The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College

Don't want to drive 45 minutes to the nearest zoo?  Well then, stop by The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College.*

This five acre zoo housing over 130 animals of more than 90 species is part of the college's Exotic Animal Training and Management Program and is open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays).  This interesting collection has included all sorts of animals, like alligators, geckos, monkeys, tigers, camels, snakes, ocelots, Ira the Lion and more. Many of the animals are endangered or found a permanent home here or otherwise could not survive on their own.

Bengal tigers Neil and Karma live at Rajah’s Retreat at the zoo, which opened in the summer of 2024. This 8,000 sq ft area provides both outdoor and indoor space for its beautiful residents. Neil was rescued from an individual in Studio City in when it was five months old in December 2017. Neil was joined by Karma in early 2018 from a facility on the east coast.

Neil the Bengal Tiger

Animal show times at 12 pm and 2 pm. Animal demonstrations 3:30-4 p.m.

Galapagos Tortoise at America's Teaching Zoo

Students in the program are required to work most days and weekends.  For a truly unique wild animal experience, stop by and check it out. Don't expect anything fancy. This is a very low key place, but lots of fun as it is usually not very crowded and you can get really close to the animals. This huge Galapagos Tortoise is Clarence. Learn more about him here.

Admission (as of February 2025) $12 for adults and $10 for kids and seniors (checks and cash only). Age 2 and under is free.

Visit zoo.moorparkcollege.edu or call 805.378.1441 for more information.

Another handsome occupant of the zoo - “Ghost,” the bald eagle.

The Zoo is located at 7075 Campus Road in Moorpark.  Take the 101 North to the 23 North to the 118 East. Exit Collins and turn left at the stop sign.  Go through two stoplights and turn right into the 2nd entrance past the stoplights.  Turn right in the parking lot and continue up the short hill to the right.

*For years it was called America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College but was re-branded to The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College in the 2024 time frame.