Orange County Zoo

The Orange County Zoo is a small, native wildlife zoo located within Irvine Regional Park in Orange, California, featuring animals native to the southwestern United States. The zoo is committed to ADA accessibility throughout its facilities, with paved, wheelchair-accessible pathways connecting all exhibit areas, accessible restrooms, and designated accessible parking spaces available in the adjacent Irvine Regional Park lots. Service animals are welcome throughout the zoo grounds, and wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge for visitors who need them.

The zoo provides accessible picnic areas with tables designed to accommodate wheelchair users, and benches are placed throughout the grounds for rest stops along the walking routes. All major facilities including the Nature Center and gift shop feature accessible entrances and facilities. Visitors with disabilities receive free admission to the zoo, though standard parking fees for Irvine Regional Park apply. Companions accompanying visitors with disabilities are also admitted free of charge.

Visitors report that the compact size of the zoo makes it manageable for those with mobility concerns, typically taking about an hour to tour the entire facility. Some visitors note that while the main pathways are paved and accessible, the hilly terrain of the park surrounding the zoo can present challenges for those with limited mobility when accessing parking areas.