In order to bring you the best possible user experience, this site uses Javascript. If you are seeing this message, it is likely that the Javascript option in your browser is disabled. For optimal viewing of this site, please ensure that Javascript is enabled for your browser.
 
Orange County Contact the County Orange County Seal
OC Parks
O. C. Zoo
Link to regional parks
Link to wilderness parks
Link to historic parks
Link to beaches
Link to OCZoo


Home >> OC Parks

Orange County Zoo History
Mother goat greeting her newborn.
The Orange County Zoo traces its roots back to 1905 when Red Foxes were introduced in the Irvine Park Region and bred by J.A. Turner. A small collection of animals started in 1920 by Tustin rancher Sam Nau featured a pair of pet mule deer. Nau eventually built a corral for the park that held an additional male mule deer. An alligator exhibit was the chief attraction until a bird exhibit adjoining the deer pens was added in 1935. The bird exhibit structure exhibited cockatoos, quail, doves and parakeets.

The current modern zoo officially opened in 1985 as the Irvine Park Zoo and has since changed its name to the Orange County Zoo. The zoo is owned, staffed and operated by the County of Orange.
Popular Links
Link to OC FireWatch
Link to Make a Park Reservation
Link to AccessOC
Hot Topics
Link to Map a Park
Link to Events
Related Life Events
Related Agencies
Related Links