New Meerkats Arrive at the Central Coast Zoo!

The City of Atascadero and the Central Coast Zoo are excited to announce the arrival of three new Meerkats, adding even more reasons to visit the Zoo this summer! And just in time for the 23rd Annual Ice Cream Zoofari on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Zoo is thrilled to welcome three two-year-old female meerkat sisters, Bumble, Buzz, and Honeycomb, affectionately known as "The Bee Girls.” Born at an accredited zoo in Colorado, the trio has joined the Zoo’s resident males, Axel (10) and Prince (12), creating a lively new social dynamic within the habitat.

Native to southern Africa, meerkats are highly social mammals that live in cooperative family groups ranging from just a few individuals to as many as 50. These groups are organized around a strict matriarchal (female) hierarchy, where usually only the "alpha" or dominant male and female breed and the group all works together to raise offspring. The arrival of the Bee Girls has already brought fascinating new behaviors and interactions to the habitat, giving visitors a unique opportunity to observe this activity and engaging species.

The new meerkats are just one of the several exciting additions at the Central Coast Zoo. Visitors can also explore the recently unveiled Madagascar Habitat a beautifully reimagined area featuring the return of the striking, Red-ruffed Lemur, a critically endangered species that has not been part of the Zoo’s collection in more than a decade. Sharing the habitat with the Zoo’s beloved Ring-tailed lemurs are a pair of endangered Madagascar Teals, while the Zoo’s Radiated Tortoises now enjoy a neighboring habitat. Together, these remarkable animals showcase the extraordinary wildlife found only on the island of Madagascar.

With so much to see, there has never been a better time to visit the Central Coast Zoo. Families can experience all of these exciting new additions during the upcoming Ice Cream Zoofari on Saturday, June 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This popular annual event features all-you-can-eat ice cream, sundaes, and yummy toppings from Harmony Creamery, along with hands-on fun with Central Coast Trains, and opportunities to learn how animals stay cool during the summer months.

Guests will enjoy an evening of family fun while exploring animals from some of the world’s most biodiverse habitats. Proceeds from the event directly support the Zoo’s ongoing efforts in animal care, conservation, and education.

Tickets are available in advance or at the Zoo before the event!

For more information about the Central Coast Zoo, go to Central Coast Zoo website (www.centralzoastzoo.org) or call (805) 461-5080. The Zoo is located at Atascadero Lake Park on Hwy 41/Morro Road, approximately one mile west of Hwy 101.