By FLIP HASSETT &
JIM CUNNINGHAM
The Merced Applegate Zoo is reopening after being closed since the start of the year.
Zoo officials say their grand reopening will be Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m.
The zoo has been closed since Jan. 1 to work on “exciting upgrades: including a brand-new black bear exhibit, new donor wall, a bobcat exhibit, greatly improved walking paths, and a refreshed gift shop entryway.
The addition of these new animal facilities helps to continue the zoo’s legacy as an educational wildlife rescue facility providing permanent homes for animals that cannot return to the wild due to injury or other circumstances.
The story of the zoo began in Applegate Park, which was established in the 1920s after a generous land donation from local businessman Lewis H. Applegate. Over the years, residents donated birds and other animals to the park, and the city built simple cages so visitors could enjoy seeing them. What started as a modest collection gradually became a popular local attraction.
By the late 1950s, city leaders recognized that the original animal enclosures no longer met the needs of the growing collection. In 1961–1962, Merced constructed a dedicated zoo at its current location within Applegate Park, providing improved facilities for birds, mammals, and reptiles. The zoo officially opened in 1962.
Unlike many traditional zoos, Applegate Park Zoo gradually changed its mission. Today, it serves as an educational wildlife rescue facility, providing homes for animals that cannot be returned to the wild, animals that have been placed in the zoo’s care and animals that have been transferred from other accredited zoos.
Today the zoo houses about 75 mammals, birds, and reptiles, with an emphasis on native California species. Professional zookeepers care for the animals, and volunteers help maintain the exhibits and grounds.
The zoo has continued to undergo Improvements throughout the years through both the Parks and Recreation Department programs and the invaluable contribution from community volunteers.
Merced City has created opportunities for new exhibit fencing, landscaping and additional trees to create more shade for the animals and the zoo attendees. They are developing new educational programs and facilities, expanded keeper programs and ongoing renovations to improve animal welfare and visitor accessibility.
Merced residents have been a constant and important contributor towards the zoo’s maintenance and animal population. This was accomplished by not only donating financial contributions every year but, just as important, by donating their time and effort through volunteer and community projects that benefited the upkeep of the facility and the health of the animals that live there
On Jan. 1, 2026, the zoo temporarily closed its doors to the public for major improvements, including upgrades on many of the animal habitats, landscaping and drainage, and ADA compliant walkways — so that all residents can view and enjoy the experience.
The City of Merced, the Merced City Parks and Recreation Department and the zoo staff are excited to share the full story of our very own Community Zoo, and officially unveil all of these meaningful additions and improvements.
This is such a great time to bring our community together to celebrate one of our city’s landmarks.
Hope to see you there!
Going forward, the Merced Zoo hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The zoo will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Entrance fees
0 — 3 yrs. FREE
4 — 13 yrs. $ 4.00
Adults (14+) $ 5.00
Seniors (60+) $ 3.00
If you would like to donate your time or contribute money for future projects, please call the Merced Parks and Recreation Office at (209) 385-6855.