Beloved Lion Water Fountain returns to Central Coast Zoo for Valentine’s event

By Atascadero News · Fri Feb 13 2026

ATASCADERO — A longtime favorite of local families has returned to the Central Coast Zoo just in time for Valentine’s Day. The City of Atascadero and the Central Coast Zoo announced the reopening of the children’s Lion Water Fountain, known as “Leo the Lion,” following a recent refurbishment.

The fountain will be unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, marking the launch of the zoo’s new Valentine’s-themed event, Woo at the Zoo. The celebration will continue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will feature themed activities, animal enrichment, and special keeper talks focused on how animals choose their mates.

For generations, the Lion Water Fountain has been a familiar gathering spot and photo backdrop for zoo visitors. Zoo officials say its return reconnects the community with a treasured piece of the zoo’s history.

To celebrate the reopening, the zoo is hosting a social media photo promotion inviting community members to share photos of themselves, their children, or grandchildren with the Lion Fountain — past or present — for a chance to win a Valentine-themed prize. Entries will be accepted online and in person until 11 a.m. Feb. 14, with a winner announced later that day.

“This fountain holds a special place in the hearts of our community,” said Zoo Director Dr. Cynthia Stringfield. “Its return honors the memories generations have shared here, and we sincerely thank the Lions Clubs of San Miguel and Templeton and H&R Block of SLO County for supporting this important restoration.”

All Woo at the Zoo activities and the ribbon cutting are included with general admission and are free for Zoo members. The Central Coast Zoo is located at Atascadero Lake Park, just west of Highway 101 at Highway 41/Morro Road.

For updates and promotion details, visit @centralcoastzooca on Facebook and Instagram or go to centralcoastzoo.org