Last Saturday we had the opportunity to take the kids to the Moonridge Animal Sanctuary/Park in Big Bear Lake. It is located directly across from Bear Mountain Ski Resort. We had spent the afternoon sledding and decided to top it off by visiting Moondridge Park.
The Moonridge Animal Park is a wildlife sanctuary and rehab center. It is the only Alpine zoo in the United States specializing in Alpine wildlife. The zoo is home to 160 orphaned and injured wildlife representing over 89 species.
The zoo is home to grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, snow leopards, bobcats, wolves, raccoons, foxes, bison and a pair of bald eagles.
My favorite animal was Hucklebeary, a three legged black bear. Huclebeary came to the park as a cub near death. His right front leg was injured, he was malnourished and suffered from a serious infection. His leg was amputated but he has recovered and he is a happy big guy. He was romping around in the snow and I could have spent hours watching him.
Everyday at noon, a zookeeper presents one of the Zoo’s residents so park visitors can be up close and personal with one of the animals. At 3pm on weekends during the winter and daily during the summer, a zookeeper leads a tour around the zoo grounds.
We had a great time visiting the Moonridge Animal Park. We also loved that because we are members of the Santa Ana Zoo we were able to get in for free through their reciprocal zoo program(another reason why memberships pay off! ). If you are planning a trip to Big Bear Lake this winter (you really should! It is so much fun) you should definitely add this to your itenirary.
The zoo is open year round. Winter hours are
10am to 4pm- Monday through Friday
10am to 5pm on weekends
3pm Animal Feeding Tours on weekends
Summer Hours
Memorial Weekend(May) through Labor Day Weekend
10am to 5pm
Park Admission
11 to Adult $9
3-10- $6
Children under 3 are Free!
Moondridge Animal Park
43285 Goldmine Dr
Big Bear Lake, 92315
909-584-1299
For additional info head over here.
P.S – We always head to Big Bear on Hwy 38- It is a little slow but very scenic and not windy at all! Enjoy!
that is very cool!! we are going to the mountains later this month. i think we'll have to make a trip over there! thanks for sharing!
We love this place too…it's great in winter and summer! If you have a zoo pass for Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara (and others), they have a recipricol agreement and you can get in for free or a reduced rate!
Oh my gosh that brought back so many memories of when I was a little kid and my fmaily had a cabin in Big Bear. I loved Moonridge!
I stumbled on to your blog when searching for great places to go tubing with chidlren… I usually do not read blogs, however your's really caught my eye. Thanks for all the great ideas and suggestions. I am always trying to unburden my sister with planning activities for her 4 kids…Thanks for helping me be the best auntie ever!
-Joy, Huntington Beach, CA