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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Orange
County Zoo Irvine Park
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The Orange County Zoo is
part of Irvine Regional Park. The zoo displays native
animals and plants on eight acres of Irvine park. The
black bear, Samson (the hot tub bear) was the most famous
resident of the zoo.
Samson is no longer around but there are still two black
bears to entertain visitors. Some of the other animals
on display are: Coyote, Mountain lion, Beaver, Bald Eagle,
Mule deer and just about any other animal native to the
southwestern United States.
Although the zoo is on the small side there is quite a
lot to see. All the animals are kept in well maintained
areas with the largest being the bear area. It will take
about an hour at the most to see everything at the zoo
and the entrance fee is only a couple of bucks.
Older children might find this zoo a little too small
their tastes, its defiantly not the San Diego Zoo. The
Orange County Zoo ia a nice little place to visit while
enjoying a day at Irvine Park.
Take the time to check out this great little zoo and see
some of the animals that call Orange County home. |
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Orange
County Zoo |
For kids there
is a barnyard area with domestic animals, including several
breeds of sheep, goat and chickens. These animals are available
for touching through the fence. Grain may be purchased to
feed some of the animals in the barnyard area only.
To get to the zoo you will need to enter Irvine park there
is a $3.00 per vehicle parking fee on weekdays and $5.00
per vehicle on weekends (holidays parking is $7.00-$10.00).
Irvine park is a great place to spend the day and if you
go be sure to check out all the animals at the Orange County
Zoo. Irvine Regional Park is the perfect place to spend
the day and visiting the Orange County Zoo is an added attraction. |
Orange
County Zoo Petting Area |
Orange
County Zoo Bear |
The zoo offers cell phone
audio tours. Visitors can hear information about the animals
in the exhibit from the animal keepers, veterinarian, education
coordinator, and curator, including their names, diet, where
they came from, and why they are at the zoo
The Orange County Zoo is located within Irvine Regional
Park: Irvine Park is located in Santiago Canyon, six miles
east of the City of Orange. To reach the park, take the
Newport Freeway (#55) to the Chapman Avenue East off ramp.
Head east on Chapman for approximately five miles. Turn
left on Jamboree for one fourth a mile to the park entrance.
Open Daily: weekdays 10:00am to 3:30pm;
weekends 10:00am to 4:30pm. Closed Dec. 25 & Jan.
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