DAY TRIP The Charles Paddock Zoo

The Charles Paddock Zoo in San Luis Obispo County is home to more than 100 animals throughout its five acres, one being a rare female Indochinese tiger named Sala. Indochinese tigers are a dying breed, and Sala is one of the 235 left in existence worldwide. The zoo was established in 1955 by Charles Paddock, a county park ranger who cared for sick animals. Paddock collected more than 125 birds and mammals in his menagerie throughout the first few years, and in 1963 the zoo was moved from the animal shelter to Atascadero Lake Park. The Charles Paddock Zoo strives to create natural habitats for the animals and also participates in conservation and scientific studies.

GETTING THERE

Take the 405 Freeway north for about 51 miles. Merge onto the 101 Freeway north toward Ventura. Stay on the 101 north for about 200 miles. Take exit 218A toward Santa Rosa Road and stay straight to go onto East Front Road. Drive on East Front Road for only a half mile before turning left on Santa Rosa Road. Stay on Santa Rosa Road for a little more than a mile and turn right on Avenal Avenue. Make a quick right on Pismo Avenue and turn left to stay on Pismo Avenue. End at the Charles Paddock Zoo.

HOURS

The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

ADMISSION

The entrance fee is $5 for all visitors who are 12 years of age or older. Children 3 to 11 years old are admitted for $4. Children younger than 2, and members are admitted for free.

PUPPET SHOW

Animal puppet shows are held at the Charles Paddock Zoo on the second Saturday every month, if weather permits. The show is aimed at children ages 7 and below. Shows are free with admission to the zoo and feature feathered and furry puppets.

WINE BY THE GLASS

Every Saturday, during a concert summer series held between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. at Atascadero Lake Park Bandstand, the zoo hosts a wine-by-the-glass deal where glasses of wine are sold for $4 and beer is sold $3 per glass. Wine is donated by the local Trader Joe’s, and all proceeds go to the reconstruction of the zoo.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES

The Charles Paddock Zoo offers two packages for birthday parties, both including long lists of fun activities for kids. The first package, the “Wild Party,” costs $10 per child for members and $12 per child for non-members. Parties must include a minimum of 10 children. The package contains zoo-venier grab bags, a party host, tablecloths, plates, napkins and plastic utensils, scavenger hunt activity sheets, and an exclusive party room for two hours. Kids will get to feed the sheep and goats also.

The second package, the “Party Animal” package, costs $12 per child for members and $14 per child for non-members. It includes goodies bags for children, a party host, themed tablecloths, plates, napkins and plastic utensils, scavenger hunt activity sheets, and the two-hour party room. Guests attending a “Party Animal” soiree get to feed the sheep and goats and also get to participate in a themed animal encounter with three of the zoo’s educational animals. The extra event includes a bio-facts program. For an extra $1 per person, partygoers receive a guided tour. For more information, call the Education Department at (805) 461-5080.

— Jacquelyn Rumfola