Big Bear Alpine Zoo Relocation Fund

A fire in the San Bernardino National Forest in 1959 left two bobcats and a black bear cub injured and alone.  These three animals became the first residents of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo , whose mission is to rescue, rehab, and release native wildlife. Over the years, many thousands of animals have been rescued by the efforts of an extremely dedicated staff whose lives are dedicated to the effort to rehabilitate these animals. In most cases, the animals have been successfully re-introduced to their native habitats, but occasionally release is just not feasible. In these cases, the animals have found a forever home in the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.


Animals like: Hucklebeary, a three legged black bear who came to Big Bear Alpine Zoo as a cub after he was hit by a vehicle. The Zoo provided medical care and helped him transition to life on three legs.


And Lotus, an American badger, who had been orphaned at a young age, and was unable to return to nature due imprinting on her caretakers.

And Valentine, an American eagle, who came to the Zoo with severe cataracts from DDT poisoning. 

And Jorja, Penny, and Motown, three grey foxes, who although arriving to the Zoo separately, were raised by the Zoo's animal care staff after being orphaned. They now live together like siblings.


And Asha and Shanti, sibling snow leopards, who came to Big Bear from a partner zoo, where they were born with congenital eye defects which left them each with only one eye.

These animals have unique needs and present unusual challenges for long-term care. The original zoo, which still exists today, was located in a parking area for a local ski resort. On just two acres, the enclosures are old and outdated, and were not designed with the specialized needs of the animals in mind. Guests must find their way through disorganized pathways, and in the winter, clearing the snow from the paths is almost impossible.


Designed by world-renowned zoo specialists, PGAV Destinations , the new zoo will be located on a larger site, and is designed around the alpine animals’ natural behaviors—and for how the Zoo cares for its special long-term residents. Habitats will allow staff to enrich the lives of the animals through behavioral training, physical challenges, and psychologically stimulating environments that are able to be changed and re-arranged regularly. The new zoo will offer the animals special habitats to explore, vistas to keep watch over guests and the surroundings, and options for interacting with other species.


With your help, the new zoo will also incorporate extra features for both the animals and the guests to enjoy. The big cats will gain access to overhead bridges that allow them to watch the guests, and lead them to a special habitat specially designed for extra enrichment activities.


The grizzly bear family will have access to a freshwater stream and pool allowing them to splash around, or just sit and bathe. The raccoons and the black bears will be able to be trained for medical check-ups and other husbandry needs while guests look on through the addition of training panels.


The new Big Bear Alpine Zoo is under construction now, but with your help, we can make it the absolute best it can be on opening day in Spring 2019. Help us continue helping alpine wildlife through rescue, rehab, and release, and by providing the best possible care for our long-term residents.

Go Wild with Your Donation!

All donations to this Go Fund Me campaign are tax-deductible through the 501(c)(3) Blanche & Gene Nay Foundation in support of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.