About Us

Micke Grove Park and Zoo were a gift to the people of San Joaquin County from local philanthropists William and Julia Harrison Micke. Their legacy lives on in the beautiful oak forested park that opened in 1938 as well as its many improvements that continue to evolve. Many millions of visitors have enjoyed the Micke’s wonderful gift. Micke Grove Park also features a Japanese Garden, San Joaquin County Historical Museum, Fun Town at Micke Grove Amusement Park and picnic shelters in a beautiful setting.

Micke Grove Zoo is a five-acre zoo with amphibians, mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates.The zoo that exists today is very different from the zoo that first opened its gates in 1957. Today, the collection of Micke Grove Zoo emphasizes uniqueness and quality over size and quantity with a concentration on the welfare of the animal ambassadors that live here.

Micke Grove Zoo's participation in Species

Survival Plans (SSP)

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums SSPs facilitate the breeding of threatened and endangered wildlife that are on the verge of going extinct in the wild. Micke Grove Zoo is one of many zoos which has the opportunity to be involved in these programs.

Micke Grove Zoo is involved in and has successfully breeding several threatened species, which include bred golden-lion tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia), Chilean pudu (Pudu puda), and waldrapp ibis (Geronticus eremita), marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris), and western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata). Other species such as the Prevost’s squirrel (Callosciurus prevostii) and the cape thick-knee (Burhinus capensis) have also bred successfully at the facility.

Micke Grove Zoo is passionate about the contribution it makes to conserve wildlife and uses every opportunity to educate students and zoo visitors on wildlife issues.