Different Worlds

Let’s go to the zoo!

By Michele Roest

Photo courtesy Americas Teaching Zoo The Central Coast is home to a surprising number of raptor species, and you can view several of them in the aviary at America’s Teaching Zoo.

People have always been fascinated by the shapes, sizes, and colors of exotic animals. Zoos have been depicted in wall carvings dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. In the 1800s, zoos were kept by wealthy landowners who could afford to maintain them. American publisher and newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst had a private menagerie; some of the old animal enclosures can be seen on tours of Hearst Castle in San Luis Obispo County, and there are still over 100 zebras living on the property. Aquariums were invented in the 1800s to keep and observe colorful species of fish. Historically, the word “zoo” is an abbreviation for “zoological garden.”

Modern zoos and aquariums (sometimes called aquaria or oceanariums) continue to be magnets for people who enjoy learning about the natural world. Besides providing education and entertainment, zoos fulfill important conservation roles for wildlife. Some establish captive breeding programs for endangered species that may be introduced back into wild populations; others conduct veterinary research on animal diseases; and all share valuable information in conferences and publications. Zoos and aquariums also have important roles in public education and inspiring stewardship for wildlife in people of all ages. Here on the Central Coast, we have several zoos and aquariums to visit.

Photo courtesy Americas Teaching Zoo

Lions like snacks, too! Unusual treats — like food frozen in ice — provide enrichment and fun.

In Ventura County, America’s Teaching Zoo, located at Moorpark College, is part of Moorpark’s Exotic Animal Training and Management program. Established in 1974, the program prepares students for careers as animal handlers and trainers in animal parks, zoos, and oceanariums, and for the entertainment and wildlife education industries. On weekends they are open to the public. Attractions include live wildlife presentations, animal training demonstrations, and feeding activities. On Halloween weekend, they host “Boo at the Zoo,” with Halloween costumes, animal trick or treats, and a parade. “It’s two full days of family fun,” says Mara Rodriguez, the zoo’s development coordinator. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center is located on historic Stearns Wharf. This small marine education facility offers handson encounters with sharks, rays, sea stars, sea urchins, and anemones. The Sea Center participates in the White Abalone Restoration Consortium, a widescale effort to bring the endangered marine snail back from the brink of extinction. Temporarily closed for exhibit improvements, during construction their live marine animals will be housed at the Museum’s Mission Creek campus (also the location of the Central Coast’s only Planetarium). Look for the Stearns Wharf location to reopen in early 2022.

No visit to Santa Barbara is complete without a visit to the Santa Barbara Zoo, founded in 1963. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, the Santa Barbara Zoo is located on 30 acres of botanic gardens and is home to more than 500 animals in naturalistic habitats. The Santa Barbara Zoo participates in endangered species programs for the Masai giraffe, California condor, Channel Islands fox, and western lowland gorilla. The zoo’s Early Explorers program is California’s very first zoo preschool. “We are so proud to offer a truly oneof-a-kind outdoor preschool experience rich with handson learning,” said JJ McLeod, Director of Education at the Santa Barbara Zoo. “Children are surrounded by wildlife that they get to learn about, visit regularly, and develop a natural appreciation for their conservation! Where else do you get to hear the roar of lion while at school?”

The Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary is located in Summerland. The Sanctuary is a haven for 24 species of colorful, long-lived parrots including macaws, cockatoos, and African Grey parrots. Visitors enjoy the tropical atmosphere

Photo courtesy of Central Coast Aquarium

Get eye-to-eye with the California’s aquatic diversity at the Central Coast Aquarium.

complete with lanai, pond, and waterfall. Director Jamie McLeod cheerfully greets visitors and offers entertaining live shows and educational workshops. The Sanctuary is open to the public for walk-in visitors and group tours.

In San Luis Obispo County, you can find the Central Coast Aquarium in Avila Beach. Monday through Wednesday they stay busy with school education programs; they are open to the public Thursday through Sunday. The facility is also available for events and birthday parties by reservation. Look for their “Sharks After Dark” and other special events such as the “Catch of the Central Coast” fundraiser. The Charles Paddock Zoo is located adjacent to Atascadero Lake Park in Atascadero. Founded in 1955 by Charles Paddock, a wildlife ranger who nursed wounded animals back to health, the zoo has grown to house more than 100 animals on five park-like acres. Although small, it is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Based in Paso Robles, Zoo to You brings animal ambassadors everywhere from classrooms to boardrooms. Zoo to You trains abandoned or injured animals that are no longer able to survive in their wild habitats to be ambassadors for their species. Zoo to You’s programs include exotic wildlife as well as animals native to North America. Their programs are available throughout Central and Southern California.

Ticket prices for these memory-making experiences are reasonable, so the next time you have a free weekend, say “Let’s go to the zoo!”

Photo courtesy of Central Coast Aquarium Ever wanted to touch a shark? You can, at the Central Coast Aquarium!

Photo courtesy of Central Coast Aquarium Decorator crabs do exactly that — they decorate! They use various things they find on the ocean floor to camouflage themselves. Velcro-like bristles on their bodies make for easy additions and adjustments.

Photo courtesy of Charles Paddock Zoo In terms of species diversity and endemism, the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot is one of the most biologically important regions of the planet. This Malayan tiger, named Menderu, was born in captivity in 2008. Tigers are longlived — this one could live to be 20 or 25 years in its captive home.

Photo courtesy of Charles Paddock Zoo The Thelma Better Red Panda Experience at the Charles Paddock Zoo opened in 2019. “We’re very proud and pleased to open this beautiful new exhibit to the public,” Director Alan Baker said. “It’s a preview of the type of projects our Master Plan envisions for the future of the zoo.”

Photo courtesy of Charles Paddock Zoo

Photo courtesy of Charles Paddock Zoo One of the world’s largest land tortoises, Aldabra tortoises can reach sizes of up to 550 pounds and ages of up to 150 years old. They are found on Aldabra Island, one of the Seychelles northeast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.

• America’s Teaching Zoo 7075 Campus Rd, Moorpark Open weekends from 11 am to 5 pm Tickets: Adults $9, Children and Seniors $7, members free For more: moorparkcollege.edu/ teaching-zoo or (805) 378-1400

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center at Stearns Wharf 211 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Reopens early 2022 For more: sbnature.org/visit/sea-center

These American Flamingos greet visitors at the entrance to Charles Paddock Zoo.

• Santa Barbara Zoo 500 Ninos Dr, Santa Barbara Open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm Tickets range from $14.95 to $19.95 (plus parking) For more: sbzoo.org or (805) 962-6310

• Santa Barbara Bird Sanctuary 2430 Lillie Ave, Summerland Open Mon, Weds, Fri and Sat, 11 am to 3 pm Tickets range from $10 to $20 For more: sbbird.org or (805) 565-1807

• Central Coast Aquarium 50 San Juan St, Avila Beach Open Thursday through Sunday; check website for hours Tickets: Adults $8, children $5 For more: centralcoastaquarium.com or (805) 457-5357

• Charles Paddock Zoo 9100 Morro Rd, Atascadero Open daily 10 am to 5 pm Ticket prices range from $5 to $10 For more: charlespaddockzoo.org or (805) 461-5080

Cambria Art & Wine Festival

January 28, 29, 30 - 2022

Enjoy the California Central Coast

Cambria ultimately embodies the relaxing pace of California’s Central Coast, where towering pine trees, rugged shores, and remarkable air quality set the tone. Visitors to the area are enchanted by its historic architecture, distinctive shops, art galleries, and walking trails along the beach.

The Cambria Chamber of Commerce hosts its 19th Annual Art And Wine Three Day Festival on January 28th, 29th, and 30th.

The main event begins Friday morning January 28th throughout the village with demonstrating artists and wine tasting hosted by participating businesses.

The Party Package option adds a kick off party Friday evening featuring a fi ve course wine pairing dinner offered by some of Cambria’s fi nest restaurants and local wineries. In addition there will be live entertainment, a special raffl e drawing and silent art auction. Saturday January 29th the festival is in full swing as local businesses and in full swing as local businesses and venues host wine tastings and artist venues host wine tastings and artist demonstrations throughout town.

Opportunities to shop, purchase art, Opportunities to shop, purchase art, and obtain raffl e tickets abound in and obtain raffl e tickets abound in this event. There are plans to add a this event. There are plans to add a local Crafters’ Fair featuring local local Crafters’ Fair featuring local artists and their many talents.

Sunday January 30th dine with the Sunday January 30th dine with the locals at a pancake breakfast offered by the American Legion, with all proceeds benefi ting the Cambria Veterans Legion Post 432. Closing the event are artist displays and raffl e drawings.

Cambria offers lodging from Home Cambria offers lodging from Home Stay to Luxury Hotels. There is something to fi t every desire on the beach or in the pines.

Join us at the festival in toasting the best life has to offer with over twenty local wineries, gourmet restaurants, amazing artists, and unique shops. The Cambria Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and wineries invite you to celebrate their wonderful community and all it has to offer at this festive event.

Main event tickets start at $40.00. To purchase tickets or more information visit: CambriaArtWine.org

MAIN EVENT

$40 Event Presale: ($45 at the door, if available): Access to all Main Event Venues Shopping Specials, Wine Tasting,

PARTY PACKAGE

Includes Main Event Ticket & Friday Evening Kick Off Party Five Course Food/Wine Pairing $130 VIP • $110 Unreserved Seating

Details, Tickets & Lodging Suggestions Online: CambriaArtWine.org or at Cambria Chamber of Commerce: 767 Main Street, Cambria 805.927.3624

Welcome to Cambria

With boutique lodging and no chains in sight, your vacation in Cambria will be unlike any other. This remote Central Coast retreat is full of enchanting beaches, historic attractions, delicious dining options, and wide-open spaces. The area is famous for its scenic drives. Taking Highway One north to Big Sur goes into the mountains with hairpin turns and beautiful views. Or you can stay more local and drive the picturesque Santa Rosa Creek Road. A variety of walks and hikes are easily accessible. The boardwalk along Moonstone Beach and the bluffs of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve offer beautiful ocean views that will take your breath away. Those looking for more challenging hikes can find trails up into the mountains. Wildlife is everywhere. Deer and wild turkey roam through local neighborhoods, and dolphins, whales, seals, and sea otters can be spotted not far from shore. The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, just a few miles north of town, is a must-see with docents available to answer questions. The Cambria area also boasts such well-known historic sites as Hearst Castle, The Guthrie-Bianchini House, which is now the Cambria Historical Museum, the Piedras Blancas Light Station, and the tiny town of Harmony, population 18. One-of-a-kind shops and restaurants along with wineries abound. This being wine country, wine-tasting opportunities are endless. All these establishments adhere to current health recommendations, and visitors are encouraged to do so as well. Up-to-date details can be found at visitcambriaca.com.

Cambria’s Annual Scarecrow Festival

During the entire month of October, whimsical scarecrows will line the streets of Cambria and San Simeon. This free, family-oriented annual event delights visitors and locals alike. The 2021 Festival will have many great displays from Pirates extraordinaire with sea monsters and a Day of the Dead Festival with a play on Coco to Storybook Land featuring such stories as Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, and other family favorites. Plan to see a fanciful take on Noah’s Ark as well as an educational walk through the history of art a la scarecrow. One can’t help but marvel at these ingenious artistic creations that are sure to put a smile on your face. Visit cambriascarecrows.com for special events and scarecrow locations. It’s going to be amazing!

Where Whimsy Runs Rampant Hundreds of Scarecrows Throughout Cambria & San Simeon October 1-31

And Don’t Miss Our Special 2021 Event SALUTE TO SCARECROWS!

A Starlit Celebration of Cambria Saturday, October 30, at the Cambria Pines Nursery for Special Event Tickets & all the Details! CambriaScarecrows.com