The Spring Festival runs now through April 24

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. The Spring Festival has kicked off with a variety of fun things to do, from baby chicks to scheduled animal feedings happening through April 24, and on Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., the annual “Party for the Planet” Earth Day Celebration is back! 

The Spring Festival runs now through April 24 with a variety of crafts, backyard babies, baby chicks, and scheduled animal feedings — here is the schedule:

Spring Festival Animal Feeding Schedule:

Monday (April 11) — 11 a.m. — Aldabra Tortoises

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Tuesday (April 12) — 11 a.m. — Meerkats

Wednesday (April 13) — 11 a.m. — Malayan Tiger

Thursday (April 14) — 11 a.m. — American Alligator

Friday (April 15) — 11 a.m. — Red Pandas

On April 23 from 10–3 p.m., “Party for the Planet” is a family event that will focus 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, as well as providing many educational demonstrations like water conservation, beekeeping, and more. Food will be available for purchase from Zen Dog and Huatulco Tacos. A special thank you to their sponsors, which include Atascadero Mutual Water Company, Solarponics, Waste Management, and Idlers Home!

There are over 200 animal species to enjoy at the zoo, and many of the zoo residents are part of a globally managed program to preserve animals and their habitats. The zoo features several unique species not often seen in facilities of our size, including fossa, red pandas, Malayan tiger, lemurs, and meerkats, as well as many other exciting and interesting mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Plus, experience the animals up close. 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.

Spring Festival and Party for the Planet are included with General Admission. Tickets are $10 for adults age 13+, $9 for seniors age 65+, $8 for children 5-12, $5 for children 3-4, 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. Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and located at Atascadero Lake Park on Hwy 41/Morro Road, one mile west of Hwy 101. For information, go to charlespaddockzoo.org or visitatascadero.com/events or call the zoo at (805) 461-5080.