The facility functions as a veterinary clinic first, with animals only becoming permanent residents if they cannot survive independently in the wild.
It is the only zoo in the United States that operates as a rehabilitation facility for alpine wildlife.
Many of the residents are rescued from wildfires or human-wildlife conflicts in the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest.
The zoo provides critical care for migratory birds, including eagles and owls, before attempting their release back into the wild.
The facility's design includes specialized holding areas and medical bays not visible to the general public to facilitate treatment.
The move to the new Moonridge Road campus was specifically designed to increase the total acreage for animal enclosures compared to the previous site.
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is a specialized rehabilitation facility in the San Bernardino Mountains dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured or orphaned wildlife. It serves as a sanctuary for animals that cannot be returned to the wild due to permanent injuries or dependencies. The facility is home to species native to the alpine environment, including grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, eagles, and gray wolves. Unlike traditional zoos, the primary mission is veterinary care and conservation, resulting in a unique layout centered around animal welfare. The site transitioned to its current modern, purpose-built location on Moonridge Road in 2020 to provide better infrastructure for its residents. All exhibits are designed to mimic natural habitats to minimize stress for the recovering inhabitants. Staff members provide educational presentations that detail the background of the individual animals on display.
The viewing area near the grizzly bear habitat offers the best vantage point for unobstructed photos.
Check the daily keeper talk schedule upon arrival to learn the specific rescue stories of individual animals.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes as the facility involves walking on varied, outdoor mountain terrain.
Visit during cooler hours to see the larger predators, like bears and mountain lions, when they are most active.
Attempting to feed the animals or bringing pets, which are strictly prohibited for the safety of the zoo's residents.
Open daily throughout the year, but may have limited operations during extreme winter snowstorms.
Stay on marked paths, refrain from tapping on glass or enclosures, and keep noise levels low to avoid stressing the recovering animals.
