I love the zoo! As a little girl, I could sit and watch the monkeys swing and play for hours. The animals were always hilarious, and I adored the zoo's expert staff, wanting someday to join their ranks as a dolphin trainer. I remember staring through the glass at an ape, as he lounged on his back with his hands behind his head and legs crossed, like a human, staring right back at me. Or watching Sparky the Seal frolic through hoops in hopes of receiving his morsel fish treat. It was all so amazing to me. So it comes as no surprise that when my family vacationed in San Diego, I just had to see the zoo.
The San Diego Zoo has a much-revered reputation throughout the world. When people travel to San Diego, a visit to the zoo is always high on their lists -- even if they have zoos in their hometowns. Part of the reason is that the San Diego Zoo and its sister, the Wild Animal Park, do a fantastic job in creating realistic natural habitats for their animals. It's not just about the animals, it's about conservation and preservation of natural habitats. Each year, three million visitors come to the San Diego Zoo.
"The Zoological Society of San Diego (which manages the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park) is well known for being a leader among zoos and conservation organizations," says Christina Simmons, associate director of public relations for the Zoological Society of San Diego. Combined, the two locations are home to more than 4,000 animals, representing more than 800 species and subspecies of rare and endangered creatures.
The Zoological Society of San Diego aims to conserve these amazing populations for your viewing pleasure. Each exhibit is constructed with the greatest care, catering to the specific needs of individual animals in the zoo's vast assembly. The incredible display covers a 100-acre spread of exotic wildlife and vegetation.
"As one of the first zoos to embrace naturalistic environments for the animals in its care, the zoo has a number of exhibits where people can see animals in the context of the other species and the habitat where they would live in the wild," says Simmons.
The zoo is geared primarily to families, with plenty of stroller-friendly boardwalks. But because the zoo is so huge, your feet will get tired, especially a child's tiny legs. I would recommend taking advantage of the bus tours that traverse the grounds. These are guided tour, so along the way you'll learn interesting facts about the park and the animals from experts on staff. It costs $10 for adults and $5.50 for children ages three to 11, or there are Best Value Admission rates that include the bus tour and Skyfari Aerial Tram rides. Either way, it's well worth it.
Exhibits
"Our giant panda exhibit is very well known and very popular," says Simmons. It's one of only four panda exhibits in the United States. There are four pandas, including baby Su Lin, who was born August 2, 2005 and is available for attendees to watch her grow up and explore her new habitat. In Chinese her name means "a little bit of something very cute," which is an apt description for the adorable bear.
But if you're like me, standing in dense crowds to catch a glimpse of something's tail is not your idea of fun. Take a break from the droves of people to check out some of the zoo's more bizarre specimens. And at this zoo, there's no shortage of eccentric-looking creatures. There's a plethora of animals that resemble deer except for their weird colors and twisted horns. Exotic birds, each with individual markings and behaviors, can be some of the craziest critters you'll see. My favorite "unique" animal is the tapir. It looks like a pig, however it's related to the horse and rhinoceros, with strange-toed hooves. Also, check out the rare pygmy hippopotamus in the forest habitat and the sharp horned oryx in the desert habitat. They're mind-boggling.
The Malayan tigers dominate their lush habitat, pouncing on the rocks and balancing on stray logs. Stroll down Tiger River and you can actually smell the jasmine and ginger in the air, which were planted to mimic the rainforest's exotic smell. Listen to waterfalls splash onto rocks and feel the light jungle mist. The zoo pumps five gallons of water daily through nozzles hidden behind emerald leaves to give the area its humid jungle feel and create a moist environment for tropical vegetation adorning the paths.
Absolutely Apes provides a lookout to playful primates bouncing across the treetops. Gorilla Tropics has two troops of the immense apes within a rainforest setting equipped with climbing areas.
You can browse over Joan B. Kroc's Monkey Trails and Forested Tales -- the zoo's newest habitat. The elevated walkway lets visitors see these creatures up close and personal through the tree canopy, including the rare monkey population; it's an enlightening glimpse from way up high. You'll also find yourself within an African Aviary surrounded by colorful birds flourishing in nests that resemble air-born haystacks. The zoo provides the same vegetation in the exhibit, as the birds dwell in the wild, which is just one of many reasons why this zoo is one of the best in America.
Zoo Hints
If you're looking to visit the San Diego Zoo, wear comfortable shoes and loose, light clothing. Get to the park early to avoid late afternoon crowding and dress in layers. It's always a little chilly in the morning and hot in the afternoon. And it's your lucky day if you rented a car while staying in San Diego -- parking is free!
"A good time of year to visit is autumn when temperatures are slightly cooler than summer," says Simmons. "Also, October is Free Kids Month at the Zoo (all children under the age of 12 years are admitted free of charge)."
For me, a visit to the zoo always makes me feel 12 again. It's one of the few attractions that's perfect for families, couples, kids, and grandparents. I just love the zoo!