Letter to the Editor: Addressing renaming the Charles Paddock Zoo

By Letter to Editor · Wed Sep 17 2025

Dear Editor,

I share the concerns expressed by past mayor Rolfe Nelson over the city’s effort to “rebrand” the Charles Paddock Zoo. I warned a group of city leaders over a year ago that they would incur the wrath of long-time residents if they tried to market the zoo with any name that wasn’t “Charles Paddock Zoo” or “Atascadero Zoo.”

Chuck WAS the zoo from its very beginning.

There is a growing movement to have the council hold at least one public hearing with this issue as the only item on the agenda. I also endorse putting the issue before the voters.

Lon  Allan

Atascadero