Merced Applegate Zoo
Founded in 1962, the Applegate Park Zoo is a home for many local species as well as animals from far away.
We strive to give each animal in our zoo the best care possible. Most of our animals are rescued.This page is updated by the zookeepers at the zoo.
No pathway? No problem for this zookeeper! The new pathway throughout the zoo is almost complete, only one section left to pave! Work on the new bear habitat is making steady progress as well!
The animals here at the Merced Applegate Zoo cannot wait to see you all again when construction finishes up!
01/13/2026
Bobcat spotted on the zoo pathways!
Construction has started here at the zoo and we're expecting to be closed until estimated project completion in April.
We look forward to seeing you all strolling along our new walkways!
12/23/2025
We will be closed starting January 1st to begin renovations on a brand new Black Bear enclosure, pathways around the zoo, and gift shop entrance! We will keep you all updated as renovations begin! We can't wait to see you all in April!
12/16/2025
The zoo is currently preparing for a large renovation that impacts our ability to hold the event. We wish you all happy holidays and can’t wait to celebrate the event with you next year!
We will be open our regular hours for the time being, 10:00am-4:00pm Thursday through Sunday, with updates coming as renovations progress.
Christmas is approaching and the animals at the Merced Applegate Zoo have filled out their wishlists!
Stop by the Zoo Thursday through Sunday and choose an "adopt an animal tag" from the tree to see what specific animals are wishing for or checkout our Amazon wishlist to spread some holiday cheer!
A huge thank you for all of the pumpkins this year, our animals have been enjoying the seasonal enrichment!
We have recieved so many, that we are at capacity and do not have room for any more pumpkin donations.
Thank you for thinking of our animals and happy holidays!
11/07/2025
Rascal, the black-crowned night heron, came to us in 1994, making him one of the longest staying residents at Merced Applegate Zoo. Rascal came to us after being deemed unreleasable from having a wing injury and damage to his feet. Black-crowned night herons reside in wetlands and are mostly active at dusk or nighttime. Come check out Rascal and our other carnivorous birds Thursday-Sunday from 10:00am-3:45pm!!
10/26/2025
We had so much fun at last night's Zoo Boo event and cannot wait to see you all there for our final night, tonight! Join us today from 5:30 to 7:30 for trick or treating fun!
10/25/2025
Join us here at the Merced Applegate Zoo for another round of Zoo Boo tonight from 5:30 to 7:30! Be prepared for trick or treating, creepy critters, and lots of fun!
Like, let’s get over there, Scoob! The Merced Applegate Zoo is happy to be having its first night of Zoo Boo tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 pm!
Join Shaggy and Scooby for some spook-tacular trick or treating fun! Costumes, candy, and creepy critters... It’s gonna be a howlin’ good time!
Don’t miss out, see you at Zoo Boo!
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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 |