Page 64 - SLO Visitors Guide Winter 2026

64 WINTER 2026 slovisitorsguide.com
Atascadero
HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR ALL DAY 2PM-7PM 2PM-7PM
$4 Domestics $5 Well Drinks/Drafts $4 Domestics $5 Well Drinks/Drafts
$8 Call Drinks $10 Craft Cocktails $8 Call Drinks $10 Craft Cocktails
5950 El Camino Real, Atascadero - M-F 10AM-2AM - S&S 8AM-2AM 5950 El Camino Real, Atascadero - M-F 10AM-2AM - S&S 8AM-2AM
Central Coast Zoo—the local zoo
with global presence
From the local California condor
to the southern Madagascar
Radiated tortoise, the Central Coast
Zoo plays a role in global species
conservation and animal well-be-
ing. A visit to the zoo is more than
an opportunity to see and learn
about endangered animals from
around the world. It is a way to sup-
port local and global conservation
efforts and an opportunity to be
part of activities that help protect
threatened species.
The local zoo is accredited by the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
(AZA), and is one of only 254 zoos
worldwide that meet the highest
standards for animal care, conserva-
Conservation
in action and
fun learning
experiences
tion, and educational experiences.
AZA-accredited zoos work to save ani-
mals from extinction through global
programs for preserving threatened
animals, monitoring endangered natu-
ral habitats, breeding, and reintroduc-
ing animals to their native habitats.
“Reintroducing an animal into
their natural habitat isn’t as easy as
turning them loose,” said Dr. Cynthia
Stringfield, director of the Central
Coast Zoo. “It involves making sure
their habitats are reestablished and safe
so that the species survives and flour-
ishes.” Carefully monitored breeding
programs make sure there are healthy
animals ready to be released, and
habitat monitoring makes sure that
habitats are sufficiently restored to
support the future of the animals.
When visiting makes a
difference
Visiting the Central Coast Zoo
is a much grander experience than
walking around admiring the over 300
animals that represent 100 threatened