Sugarplum Zoo
Temecula, CA
- Admission
- —
- Accreditation
- None listed
not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Everything below is directory information drawn from public sources and the zoo's own site.
Animals at Sugarplum Zoo
6 confirmed
Feathers & Fangs from visitors
What people who've been to Sugarplum Zoo say
A Feather is something this zoo does well; a Fang is something it gets wrong. Left by people who've been, and read by us before they appear.
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About Sugarplum Zoo
Sugarplum Zoo and Chocolates is an interactive zoo and chocolate shop at 39695 Berenda Road, Temecula, California 92592, in Temecula Valley wine country. Its website calls the attraction Temecula Wine Country's hidden gem and says it has been operating for more than ten years. It is not AZA-accredited.
The website lists more than 30 exotic animals and describes them as rescued, and describes the facility as USDA licensed, inspected and compliant with federal welfare standards. Walk-ins are welcome, and the site says it is open most days and closed only four days per year.
History
The about page names Lani Rager as the founder and says she came to California from New York. After becoming a finalist on the television show MasterChef, she launched a chocolate company whose handcrafted chocolates were featured in five-star hotels in Beverly Hills and Orange County, according to the site. She began rescuing farm animals and welcoming special-needs groups to spend time with them, and the joy of those visits led her to open the zoo to the public. The site says Lani and Greg Rager built the attraction together.
The about page says the zoo has become a recognizable Temecula landmark, and notes that it appears in the local board game Temecula-opoly.
Exhibits and habitats
The website names several residents: Aurora the zebra, Zeus the camel and Ophelia the water buffalo. It also lists Highland cows, tortoises, pigs, donkeys, goats and bison. The homepage describes hand-feeding Aurora, brushing and feeding Ophelia, meeting miniature donkeys, photo opportunities and seasonal experiences.
Planning your visit
Beyond the animals, the site lists handcrafted chocolates, wine tasting through Chapin, a coffee bar, gelato, cakes and homemade food. Admission is tiered for adults, children aged 3 to 12 and seniors aged 65 and over, with children under 2 free. Ticket details are on the zoo's website.
What we haven't confirmed
Everything above came from public sources. These specifics we haven't stood behind yet:
- Daily opening hours
- Which four days of the year the zoo is closed
- Parking
- Phone number
- Rules for animal feeding and encounters
Sugarplum Zoo compared with nearby zoos
How Sugarplum Zoo lines up against the closest zoos we have details for — useful if you're deciding between them for the same day out.
| Zoo | Distance | Admission | Hours | Size | AZA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugarplum ZooThis zooTemecula, CA | — | — | — | — | No |
| Living Desert Zoo and GardensPalm Desert, CA | 41 mi | from $44.95 | 7:00am – 1:30pm | 1200 acres | Yes |
| California Wolf CenterJulian, CA | 42 mi | — | Reservation-only guided tours at the conservation center: public tours Fri 12:40 & 2:40 PM; Sat–Sun 9:40 AM, 12:40 & 2:40 PM; Mon 12:40 PM. Private tours on select weekdays. (Julian visitor center/nature store at 2775 B St: Mon, Tue, Fri–Sun 10 AM – 5 PM, closed Wed–Thu.). | — | No |
| Orange County ZooOrange, CA | 44 mi | $2 | 10:00 am – 4:30 pm | 8 acres | No |
Distances are straight-line. A dash means we haven't confirmed that detail yet, not that the zoo lacks it.
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Sugarplum Zoo: common questions
Where is Sugarplum Zoo?
It is at 39695 Berenda Road in Temecula, California.
Are reservations needed?
The website says walk-ins are always welcome.
What animals live there?
The website names a zebra, a camel and a water buffalo, and lists Highland cows, tortoises, pigs, donkeys, goats and bison.
Is there a chocolate shop?
Yes. The site lists handcrafted chocolates sold on site.
Is it AZA-accredited?
No. The website describes the facility as USDA licensed.
Something wrong here? Tell us — we correct in place, with a dated note.