Children of all ages, along with their adult family members, showed up in droves last Friday morning to take part in the reopening celebration of Merced’s Applegate Zoo.
They were excited to see an expanded black bear exhibit, with an up-close glass viewing area. Zoo bears Missy and Windfall did not disappoint as they splashed around in their brand-new pool area. Meanwhile, a pair of rescued bobcat kittens, Boomer and Bobbie, played about in the updated UC Merced Bobcat Exhibit.
Today is much more than about just new exhibits,” said Chris Jensen, director of Parks and Community Services for the city. “Today is about celebrating a community that believes that every animal deserves a second chance at life. That all of our residents deserve a place to connect with nature and learn, and crave lifelong memories with their families.
“Four years ago, we programmed this process to better serve both our community and the rescued animals here. The first question we had to ask ourselves was, who are we? The answer became our mission. We are a rescue. We give animals, they cannot be rehabilitated, a chance to live out their lives and educate our students and community. Every animal here has a unique story. A story of rescue and hope. The commitment led to a complete rebranding of our facility, and the new tagline, where every animal has a story.”
Zookeeper Josh Moreno echoed that phrase as he recounted how Missy and Waterfall came to Merced.
“California Department of Fish and Wildlife contacted us one day, saying that there was a black bear named Windfall, and she was being kept as an illegal pet,” Moreno began. “I don’t know how much you guys know about black bears, but they make horrible pets. When they are raised as pets, they become imprinted on people and they lose that survival skill that they need to have to live on their own in the wild. … Missy was found when she was 1 year old by Fish and Wildlife. And she was extremely emaciated. A typical 1-year-old black bear is going to weigh close to 30 pounds. Missy weighed only 10 pounds.
So she was in desperate need of human care. So that’s how both of these bears ended up here. And the zookeepers have been taking care of them ever since.
And what makes all of the zookeepers here great is that each and every one of them love these animals so, so much. … We are so fortunate to have zookeepers who love what they do.”
The zoo had been closed since the start of the year when construction began on the remodeling project. The Merced City Council directed $2 million of investment from covid-era federal funding known as the American Rescue Plan Act.
The upgrades include ADA compliant walkways and a redesigned gift shop.
A Donor Wall was also unveiled in memory of Violette Walker — a standout El Capitan High School student, FFA & 4-H member and zoo volunteer. The wall is sponsored by family members, friends, and the Merced Firefighters Association. The plan is to have donors recognized on the wall with their names placed on bear prints.
UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz was also on hand for the ceremony, along with the campus Bobcat mascot. The university donated money toward remodeling the zoo’s bobcat enclosure which includes the adult feline Rufus, along with kittens Bobbie and Boomer.
“The zoo reflects values we all share: education, stewardship, partnership and investment in our community,” Muñoz said. “Merced was founded to expand opportunities of Central Valley, and we know that great universities only thrive alongside great communities like Merced. And so, supporting local organizations like the Applegate Zoo strengthens the quality of life throughout our region.”
In a surprise announcement, Muñoz pledged $20,000 in additional funding, commemorating the university’s 20th anniversary, toward the zoo’s next project, a new tortoise exhibit. This particular showcase will also be sponsored by the Merced Breakfast Lions.
City Councilman Mike Harris, who represents the Applegate Park area, called the zoo “one of Merced’s signature destinations.”
“Together, the zoo and [nearby] Kiddieland create a place where children can learn, families can connect, and lifelong memories are made.”
Currently, the zoo houses approximately 75 mammals, birds, and reptiles, many of which are California native species that came from wildlife rescue centers.
Individuals are welcome to enroll in the volunteer program to assist with exhibit cleaning, diet preparation, landscaping maintenance and zoo improvement projects. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and may pick up a volunteer application at the zoo and attend a volunteer orientation the second Thursday of each month at 3:30 p.m.
The zoo is located at 1045 W. 25th St., inside Merced’s Applegate Park. It is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission is $5, and there are discounted prices for children and seniors.