If you've driven River Road between Salinas and the Monterey-Salinas Highway, you may have noticed a sign that seems out of place in the middle of California's salad bowl. Rhinos. Elephants. African lions. On a working ranch, surrounded by farmland, just minutes from downtown Salinas.

The Monterey Zoo is a unique zoological experience where visitors can get closer to wild and exotic animals than at most other zoos. And unlike the well-known attractions on the Monterey Peninsula, this one tends to fly under the radar — which makes it all the more worth knowing about.

One Man, One Cougar, and a Life Changed Forever

The story behind the Monterey Zoo starts with its founder Charlie Sammut, whose love for animals was evident from early in his life. As a young man he worked in law enforcement. One arrest led to an unexpected turn of events — the suspect told the young officer about a pet cougar in his garage who would need a new home. Charlie couldn't say no. That was his first exotic pet, but not his last.

From there the collection grew. A lion cub named Josef followed — an animal with such a calm and unusual temperament that a film industry trainer noticed him and asked Charlie to bring him to the Grand Canyon for a Dreyfus Fund commercial. That single job opened a door into the world of animal training for film and television, and a career was born.

In 1994, Charlie purchased the 51-acre Vision Quest Ranch located in the sun belt between Monterey and Salinas. The Monterey Zoo, formally known as Wild Things Animal Rentals, Inc., is now home to over 100 exotic animals ranging from spiders to African elephants.

Not Just a Zoo — A Sanctuary

What sets the Monterey Zoo apart from roadside animal attractions is its mission. The zoo takes great pride in offering sanctuary to many animals that can no longer participate in entertainment or would otherwise not have a home or family, having adopted many animals from situations that were less than ideal for their health and well-being.

The Monterey Zoo was proudly accredited by the Zoological Association of America in June of 2020 — a tribute to all who worked so hard, with so little, to build a zoo. Since then it has received the ZAA Exhibit Award in 2023 for its Rhino Exhibit, as well as the ZAA In-Situ Conservation Award for its contributions to rhino conservation worldwide.

What to Expect on a Visit

The zoo offers a variety of experiences including daily walk-through tours, big cat feeding encounters, and close contact experiences with four animals on their signature tour, which includes a catered deli-style lunch with the keepers.

For something truly unique, the Vision Quest Ranch Safari B&B on the property lets guests spend the night in safari-style accommodations — falling asleep to the sounds of animals on the ranch. It's the kind of experience you'd expect to find in Kenya, not Salinas.

General admission runs $37.75 for adults and $27.50 for children ages 2 to 14. The zoo is open daily 10am to 3pm, seven days a week including most holidays. No reservations needed for general admission — tickets are available at the gift shop.

Getting There

The Monterey Zoo is located at 400 River Road, Salinas, CA 93908 — right off Highway 68 between Salinas and the Monterey Peninsula. It's an easy stop whether you're coming from Salinas, the Peninsula, or passing through on the 68.

For a county better known for its coastline and wine country, this is one of those discoveries that makes locals proud and visitors genuinely surprised. Don't overlook it.

For more information visit montereyzoo.org or call (831) 455-1901.