Big Bear Alpine Zoo recently added a new mobile freezer trailer to support animal food storage and day-to-day Zoo operations.
The need for additional freezer space had been identified as an operational priority as the Zoo worked to improve how it stores the variety of food required for its animal collection. In earlier planning discussions, staff identified that additional freezer capacity would significantly improve food storage, and temporary rental options were estimated to cost several thousand dollars per month. Rather than continue pursuing a recurring rental expense, the Zoo moved forward with purchasing a dedicated freezer trailer for long-term use.
The new freezer trailer was purchased for approximately $39,920 and provides the Zoo with additional dedicated cold-storage capacity for animal diets and food supplies. The added space gives animal care staff greater flexibility to store food appropriately, manage inventory, and maintain the supplies needed to support the Zoo’s animals throughout the year.
Because the unit is trailer-mounted, it also provides flexibility that a permanent fixed freezer would not. The trailer can be positioned where it is most useful to Zoo operations and can be relocated if operational needs change in the future.
The Zoo also took the opportunity to turn a functional piece of equipment into something that represents the facility and its mission. The exterior was professionally wrapped with colorful Big Bear Alpine Zoo graphics featuring several of the Zoo’s animals and highlighting its focus on conservation, education, and rehabilitation. The finished design also recognizes the support of the Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
The new freezer is an example of an operational improvement that may not always be visible to Zoo visitors but directly supports the work taking place behind the scenes every day. Reliable food storage is an essential part of animal care, and the additional capacity will help Zoo staff better manage supplies while supporting efficient and dependable operations for years to come.