Merced Applegate Zoo
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Founded in 1962, the Merced Applegate Zoo is a place where every animal has a story. This page is updated by the zookeepers at the zoo.
We house rehabilitated wildlife that has been deemed non-releasable and needs long term care.
Have you had the chance to come by the zoo and say hi to our newest residents? Two young bobcats means two times the cuteness! The young female, Bobbi, imprinted on humans and was deemed non-releasable while the young male, Boomer, has limited sight that leaves him unable to thrive in the wild.
The zoo is open Thursday through Sunday 10am to 4pm!
Meet Missy, our American Black Bear! Missy joined the zoo family in 2008, as a rescue! When she was just one year old, she only weighed 10lbs!!! Lacking the proper nutrition, Missy needed human care to help her grow big and strong! Now, Missy is a happy, healthy, and loved American Black Bear!
For what feels like the first time in forever, we'll be open Thurday-Sunday from 10:00 to 4:00! Be sure to come check out our brand new bear exhibit, upgraded bobcat exhibit, brand new side walks, and so much more! We CANNOT WAIT to see you all here!
Thank you to everyone who visited the zoo this weekend and was a part of our grand re-opening!
We're so happy to have guests walking our pathways again and hope that everyone had a great time.
To anyone who hasn't had the chance to stop by, we are back to regular operational hours of 10am to 4pm, Thursday through Sunday!
We’re open!! 😃 Today is the purrrfect day to come down and meet our new additions at Merced Applegate Zoo!! Can’t wait to see you here!
07/25/2026
We loved seeing you all here today for the grand reopening of the Merced Applegate Zoo!
07/23/2026
We hope to see you all there!
Tomorrow is the day!
We are so excited to welcome back our residents and visitors to Merced Applegate Zoo. Come see our all new Black Bear Exhibit, renovated Bobcat Exhibit, walkways and guest experiences!
We thank you for your patience and support during this effort. We couldn't have made the improvements necessary without the support of Merced City Council, UC Merced, Merced Breakfast Lions, Merced County Office of Education, and the Friends and Family of Violette Walker including Merced Firefighter Association Local 1479.
Please join us tomorrow as we showcase our new additions, new rescues (unveiled tomorrow) and future projects!
See you tomorrow at Merced Applegate Zoo, Where Every Animal Has A Story!
07/12/2026
A huge thank you to the Senior Cadettes in Girl Scout troop 3019, who were hard at work this past weekend beautifying gardens around the zoo in preparation for our July 24th re-opening!
We hope to see you and your families here at the zoo very soon!
07/08/2026
We're excited to announce that July 24th will be our grand re-opening! Hope to see you there and thank you for your patience!
Since the 1960's, Merced Applegate Zoo has served as a cherished community destination where generations of families have connected with California's incredible wildlife.
Today, the zoo proudly continues that legacy as an educational wildlife rescue, providing a permanent home for animals that cannot return to the wild due to injury or other circumstances.
As we look to the future, Merced Applegate Zoo is evolving into a modern center for conservation, education, and community engagement—where every rescued animal inspires a deeper appreciation for our natural world and every visit helps foster the next generation of environmental stewards.
We are so excited to showcase our upgraded walking paths, gift shop, Bobcat exhibit, and all new Black Bear exhibit with our supporters!
Join us Friday, July 24th at 10:00am for our grand reopening.
We don’t have an official date yet, but, just like the dinosaurs, our renovation era is nearing extinction. 🦕🦖 Until then, enjoy these prehistoric sounds from some of our residents as we stomp closer to the finish line. We’re almost done!
Who do you think made the best dinosaur sound? 😁
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Address
1045 W 25th Street
Merced, CA
95340
Opening Hours
| Thursday | 10am - 4pm |
| Friday | 10am - 4pm |
| Saturday | 10am - 4pm |
| Sunday | 10am - 4pm |