Lion water fountain returns to Central Coast Zoo ahead of Valentine’s Day event
Ribbon-cutting and unveiling ceremony for the fountain is scheduled for 10 a.m. Feb. 14
– The children’s Lion Water Fountain has returned to the Central Coast Zoo ahead of a new Valentine’s Day event scheduled for Feb. 14. The City of Atascadero and the zoo announced the reopening of the refurbished fountain, known as “Leo the Lion,” in conjunction with the debut of the zoo’s new event, Woo at the Zoo.
A ribbon-cutting and unveiling ceremony for the fountain is scheduled for 10 a.m. Feb. 14. The Valentine’s Day event will continue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include themed activities focused on wildlife, community, and heart month.
The Lion Water Fountain has been a longstanding feature at the zoo and has served as a backdrop for photos and visits for local families. Zoo officials said the restoration reconnects a familiar element of the facility with current visitors.
To mark the fountain’s return, the zoo is hosting a social media photo promotion. Community members are invited to comment on the zoo’s Facebook or Instagram post with a photo of themselves, their children, or their grandchildren with the Lion Fountain, either from past visits or from Feb. 14. Those without photos may still comment to be entered. Photo submissions will be accepted until 11 a.m. Feb. 14, both in person and on social media. A winner will be announced later that afternoon, and does not need to be present to win. City employees are not eligible.
“This fountain holds a special place in the hearts of our community,” said Zoo Director Cynthia Stringfield. “Its return honors the memories generations have shared here, and we sincerely thank the Lions Clubs of San Miguel and Templeton and H&R Block of SLO County for supporting this important restoration.”
Woo at the Zoo will include Valentine’s-themed activities, keeper talks about animal mating behavior, and enrichment activities for animals. All activities and the ribbon cutting are included with general admission and are free for members.
The zoo houses nearly 100 species and more than 300 animals, including red pandas, monkeys, fossa, meerkats, parrots, and reptiles. The facility is located at Atascadero Lake Park, one mile west of the 101 Freeway at Highway 41 and Morro Road.
For more information, visit the zoo’s website or call (805) 461-5080.
