Newly designed habitat makes grand entry on May 15

The Central Coast Zoo and the City of Atascadero have announced the grand opening of the newly reimagined Madagascar Habitat, inspired by the extraordinary biodiversity of Madagascar. Officially named the Republic of Madagascar, located off the southeastern coast of Africa, the country is the fourth-largest island in the world and home to wildlife found nowhere else in the world.

The Central Coast Zoo has been entrusted with the preservation of some of Madagascar’s most threatened species, and the Madagascar Habitat is a safe home dedicated to their survival.

This beautifully renovated space now features the return of the striking red ruffed lemur, a critically endangered species that has not been at the zoo in over a decade, alongside the zoo’s ever-popular ring-tailed lemurs. The habitat also features a pair of endangered Madagascar teals, with the zoo’s radiated tortoises moving in next door.

That’s not all! The Madagascar tenrec, a small and fascinating mammal known for its unusual characteristics, joins the zoo’s educational outreach program. Tenrecs look much like hedgehogs but are actually more closely related to elephants, manatees, and aardvarks! The tenrecs make special guest appearances at certain times in the zoo.

Together, these charismatic animals highlight the unique wildlife found only on the island of Madagascar. This habitat also features all-new educational signage as well as Madagascar-themed landscaping designed and installed by the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners. These additions further enhance the zoo’s commitment to conservation and education surrounding fragile ecosystems.

“This reimagined habitat represents an exciting step forward in our mission to connect our community with wildlife and conservation,” said Dr. Cynthia Stringfield, Zoo Director. “We are thrilled to share these incredible species and their stories with our guests.”

This important project is in memory of a special zoo volunteer, Brayden Bronkowski, and the Central Coast Zoo extends its sincere gratitude to all the generous supporters who made this project possible, including the Ludwick Family Foundation and donors to the Central Coast Zoo Foundation.

The Central Coast Zoo is located at 9100 Morro Road, Atascadero. For events, admission, membership, volunteer applications, hours, and more information, visit centralcoastzoo.org, follow on social media, or call (805) 461-5080.