ATASCADERO — Spring is here and if you are looking for fun-filled family activities during Spring Break, come check out all the fun at the Charles Paddock Zoo. Its Spring Festival has kicked off with a variety of fun things to do from baby chicks to scheduled animal feedings happening March 24 through April 7. On Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., enjoy the Zoo’s 13th annual “Party for the Planet” Earth Day Celebration.

The Charles Paddock Zoo’s baby chicks are back along with the scheduled animal feedings that take place during their annual Spring Festival running March 24 through April 7. The Spring Festival Animal feeding schedule takes place every day at 11 a.m. within the following schedule. Monday: Aldabra Tortoises; Tuesday: Meerkats; Wednesday: Malayan Tiger; Thursday: Mongoose Lemur; Friday: Red Pandas; and weekends have surprise feedings planned.

On April 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., “Party for the Planet” will be a family event that focuses on natural resource conservation and the global and local protection of animals and plants. A fun day for children of all ages, with interactive adventures, hands-on activities, exhibits by sustainability-conscious businesses, the event will also provide many educational demonstrations like water conservation, beekeeping, and more. Food trucks will be on-site. 

A special thank you goes out to the zoo’s sponsors, which include Atascadero Mutual Water Company, Solarponics, and Waste Management.

There are over 200 animal species to enjoy at the zoo, with many of the zoo’s residents being part of a globally managed program to preserve animals and their habitats. 

The zoo features several unique species not often seen in facilities of its size, including fossa, red pandas, a Malayan tiger, lemurs, and meerkats, as well as many other exciting and interesting mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.

Unique gifts, as well as refreshments and strollers are available at the zoo gift shop. Adjacent to the Atascadero Lake Park, the zoo is the perfect destination for a day of fun, education, and relaxation.

Platinum sponsors are Atascadero Mutual Water Company; our gold sponsor, Waste Management; and our silver sponsor, Solarponics.

Spring Festival and Party for the Planet are included with General Admission. Tickets are $13 for adults age 13+, $11 for seniors age 65+, $8 for children 5-12, $5 for children 3 to 4, and free for kids 2 and under. The Charles Paddock Zoo is SLO County’s only zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The Charles Paddock Zoo is open daily and located at Atascadero Lake Park on Highway 41/Morro Road, one mile west of Highway 101. For information, go to charlespaddockzoo.org or visitatascadero.com/events, or call the zoo at (805) 461-5080.