With over 200 species and 1,000 animals, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo works hard in order to provide and care for the wildlife in their hands. With an average of 850,000 visitors yearly, the zoo informs and entertains people with multiple educational programs, exhibits, and attractions.

The zoo, currently under construction, is preparing to make way for the newest exhibit “Kingdoms of Asia”. Collaborating with conservation partners that work in Asia and associating itself alongside multiple organizations in Fresno to ensure that everything represents the Asian culture accurately. The project started in 2020 and will be revealed by the end of 2022.

The $42 million that funded this project is thanks to Measure Z. This program is a one-tenth of one percent sales tax which is one dime out of $100 spent on retail transactions. It has generated $135 million in total for capital improvement projects. Sea Lion Cove, African Adventure, Reptile House, Tropical Treasures, Birds of Prey, and the King Cobra exhibit have been constructed or improved because of Measure Z.

These new exhibits feature a variety of animals that represent Southeast Asia and an educational classroom. Tigers, orangutans, rhinoceros hornbills, komodo dragons, and the sloth bear will be featured. Including new species such as Tomistoma and Asian small-clawed otters.

Check out our Kingdoms of Asia progress at #FresnoChaffeeZoo – from sketch to real life execution!https://t.co/e0g4f4K0BU

— CLR Design (@CLRDesign) January 12, 2022

Emily Valdez, marketing supervisor, which leads campaigns and advertising for the zoo gives insight into “Kingdoms of Asia”.

“Everybody here at the zoo is super excited for the Kingdoms of Asia,” Valdez said. “We know a lot of our members, or people, that have been coming to the zoo frequently that are seeing the construction happening are very excited for it. We do expect very high attendance once Kingdoms of Asia opens. Similar to what we saw back in 2013 when we opened African Adventure.”

Of the many animals at the Chaffee Zoo exhibits Valdez has her favorites.

“I am super excited for the tigers to come back. They will be able to go underwater and there will be a tiger enrichment station. It will be super cool for the tigers to come back to this fabulous habitat that our team has worked on.”

Although the zoo’s main visitors are targeted toward a younger audience, they are currently trying to market to college students. Community events that provide “adult-only” experiences have age restrictions set to 21 but offer an alternative for things to do in Fresno.

Many teens don’t even remember the last time they had been to the zoo. More than likely it was for the traditional elementary school field trip. For teenagers, it’s hard to think of the zoo as a place to hang out.

While visiting the zoo, our group of high schoolers recommended a change that could bring traction to students.

“Maybe if the hours were longer we would be more interested in visiting. Eating dinner in the African adventure dining hall while watching the sunset over the safari could be a possible enjoyable date or hangout idea.”

The zoo provides many places to eat including the Kopji Lodge, Safari Cafe, and Kudu Cafe.
Along with “Kingdoms of Asia” there will be a new eatery that is expected to serve Asian-related cuisine. Food prices are slightly high if you order a full meal, but there are many snack options on a budget.

The Feather team member, Julia Castiglione,’25, goes into detail about her visit to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.

“Last time I visited the I think I was in 3rd grade, for a school field trip. My favorite experience was definitely getting to feed the giraffes. Getting to be close up to the animals made the experience ten times better.” Castiglione said “I would visit the zoo with friends because it’s way more fun rather going with family. If you enjoy seeing animals then I would recommend you to go to the zoo.”

If you are interested in involving yourself with the zoo as a high school student, there is a volunteer department. Ages 14 and older are allowed to help out with special events like Frogs and Fairytales, Breakfast with the Animals, Dream night Zoobalition, Ice Cream Zoofari and Zoo Boo. Before COVID, if you are 18 or older you could volunteer and train to become a zookeeper assistant. They hope to bring that program back.

The Zoo is open from 9:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m daily. Admission is 14.95 for adults (12 and up) and 8.95 for children (ages 2-11). If you would like to visit Chaffee Zoo you can purchase tickets at fresnochaffeezoo.org

If you would like to view more photos on The Feather visit Feather Training at Chaffee Zoo

For more from The Feather visit, Greg Stobbe’s life altered by cancer, visual impairment or The importance of media literacy in news consumption

Images from a Feather visit to Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo for training, March 10, 2022.

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