Our History
The zoo was established in 1955 by Charles Paddock, a county park ranger who nursed wild animals back to health. His reputation for rehabilitating animals soon spread throughout the area and, by 1959, Mr. Paddock’s animal population increased to over 125 wild birds and mammals. By 1963, the zoo was moved from the county animal shelter to its present site and became known as Atascadero Children’s Zoo. In 1979, the City of Atascadero was incorporated and took over management of the zoo. The zoo took on the official name of “The Charles Paddock Zoo” in 1980, in memory of its founder.
Over the years, the zoo has expanded and earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a distinction held by only 10% of U.S. zoos. AZA accreditation represents the highest standards in animal welfare, education, and conservation. Today, the zoo is home to approximately 100 animal species from around the globe, on five park-like acres in the beautiful Atascadero Lake Park.
In June 2025, the zoo celebrated its 70th anniversary with an exciting milestone: the unveiling of its new logo and new name, the Central Coast Zoo. The rebranding was designed to expand awareness, strengthen community support, and reflect the zoo's regional presence by helping to reach a broader audience and creating more opportunities for visibility, engagement, and growth.
Charles Paddock remains a cherished part of the zoo’s history and is still prominently honored. As guests approach the entrance, they’ll be greeted by a memorial statue of Charles Paddock holding Cosmo the opossum, alongside the decorative zoo archway, soon to be updated to reflect the plaza’s new name: “Charles Paddock Plaza.” It is a priority to continue preserving the history of Charles Paddock, and he will always be a part of the legacy at the Zoo!
