After 70 years, Charles Paddock Zoo has a new name. What to know

After 70 years, the Charles Paddock Zoo has unveiled a new name, logo and brand identity.

To mark the zoo’s birthday, the Charles Paddock Zoo has been renamed to the Central Coast Zoo, according to a Friday news release.

The rebranding effort included discussion by the City Council, city staff, the Friends of the Charles Paddock Zoo, TJA Advertising Agency, local tourism agencies and community members, the release said.

After deliberation the “Central Coast Zoo” was the fan-favorite.

The zoo’s updated logo keeps the iconic oak tree, but has a new font and color palette. A children’s activity book is included in the brand refresh, for the zoo to enhance its education efforts at camps, local schools and other academic pursuits, according to the release.

To honor its origins, the zoo’s entrance will be named Charles Paddock Plaza, with a bronze statue of founder Charles Paddock and his beloved opposum, Cosmo Topper, the first animal he cared for, the release said.

The Central Coast Zoo recently earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for another five years, an honor held by only 10% of zoos worldwide, the release said.

The zoo is also launching “Zoo 2.0,” a marketing initiative to promote environmental awareness, sustainable practices and enhance the zoo’s visibility in Atascadero.

The Central Coast Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, and is located at 9100 Morro Road in Atascadero.