big-bear-lake-ca/report/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Big Bear Lake</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-los-angeles-ca-soul-steppers-walking-group-12324-tsn9yyxtytk.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LOS-ANGELES-CA-SOUL-STEPPERS-WALKING-GROUP-12324">AARP Los Angeles, CA Soul Steppers Walking Group 12/3/24</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 3, 2024 at 8:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue">Crenshaw Family YMCA</p>
					<p class="loc">Los Angeles, CA</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-holiday-harmony-qigong-and-nonviolent-communication-with-nate-11232024-2cn9yxyg6g3.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-HOLIDAY-HARMONY-QIGONG-AND-NONVIOLENT-COMMUNICATION">Holiday Harmony: Qigong and Nonviolent Communication</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Saturday, Nov 23, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-11252024-pwn732szj7q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Monday, Nov 25, 2024 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m. PT</p>
					<p class="venue"></p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BIGBEARLAKE-CA">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />California</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BIGBEARLAKE-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo - Big Bear Lake, CA"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and" name="description"/>
<meta content="Big, Bear, Alpine, Zoo, Lake, CA" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/big-bear-alpine-zoo-big-bear-lake-ca.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Big Bear Alpine Zoo"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History: In May 2012, the Moonridge Animal Park had a name change. The new name is the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. A Story of Survival and Harmony Between People and"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="34.229198"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-116.859001"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Big Bear Lake, CA</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/big-bear-lake-ca/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/big-bear-lake-ca/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/big-bear-lake-ca/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118