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Lush tree branches with abundant foliage - background
Serene landscape: rolling hills, tall grass, mountains - background
Lush green tree branches with small, orange fruits - background
Large White rhinoceros
Large black bear, powerful presence
Majestic African lion
Visit Us

"Where the Wild Things Are"

Get up close and personal with wild, exotic animals from around the world

Our Animals

Come see our wide variety of exotic animals, and get to interact with them!

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Our Mission

While providing exemplary animal care, Monterey Zoological Society is dedicated to providing an entertaining yet educational and conservation minded experience which fosters public awareness and respect for all wildlife.

Majestic male lion, powerful gaze

Come Have an Amazing Experience

Include these on your trip to make it extra special

Rydables Tours

Adorable stuffed animals on the outside ~ Super safe mobility-style electric carts on the inside. 

Family riding Rydables zoo animals: zebra, elephant

VIAP Tours

This (approx.) 3 hour tour includes a close and full contact encounter with FOUR of our “Wild Things.” A catered deli style lunch with the keepers is also provided.

Family posing with Buddy the rhino at Monterey Zoo

High Five Club

Receive special honorary gifts and certificates, and a special gift from our Monterey Zoo Gift Shop if you achieve this goal!

Girl gives high-five to white tiger through glass at Monterey Zoo

A Walk with the Rhinos

Enjoy a leisurely walk to our 5-acre rhino habitat accompanied by the Monterey Zoo keepers, our zebras, water buffalo, wildebeest and of course, our rhinos.

Visitors encounter rhino at Monterey Zoo

Crunch Time

Feeding time for our “Big Cats” is one of the most exciting activities at the zoo, even for our volunteers and trainers –and you can be a part of it!

Visitors photograph Charlie feeding white tiger at Monterey Zoo during Crunch Time

Buddy's  Bedtime

Bedtime at the zoo is quite an event for all our animals but more so for some than others. Putting a rhino to bed is a bit more complicated than some might think!

Buddy in bedtime enclosure with zoo visitors

Walk with the Animals

A private all day, hands-on, exciting and educational adventure that a true animal lover will never forget!

Couple with a Great Horned Owl

Annual Passes

Be a part of the Monterey Zoo and visit as often as you want! Get to know the animals and become a part of our zoo family.

Monterey Zoo entrance and gift shop at sunset, giraffe statue visible

Gift Shop and Gift Certificates

Have special items shipped to you or picked up before or after your visit!

Monterey Zoo rhino T-shirts, gray and teal
White tiger walking on grass
Tropical Forest

Educational Experiences

Black bear wood cut-out style illustration

Programs

The Monterey Zoo offers a variety of educational presentations that can be enjoyed at our facility, and some that can be brought to your school or event.

Our Programs
White rhinoceros illustration, detailed etching style

Safari Camp

The Monterey Zoo summer camp encourages young people to appreciate and gain a better understanding of wildlife through direct interaction with the animals.

More about Camp
Striped zebra sketch, detailed drawing

Volunteer & Intern Positions

Volunteering and Interning at the zoo is rewarding and inspiring, but it does take dedication.

Volunteer/Intern Positions
Two zebras nuzzle in lush greenery

Conservation Efforts

Conservation is vital to the survival of all species, world-wide. ALL reputable and accredited zoos are tasked with contributing to conservation today. The Monterey Zoological Society Board of Directors believes that zoos are in fact the “insurance policy for the survival of all remaining animal species”, a challenge we take very seriously.

Majestic lion, engraved style

Finding Your Way to Monterey Zoo

Daily Hours are 10am-3pm,  7 days a week – including most holidays except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day.

400 River Road
Salinas, CA 93908

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