Page 65 - SLO Visitors Guide Winter 2026

slovisitorsguide.com WINTER 2026 65
Atascadero
species. It’s an opportunity to learn
ways to save threatened animals, make
a difference for their habitats, and life
on the planet.
The zoo has several fun and
educational programs and events
throughout the year, and any time is
the perfect time to visit.
• Keeper chats, held every
weekend, are educational, hands-on
opportunities to learn about featured
animals directly from the zoo staff.
• Children’s camps, held in spring
and summer, are excellent fun ways for
exploring the natural world and learn-
ing how to be an ally for wildlife.
• Volunteering is the chance to be
part of the behind-the-scenes experi-
ences with zoo operations, working
on everything from the gift shop and
events to replanting habitats and help-
ing prepare the animals’ diets.
• The downloadable Central
Coast Zoo Activity Learning Book,
available from the website, introduces
kids to biodiversity hotspots around
the world, filled with rare animals and
plants found nowhere else.
Fun events are held throughout
the year. Upcoming events include a
Valentine's Day event, details to be
announced soon, and the annual Party
for the Planet that celebrates Earth
Day every April. Check the website
regularly or follow the zoo on social
media for announcements.
Condors, butterflies, and
tortoises
Dr. Stringfield has first-hand
experience with preserving and rein-
troducing endangered species through
her work with the California condors.
“I was part of that program from the
start,” she said. “And now, the Central
Coast Zoo is working in the field with
the Ventana Wildlife Society to vac-
cinate condors.
“We also assist the Xerxes Society
with its annual Western monarch
butterfly count at local overwintering
sites, and this year, we are helping with
the new tagging program,” Stringfield
said. She also reports that, in partner-
ship with the San Luis Obispo County
Master Gardeners’ program, the zoo is
establishing a monarch and pollinator
garden at the Highway 41 off-ramp in
Atascadero.
“We are also part of the global
program preserving the endangered
Madagascar Radiated tortoise,” she
said. “This tortoise is a good example
of the perils of leaving an animal alone
in its threatened habitat, or releasing it
too soon.”
The threats to the Radiated
tortoise include poaching for the pet
trade, food, and medicine. Its habitat
is threatened by deforestation for
agriculture and charcoal, and invasive
species. When an animal is endan-
gered, leaving it alone or attempting to
return it before its habitat is stabilized
is a path to extinction. While the
AZA is continuing educational and
environmental efforts in Madagascar,
accredited zoos, including the Central
Coast Zoo, are working to save this
tortoise for the future. Visit the Radi-
ated tortoise on your next trip to the
Central Coast Zoo and learn what you
can do to save it.
The zoo is located at 9100 Morro
Road, Atascadero. For events, admis-
sion, membership, volunteer applica-
tions, hours, and more information,
visit centralcoastzoo.org, follow on
social media, or call (805) 461-5080.
—Jackie Iddings