About the Central Coast Zoo

The Central Coast Zoo (formerly the Charles Paddock Zoo) is home to approximately 100 species from around the world and is the only zoo on the Central Coast accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This prestigious accreditation is the gold standard for zoos, ensuring the highest level of animal welfare. As a member of AZA, our animals are part of globally managed conservation programs to preserve species and their wild habitats.

We invite you to relax, learn, and connect with the Zoo’s wildlife in a safe, respectful setting and to make a day of it by exploring the beautiful Atascadero Lake Park, complete with playgrounds, open lawns, scenic walking paths, and paddleboat rentals. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

MISSION: Engage our Central Coast community and visitors by inspiring them to join us in taking action to conserve nature and preserve species.
VISION: Everyone we interact with will share their knowledge and passion with others to advance our conservation mission.

The Central Coast Zoo

The Central Coast Zoo is located on 5 wooded acres. Depending on your pace, guests may walk through the Zoo in about an hour or spend the entire day. Although our animal residents are always changing, 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. The Central Coast Zoo is family-friendly and offers an opportunity for children and adults to experience animals up close in a safe and respectful environment. Unique gifts, as well as refreshments and strollers, are available at the Zoo's gift shop. Adjacent to Atascadero Lake Park, the Zoo is the perfect destination for a day of fun, education, and relaxation.

Our History

The Zoo was established in 1955 by Charles Paddock, a county park ranger who nursed wild animals back to health. His reputation for rehabilitating animals soon spread throughout the area and, by 1959, Mr. Paddock’s animal population increased to over 125 wild birds and mammals. By 1963, the Zoo was moved from the county animal shelter to its present site and became known as Atascadero Children’s Zoo. In 1979, the City of Atascadero was incorporated and took over management of the Zoo. The Zoo took on the official name of “The Charles Paddock Zoo” in 1980, in memory of its founder.

Over the years, the Zoo has expanded and earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a distinction held by only 10% of U.S. zoos. AZA accreditation represents the highest standards in animal welfare, education, and conservation. Today, the Zoo is home to approximately 100 animal species from around the globe, on five park-like acres in the beautiful Atascadero Lake Park.

In June 2025, the Zoo celebrated its 70th anniversary with an exciting milestone: the unveiling of its new logo and new name, the Central Coast Zoo. The rebranding was designed to expand awareness, strengthen community support, and reflect the Zoo's regional presence by helping to reach a broader audience and creating more opportunities for visibility, engagement, and growth.

Charles Paddock remains part of the Zoo’s history: As guests approach the entrance, they are greeted by a memorial statue of Charles Paddock holding Cosmo the opossum. Cosmo was the first animal back in 1955 when the zoo first opened!

Accreditation

MARCH 31, 2025 – The Central Coast Zoo (formerly Charles Paddock Zoo) and the City of Atascadero are delighted to announce that the Association of Zoos & Aquariums has announced that the Zoo has been accredited for five years! The Zoo has been recognized as an accredited zoo since 1991 and is now accredited through 2030!

Learn More About AZA

Board of Directors

The Zoo is owned and operated by the City of Atascadero and is part of the Community Services and Promotions Department.

The Friends of the Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer support group dedicated to fundraising and supporting the Zoo. The Board of Directors is made up entirely of volunteers, allowing all funds raised to directly benefit the Zoo.

(Board Officers for July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)

Master Plan

The Central Coast Zoo is actively renovating and upgrading its animal habitats to provide more naturalistic environments that support the highest standards of care and well-being. As a committed conservation and education partner, the Zoo participates in programs that promote the responsible propagation and management of wildlife both on-site and in the wild, proudly serving as “Your Central Coast Conservation Center.” The Zoo remains one of the region’s best-valued, community-supported, and family-friendly destinations.