Atascadero’s Charles Paddock Zoo has been rebranded to the Central Coast Zoo, but not without roars of grievance from residents claiming the new name discredits Paddock’s decades-long legacy.
The name change was placed on the City Council’s June 24 agenda for discussion after resident Luke Phillips brought forth a petition with 900 signatures opposing the zoo’s name change and demanding it keep its original name as tribute to Paddock, who started the zoo about 70 years ago.
According to Atascadero Community Services Director Terrie Banish, the city, which owns the zoo, has been considering the rebrand for nearly two years thanks to the zoo’s deficit of about $750,000 per year, she said.
“You have to have a name recognizable to search,” Banish said, “Nobody knows where Atascadero is, and nobody knows Charles Paddock.”
Banish said the deficit could also put the zoo at risk of losing its current Association of Zoos and Aquarium accreditation, which was recently renewed for another five years and allows the city to apply for specific grants and keep its animals.
“It is surprising to know that a lot of people that actually live in our city do not know that we have a zoo, and that always frustrates me, so this is a great opportunity to get the word out not only to our visitors but also to our local audience and county residents as well,” Banish said.
Other city efforts include establishing online ticket sales and distributing a new zoo-themed children’s book throughout the city, Banish said.
More than 10 residents spoke at the June 24 meeting opposed to the new name, but petition creator Phillips said he changed his tune on the matter.
“My decision comes after Mayor [Charles] Bourbeau shared with me just yesterday some fairly serious allegations that came out in the past that were unknown to me and most of the public at large and even to a lot of people who knew Mr. Paddock personally,” he told the council. “I have closed my petition and withdrawn my support.”
Phillips did not specify what the allegations were, and New Times did not locate any SLO County court documents of allegations against Paddock.
Other speakers said they still supported efforts to keep the zoo’s original name, and one resident defended Paddock against any allegations.
“Somebody accused of a crime does not mean they committed a crime, so you’re condemning a person without due process,” she said.
Another resident said she was there when the zoo was first established with two animal cages and believed the rebranding was turning the zoo “into a business.”
“It should say Mr. Paddock and it should say Atascadero,” she said.
Upcoming Friends of Central Coast Zoo President Angela Cisneros spoke in support of the name change and said it was a way for the zoo to move into a digital age.
“I get the nostalgia, but changing the name is actually empowering our zoo to move forward,” she said.
As an informational item, the City Council did not take any action on the matter, but Councilmember Susan Funk said she appreciated the care the residents had shown for the future of the zoo. Δ
This article appears in Jun 26 – Jul 6, 2025.