MERCED
APPLEGATE
ZOO
Where every animal
has a story!
Honoring the
Past
Applegate Zoo has been part of the
Applegate Park experience since 1961
Applegate Zoo has become a staple in
the City of Merced, welcoming around
30,000 visitors each year
Zoological Society formed in 1983 and
organized volunteer operations,
grounds keeping, and most
importantly- fundraising
After 40 years of supporting
Applegate Zoo, the Zoological Society
disbanded last year. The zoo is now
supported in totality by
Parks & Community Services
Here & Now
Mission of Merced Applegate Zoo
• Applegate Zoo provides recreation and education
programs for Merced area residents. The Zoo
conducts conservation programs to promote
wildlife zoo and animal preservation with the
emphasis on species indigenous to the San Juaquin
Valley and the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.
Who We Serve
• The Zoo is host to a variety of demographic
audiences. From infants to Elders, Applegate Zoo
serves a diverse group of both residents and out of
town visitors. Some of our most frequent attendees
include young families, schools from Merced and
Stanislaus counties, and youth serving
organizations.
Licensing & Permits
• Applegate Zoo is licensed as an animal exhibitor
though United States Department of Agriculture
and permitted as a Native and Resident Species
Exhibitor by the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife. Both entities provide annual inspections
on the integrity of the facility, the standards of
practice, and the health of the animals.
January Storm-
Emergency
Evacuation
• January 2023 the City of Merced proclaimed a state of emergency • Crest of 24ft threatened wall along Bear Creek
• Contracted with ZDR3
• Evacuation plan implemented as result of State of Emergency • Moved over 60 animals to Monterey Zoo, Merced College, local ranches and veterinarian offices
Animal Collections & Inventory
Mammals Reptiles
60 27 12 6 3
Birds Invertebrates/Insects Amphibians
Applegate Zoo
Personnel
Administration
• Christopher Jensen
• Michelle Reid
Zookeepers (education & experience)
• Josh Moreno
• Ashley Fazzari
• L’nyssa Ledford
Part Time Staff
• Exhibit Upkeep
• Gift Shop
• Husbandry
Annual Expense (personnel, contracts,
supplies, food, utilities)- $500,000
Revenues (admissions, gift shop,
grants, donations)- $100,000
Cost Savings Measures Employed
• Staff & Animal Training to reduce
vet bills
• Donations of food & supplies
• Volunteers
• Service Days
Cost of Ownership
Benefits to the Community
New V entures for Applegate Zoo
Glimpse of
the Future
• Remodel old Cougar enclosure
for Black Bear
• Update all walking paths to meet
ADA requirements
• Upgrade electrical and plumbing
• Turn big pond area into Wetland
exhibit
• Create Desert exhibit for Tortoise
year round
An updated look for an
updated facility
New logo embraces the goal to rescue, exhibit
and highlight animals that live along the Gateway
to Yosemite
• Sierra Nevada Mountain Range
• Variety of trees
• Stagg
• Bird of prey
• Bear
The tag line represents that each animal has a
specific story to be told and our facility provides a
level of engagement and relationship that is
seldom found available in other facilities of its
kind.