Settled in the town of Moorpark, Ca is a local, hidden gem!  With 5 acres full of exotic animals, family fun and unique experiences; there is no need to drive far for a wonderful zoo experience. America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is ready for you and your family to come enjoy!

History of the Zoo

America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is currently a five acre “classroom” for the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program. Established at Moorpark College in 1974 it attracts students from around the world because of its unique “hands-on” component and curriculum.

The Teaching Zoo serves the surrounding communities as an educational resource and a recreational attraction for people of all ages. Thousands of people visit the zoo every year for field trips, family outings and special events.

In December 2014 a completed, Teaching Zoo funded, Master Plan was finalized in coordination with a new Master Plan for Moorpark College.

Exotic and Exciting

The America’s Teaching Zoo houses over 130 animals of more than 90 species!  You can see a wonderful family of animals, such as a huge Galapagos tortoise, alligators, monkeys, tigers, snakes, donkeys, porcupines, hawks, Ira the Lion and more.  The zoo is not usually crowded which allows close-up interactions with the animals, their habitats, and behaviors.

The shows are also a great opportunity to see a number of animals up close and personal.

Plan Your Zoo Visit To America’s Teaching Zoo

Zoo Hours:
Saturday & Sunday 11:00am to 4:30pm
Last Ticket sales at 3:45pm
The Zoo will be Closed Christmas & New Year’s Day

America’s Teaching Zoo Prices
General admission: $9
Senior admission 65+: $7
Children ages 3-12: $7
Children ages 0-2: Free

Attractions & Programs

12pm  & 2:30pm – Wildlife Presentation
Each educational program features a variety of animals. Animals are different in 12:00pm & 2:30pm shows.  Located in the Wildlife Theater.

1:30pm – Training Demonstration
Our training demonstrations highlight the close working relationship our students have with the animals in their care. Located at the Wildlife Theater.

3:30pm – Ira Feeding Demonstration
Watch as our student animal care staff demonstrate how we feed, train and safely care for Ira our Male African Lion Located down before Primate Gardens.

3:45pm – Large Carnivore Feeding
Watch as our student animal care staff demonstrate how we feed, train and safely care for some of our other largest carnivores. Located in the Carnivores area.

Animal Meet & Greets – Times Vary
You never know when you may catch an animal out and about with it’s student animal trainers. Come eye to eye and learn about some of our animal ambassadors. Located at Exploration Stations.

Clarence the Galapagos Tortoise
98 years old and weighing up to 500 pounds, Galapagos Tortoises are some of the largest in the World! Clarence is not to be missed. You can find him munching on a snack or snoozing in the sun! Due to current construction, some access is restricted.

Ira’s Kingdom
Our male African Lion, Ira, is King of the Campus has a new kingdom to reign over. After years of fundraising we are excited to have opened a new enclosure for Ira and move one step forward with improvements from our Master Plan.

Ready to Visit?

A visit to America’s Teaching Zoo provides an experience your family will not forget.  A small, intimate zoo filled with amazing animals and the students who have a true love for what they do.  We know you and your family will fully enjoy the unique opportunities and experiences at this local, hopefully now not-so hidden gem in Ventura County!

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