Bobcat kittens Boomer and Bobbie scampered, played and splashed in their pool Friday morning, blissfully unaware they were part of a major celebration at Merced's Applegate Zoo.
The zoo, closed since Jan. 1 for remodeling, reopened to a large crowd eager to see the new black bear exhibit, remodeled bobcat habitat and other improvements.
"Today is much more than about new exhibits," said Chris Jensen, director of Parks and Community Services for the city. "Four years ago, we began this process to better serve the community and the rescued animals here … every animal here has a unique story - a story of rescue and hope."
Two black bears, the zoo's marquee exhibit, are prime examples of that rescue and hope. Waterfall was raised in captivity as someone's pet, zookeeper Josh Moreno said. And Missy was found by state officials when she was a year old.
"She was emaciated - typically a bear that age is going to weigh 30 pounds. She was 10 pounds," Moreno said. "That's how both of these bears ended up here, where we are so fortunate to have zookeepers who love what they do."
The city invested $2 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds. The money went toward improving the bear habitat, which is three times larger and now features a waterfall and plunge pool ("Missy's favorite place," Jensen said), as well as upgraded walkways and updates to the gift shop.
UC Merced, where bobcats are not only the campus mascot but part of the university's history from the start, donated money toward remodeling the enclosure.
"For more than 20 years, this organization has invested not only in higher education but the future of the entire community," Jensen said. "Their investment made it possible to complete renovations to our bobcat exhibit.
"We are incredibly grateful for this partnership with UC Merced and look forward to many more years of it."
Bobbie and Boomer, rescued from San Diego County earlier this year, joined resident bobcat Rufus in the bobcat display.
UC Merced Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz called the zoo "a place where families from across the Central Valley build a deeper appreciation for the beauty and grandeur of wildlife."
"The zoo reflects values we all share: education, stewardship, partnership and investment in our community," Muñoz said.
UC Merced's contribution isn't limited to the species that shares its legacy. Muñoz pledged $20,000, commemorating the university's 20th anniversary, toward the zoo's next project, a new tortoise exhibit.
"Great universities only thrive alongside great communities like Merced," the chancellor said. "As we say at UC Merced, Go big, let's go 'cats."
The remodeled zoo promises a better experience for everyone who visits, said City council member Mike Harris, whose district includes the facility as well as the adjacent Kiddieland, an amusement park for children operated by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced.
"This is one of Merced's signature destinations," Harris said. "Together the zoo and Kiddieland create a place where children can learn, families can connect and lifelong memories are made."
Applegate Zoo was established in 1962 and now houses a population of about 75 native California mammals, birds and reptiles, most of them from wildlife rescue centers. The zoo is at 1045 W. 25th St. Ticket prices, hours and other information are available on the city's website.
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