County of San Bernardino: Economic Development Agency

Opportunity California

Moonridge Zoo

Also unique to Big Bear is the Moonridge Zoo, a 2.5-acre facility for animals wounded in the wilderness.

Wildfires in 1959 prompted creation of a place to house injured animals where they could be treated and returned to the forest. For healthy but non-releasable birds and animals, the Moonridge Zoo becomes their new sanctuary. At least 200 injured wild birds and other animals are treated annually at the park. The majority are rehabilitated and released into the wild. Expansion efforts are underway.