Save the date! Saturday, June 7, 5-8 p.m.

—Beat the summer heat with lots of ice cream along with the animals at the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero—the only zoo on California’s Central Coast.

Learn about the animals, the importance of conservation and preservation, and the many educational and fun programs and zoo camps at Charles Paddock Zoo.

The Charles Paddock Zoo is one of the best-valued, community supported, high quality, family-oriented recreation destinations on the Central Coast. The zoo was established in 1955 by Charles Paddock, a county park ranger who nursed wild animals back to health. His reputation for rehabilitating animals soon spread throughout the area and, by 1959, Mr. Paddock’s animal menagerie increased to over 125 wild birds and mammals. By 1963, the zoo was moved from the county animal shelter to its present site and was first known as Atascadero Children’s Zoo. When the City of Atascadero incorporated in 1979, it  took over management and the zoo took on the official name of “The Charles Paddock Zoo” in 1980, in memory of its founder. Over the years, the Charles Paddock Zoo has grown into a fully accredited zoo, caring for over 100 animals on five park-like acres. Naturalistic habitats assure the best care and well-being for the animals. Involved in several conservation and education programs, the zoo has a commitment to wild animal propagation and management within the zoo and in the wild.

The zoo is located at 9100 Morro Road in Atascadero. Open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For admission, events, or more information, visit charlespaddockzoo.org, or call (805) 461-5080.