Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero, California

Charles Paddock was a county park ranger who took great pains to nurse wild animals back to health, because of his devotion the zoo was established in 1955. Charles Paddocks devotion to the rehabilitation of animals spread throughout the area, and his collection grew to include more than 125 wild birds and animals. By 1963, the zoo was relocated from the local animal shelter to its present home, and became known as the Atascadero Children's Zoo.

Much of Atascadero was unincorporated in 1979, and as a result, the City of Atascadero took over the zoo. In1980, the facility became known as the "Charles Paddock Zoo, in memory of its founder. Over the years, the zoo has grown and made improvements and became a fully accredited Zoo, with more than 100 animals on display on 5 landscaped acres of Atascadero Lake Park.

While visiting, guests can see, explore and learn about the animals that make their home at the zoo. The bird aviary include the Inca tern, Mandarin ducks, Ring-necked parakeets, Black-necked Stilts, Ringed Teals, White-faced whistling ducks and many other species. Next to the aviary is Parrot Pond, which features Blue and Gold Macaws, Double Yellow-headed Amazon Parrots, Salmon-crested Cockatoos and Scarlet Macaws. Another bird themed exhibit is the Throughout the Zoo display, which showcases Burrowing owls, Caribbean flamingo, emus, Great Horned owls, Helmeted Guinea fowl and Western turkey vultures.

Children are the focus of the Barnyard Residents Exhibit, an interactive petting and feeding zoo. Animals in the exhibit include Boer goats, Dwarf Nigerian goats, Jacob's sheep and Vietnamese potbellied pigs. Next door to the Barnyard, guests can stroll through the South America Residents Exhibit which gives glimpses of Titi monkeys and Hoffman's two-toed sloths. Another exhibit found in the area is the Reptile House; here guests can enjoy watching the Aldabra tortoises, Burmese pythons, Carpet pythons, Gila monsters, Corn snakes, Fly River turtles and several other species.

The Charles Paddock Zoo is opened daily from 10 am until 5 pm, during the summer season and from 10 am until 4 pm, during the winter season. The zoo is closed during Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Charles Paddock Zoo also features a restaurant, gift shop, handicapped facilities and many other amenities for visitors.

The Charles Paddock Zoo is constantly involved in upgrading and renovation of the animal enclosures, making them more environmentally friendly. The facility is involved in several conservation and educational programs, and has a commitment to uphold wild animal propagation and management, both in the Zoo and in the wild. The zoo continues to be one of the most economical, high-quality and family friendly recreation location on the Central Coast.