OC Zoo Large Mammal Exhibit

About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Lions, tigers, and bears … or rather … mountain lions and a jaguar. In May 2022, OC Parks debuted the Large Mammal Exhibit at the OC Zoo. The exhibit provides an enriching experience for the animals it houses and provides a fun, affordable amenity for residents and visitors alike. The 2-acre habitat is the largest expansion project in the zoo’s history and is home to five large cats, including three orphaned and rescued mountain lion cubs, an adult mountain lion and a jaguar. Already home to a black bear, bald eagle, kit fox, ocelot, beaver, great horned owl and many more, this new exhibit further adds to the zoo’s appeal. The exhibit offers an immersive and educational experience for visitors while providing a comfortable, natural-looking environment for the large cats to enjoy. It has two separate areas that can be configured to create four separate living spaces. The landscape strives to recreate the animals’ natural environment and provides an improved visitor experience with 360-degree viewing opportunities to interact with animals up-close. The new Large Mammal Exhibit has brought record attendance to the OC Zoo, introducing many families to a new, affordable, one-of-a-kind recreation adventure close to home.