What animals can I see at the Orange County Zoo?

The Orange County Zoo primarily features animals native to the Southwestern United States. You can expect to see species such as black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, ocelots, coyotes, bobcats, great horned owls, porcupines, turkey vultures, kit foxes, beavers, and coati. There's also a popular barnyard area with domestic animals like goats and sheep.

How much does it cost to visit the Orange County Zoo and how much is parking?

Admission to the Orange County Zoo is $2 per person for ages 3 and up, with children aged 2 and under entering for free. Please note that this fee does not include parking. Parking for Irvine Regional Park, where the zoo is located, costs $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends (with higher rates for major holidays).

Can I bring food and drinks into the Orange County Zoo?

While you cannot bring outside food inside the zoo itself (especially not into the petting zoo area), visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks and water bottles. There are numerous picnic areas available just outside the zoo entrance within Irvine Regional Park, such as Squirrel Square, which are perfect for a meal before or after your visit. A water bottle refill station is also available.

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Orange County Zoo

Nestled within the sprawling Irvine Regional Park, the Orange County Zoo offers a captivating and intimate encounter with the diverse wildlife native to the Southwestern United States.

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About

Nestled within the sprawling Irvine Regional Park, the Orange County Zoo offers a captivating and intimate encounter with the diverse wildlife native to the Southwestern United States. This family-friendly gem, spanning eight acres, provides a unique opportunity to observe fascinating species in natural habitats, many of whom are rescued animals that cannot be returned to the wild, serving as vital animal ambassadors. As you wander through the shaded pathways, you'll come face-to-face with powerful predators like black bears and mountain lions, marvel at the majestic bald eagles, and spot elusive creatures such as ocelots, coyotes, and bobcats.

The zoo's focus on regional flora and fauna makes it an exceptional place to learn about the natural heritage of Southern California.The Orange County Zoo is thoughtfully designed to be engaging for all ages, particularly families with young children, without being overwhelming. The manageable size ensures that visitors can comfortably explore every exhibit in about an hour to an hour and a half, fostering a sense of discovery rather than rush. Beyond the larger mammals and birds of prey, you'll discover charming residents like North American porcupines, great horned owls, and the recently added beaver, Buckley, often seen playing at the front of his exhibit.A highlight for many visitors is the interactive barnyard area, where children and adults alike can get up close with friendly domestic animals such as goats and sheep.

Grain can be purchased for feeding, offering a hands-on experience that creates lasting memories. The zoo also offers an engaging cell phone audio tour, providing deeper insights from zookeepers and veterinarians about the animals' stories, diets, and unique behaviors, enhancing the educational journey. With its blend of education, conservation, and immersive animal encounters, the Orange County Zoo provides a delightful and meaningful outing for anyone seeking to connect with nature. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.

The Orange County Zoo boasts a rich history intertwined with Irvine Regional Park, with animal collections dating back over a century. Its origins can be traced to 1905, when red foxes were introduced and bred in the area. A small collection officially began in 1920 with a pair of pet mule deer, followed by an alligator exhibit and a bird exhibit featuring cockatoos, quail, doves, and parakeets in 1935. The current zoo was formally established in its present location in the 1960s. Following extensive redevelopment in the early 1980s, it officially reopened in 1985 as the Irvine Park Zoo, later becoming the Orange County Zoo. Throughout its evolution, the zoo has been dedicated to showcasing and caring for animals native to the Southwestern United States, many of which are rescued due to injury or abandonment.

What to do here

Explore the habitats of native Southwestern animals, including ocelots, coyotes, bobcats, porcupines, and various owls. Spend time in the barnyard feeding goats. Listen to the audio tour at each exhibit. Consider combining your zoo visit with other activities in Irvine Regional Park, such as the Irvine Park Railroad, paddle boating, or picnicking.

Seasonal info

The zoo is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Southern California weather is generally pleasant, but it can get warm, especially in summer, so plan accordingly. Weekday Park Perks are sometimes available from April to September.

Accessibility

The zoo features wide, paved paths that are stroller-friendly, making it generally accessible for wheelchairs as well.

Don't miss

Impressive large mammal exhibits featuring black bears and mountain lions

Bald eagle and other raptor exhibits

Interactive barnyard for hands-on animal encounters

Free cell phone audio tour

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Ocelot

Cougar

Coyote

Great Horned Owl

Black Bear

Bald Eagle

Vulture

Red Tailed Hawk

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early

Visit right when the zoo opens at 10 AM for cooler weather, fewer crowds, and when the animals are often most active.

Bring Snacks and Water

While food isn't allowed inside the zoo, there are ample picnic spots right outside in Irvine Regional Park. A water bottle is a must, and there's a refill station available.

Plan for Parking

Be aware of the separate parking fee for Irvine Regional Park ($3 weekdays, $5 weekends/holidays), which is in addition to the zoo admission.

Utilize the Audio Tour

Dial (714) 481-0355 for the free cell phone audio tour, which provides fascinating facts and insights from zoo staff about the animals.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Even though the zoo is small, you'll be doing a fair amount of walking, especially if you explore the surrounding Irvine Regional Park.

Combine with Park Activities

Maximize your day by enjoying other attractions within Irvine Regional Park, such as the Irvine Park Railroad, paddle boats, or the playgrounds.

Frequently asked questions

: The Orange County Zoo primarily features animals native to the Southwestern United States. You can expect to see species such as black bears, mountain lions, bald eagles, ocelots, coyotes, bobcats, great horned owls, porcupines, turkey vultures, kit foxes, beavers, and coati. There's also a popular barnyard area with domestic animals like goats and sheep.
: Admission to the Orange County Zoo is $2 per person for ages 3 and up, with children aged 2 and under entering for free. Please note that this fee does not include parking. Parking for Irvine Regional Park, where the zoo is located, costs $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends (with higher rates for major holidays).
: While you cannot bring outside food inside the zoo itself (especially not into the petting zoo area), visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks and water bottles. There are numerous picnic areas available just outside the zoo entrance within Irvine Regional Park, such as Squirrel Square, which are perfect for a meal before or after your visit. A water bottle refill station is also available.