The Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Fresno, California
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is one of the most popular zoos among hundreds of zoos present in the United States of America having a major collection of animals which is still in its growth phase. This zoo is situated in the center of Roeding Park in Fresno, California having unique collection of animals which makes the difference from other zoo. The size of the area occupied by this zoo is not so much large but having 18 acres. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
The zoo was formed in 1908 tough it was opened for public for the first time in 1929. At the time of official opening in 1929 the name of the zoo was Roeding Park Zoo. It was started with two bears as well as 50 different types of bird species. There was an amphitheatre and log cabin which consists some other animals like Bears, local cats, hoof stock, and birds which are added after some months of the official opening.
The main growth of the zoo which made it unique with large range of animal diversity started within the time period of 1940s and 1950s, by addition of 100 animals and some other birds to the zoo. This change resulted into the creation of interest regarding in the public. Nosey, the Elephant’s habitat was formed at this stage.
This zoo was getting modernised to provide a complete infrastructure to its visitors during the time period of 1960-1990. In 1960 the park’s ground was fenced to reduce vandalism as well as the implement of admission fee worth 25 cent occurred at the same time. In 1970 the area of the zoo expanded as well as new exhibits like elk, prairie dogs, bison are taken here. The Edward A. Kane Reptile House, the world’s first computer-controlled reptile habitat is made in the year 1979. In 1980, Nosey, the Elephant’s habitat was renovated and new elephants came to this zoo to increase species no and make the exhibit area more attractive to its visitors.
In 1990 after the death of Paul S. Chaffee, the zoo’s director, the name of the zoo changed to the Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno. A new attractive exhibit, the wing wondered bird show added in this time which gained great popularity among the visitors in the later period. In 2006, the name was zoo was again shortened to Fresno Chaffee. In 2006, the 20 year master plan is approved which mainly consists of the expansion of the zoo to accommodate the large animal exhibits, such as lions, breeding elephants, cheetahs, rhinos, meerkats, and other African animals.
At present the zoo gained popularity by exhibits some unique species like Malayan tapir, Mexican red-kneed tarantula, Orangutan, Radiated tortoise, Red wolf, Red ruffed lemur, Ring-tailed lemur, Scimitar-horned Oryx, Siamang. There is enough resource present in the zoo which can be used as educational and research purpose. Anybody will surely great entertain a lot after visiting this zoo.
Hours
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission prices
Adult (ages 12 – 61): $14.95
Children (ages 2 – 11) & Seniors (62+): $8.95
Children (1 year and under): FREE
Visit there website for full details: www.fresnochaffeezoo.org