With new naturalistic enclosures and roughly 200 species of animals, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo gives visitors up-close looks at wildlife from around the globe.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s African Adventure
Spreading over 13 acres designed to re-create the plains and savannah landscapes of Africa, the beautiful African Adventure is the Central Valley’s answer to a wildlife safari—the exhibit is like the continent in miniature.
Upon entering, you’ll see grazing wildebeests, with majestic elephants moving across the expanses in the distance. Two trails explore the exhibit: Take the Twiga Trail to not only see but also feed reticulated giraffes, the world’s tallest mammal. The second trail leads past a pride of lions lounging and playing atop boulders before it reaches an overlook for a closer view of elephants wallowing in a mud hole. And there are always surprises: You might spot cheetahs scrambling up their climbing tree, then gazing down at passers-by.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s Roo Walkabout
Once you’re out of Africa, travel to the land Down Under at the Roo Walkabout. The Australian habitat exhibit is home to red kangaroos, emus (a flightless bird that stands more than six feet tall), and kookaburras, whose laughing calls inspired the song that kids have been singing around campfires for generations.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s Sea Lion Cove
California gets plenty of love at the zoo too. Fresno may be more than 150 miles from Monterey County but Sea Lion Cove—inspired by the incomparable marine environment at Point Lobos, south of Carmel—is the next best thing to a day along the coast. As you watch the sea lions and harbor seals playing in the water (be sure to go nose-to-nose with them at Pacific Point View, a 35-foot subsurface window), you’ll catch whiffs of salt air and also see brown pelicans, a once-endangered bird whose populations are recovering. Honored with the Associations of Zoos & Aquariums’ prestigious Top Honor Exhibit Award in 2014, Sea Lion Cove also offers two Keeper Chats each day.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s Zoorassic Park
The return of Zoorassic Park to Fresno Chaffee Zoo brings prehistoric fun back to life with larger-than-life animatronic dinosaurs set among the zoo’s winding paths. Roaring T. rexes, towering brachiosauruses, and interactive exhibits make it easy for kids and adults alike to imagine the Jurassic era. It’s an easy ticketed add-on ($6) for your zoo visit.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s Kingdoms of Asia
The Kingdoms of Asia exhibit offers an immersive journey through some of the continent’s most diverse habitats, from lush forests to open grasslands. Visitors can spot animals like Malayan tigers, sloth bears, and orangutans in spaces that reflect their natural environments. Elevated walkways and close-up viewing areas bring you eye to eye with these incredible species, while interpretive displays highlight conservation efforts.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s Butterfly Garden
The Butterfly Garden at Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a peaceful escape where hundreds of colorful butterflies flutter freely among lush plants and blooming flowers. Walk through the airy enclosure and watch as butterflies land nearby—or even on you—offering a close-up look at their delicate patterns and behavior. Available as an add-on experience from spring through fall of 2026 for an additional $3 with zoo admission.
More Experiences at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo
At Fresno Chaffee Zoo, the fun goes beyond the marquee habitats and exhibits. Early Bird Tours: Baby Edition offer a rare chance to see the zoo come to life by visiting the newest baby animals at the zoo before the crowds arrive. Visitors can also book a behind-the-scenes adventure and get closer to favorites like sloth bears, giraffes, stingrays, or even warthogs while learning from keepers. Families can also do overnight stays that combine after-hours exploration, hands-on activities, and a one-of-a-kind sleepover experience.
