Zoo’s bronze tiger sculpture moved to red panda exhibit
Move provides the zoo’s 39 flamingos with more space for nesting
– The Charles Paddock Zoo has moved its iconic bronze tiger sculpture to a new home at the Thelma Vetter Red Panda Experience as part of a renovation of the Caribbean flamingo habitat. The move provides the zoo’s 39 flamingos with more space for nesting.
Zoo Director Dr. Cynthia Stringfield explained, “Removing the tiger will provide this group more room for nesting.” The tiger sculpture, which weighs 1,700 pounds and is made entirely of bronze, has been relocated to an area near the red panda habitat, reflecting the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, home to tigers in the wild. This new placement offers a special photo opportunity for zoo guests.
The sculpture was last moved seven years ago when artist Susan Beatie had it cleaned by Genesis Bronze in Paso Robles. Lucas Porter Construction facilitated the recent move.
The zoo focuses on species found in biodiversity hotspots, regions that cover just 2.5% of Earth’s land but are home to nearly half of all species found nowhere else. The Charles Paddock Zoo houses over 300 animals, including red pandas, meerkats, and a Malayan tiger.
The zoo is located at Atascadero Lake Park, one mile west of Hwy 101 on Hwy 41/Morro Road. For more information, visit charlespaddockzoo.org or call (805) 461-5080.
