Wild Wonders

Visit this wildlife education & conservation center that teaches adults and children with face-to-face animal ambassador encounters

Brunch with a bearcat, feed a Fennec Fox, pose with a porcupine, and meet other animal ambassadors at this enthralling wildlife education and conservation center stretching over 5 acres in Bonsall. More than 100 creature teachers from all over the world call this refuge home, whether four-legged, two legged, or no-legged.

The center’s mission is to promote wildlife conservation through education, both locally and internationally. They provide a permanent and loving home for surrendered, rescued, non-releasable wildlife and confiscated exotic pets and give them an important role as animal ambassadors for their wild cousins.

The hillside reserve offers all manner of tours, experiences and camps, including its newest offering: Brunch and Walk with Priya, a baby bearcat. The weekend morning stroll with the playful Priya pairs with a Behind the Scenes Interactive Tour packed with unique animal-encounters.

Guests can also book fun close-up experiences like Wallaby Walkabout, Cat Chat (with Sabi the serval), Meet and Feed a Bearcat, Fennec Fox and Friends, Pacas and Pals, Reptiles from Around the World, and Winged Wonders — watch macaws and sun conures in free flight! Ultimate Animal Interactions combining 2, 3, 4, and 5 experiences are also available.

All guides are friendly and knowledgeable, with extensive experience in educating the public, as well as the handling and training of diverse species. They strive to provide the utmost care for the animals; from diet and nutrition to choice based positive reinforcement conditioning and behavioral enrichment.

Not to be missed is Summer Zoo Camp (one or three days) when little zookeepers ages 6-12 meet the animals, learn husbandry, help prepare diets and enrichment, and enjoy arts and crafts. Wild Wonders also provides outreach to schools, libraries, corporate events, birthday parties, and other special occasions. Seasonal events include Boo at the Zoo and Winter Wonders. Learn more about this important hidden gem, perfect for families, couples, and any animal lover, at WildWonders.org