San Diego Zoo: where animal instincts run wild
The 100-acre, San Diego Zoo is home to over 4,000 rare and endangered animals from more than 800 species, and offers a botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants.
The newest adventure at the San Diego Zoo is the Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey. With more than seven-acres of habitat featuring Asian elephants, a California condor, sloths, snakes and other animals the Elephant Odyssey offers visitors a chance to tour the facility for educational and interactive experiences. Additional highlights of Elephant Odyssey include a tar pit replication, fossil dig, children’s play area and much more.
One of the exciting exhibits at the Zoo is the Giant Panda Research Station. There are five giant pandas living at the Zoo, patrons can enjoy watching them interact with each other and with the researchers through several panda viewing areas that surround their habitat. In the panda habitat you will see a den, interactive exhibits and a chance to experience the sounds and smells of giant pandas.
Other exhibits include the Monkey Trail-journey through a tropical rain forest and see monkeys, exotic pigs, colorful birds and much more. Or, cool things down at the Polar Bear Plunge and then visit the Sun Bear Forest. Also, visit the Tiger River, Flamingo Lagoon and the Reptile Mesa.
Some of the Zoo attractions include a guided bus tour, Skyfari aerial tram and Balboa Park Mini Railroad. Patrons can also schedule special group tours. There are many Zoo programs throughout the year including art classes, summer and winter camp, Zoo sleepovers and special speakers. Visit the Zoo website for more details, dates and pricing information.
While visiting the Zoo, take a break from visiting the exhibits and attractions and catch one of their many live shows. The Zoo offers a sea lion show and an avian adventure. Also, see Dr. Zoolittle in the Children’s Zoo for an interactive show with flying birds, lights, music and fun.
Want to have a more up close and personal experience with the animals? Try the Zoo’s backstage pass, which allows patrons an opportunity to go behind the velvet rope and enjoy exclusive and interactive encounters with a variety of animals. Most of these animals can only be seen by the pass holders. This experience is two-hours of VIP treatment, hands-on animal love and a gourmet picnic meal while watching a private show featuring some of the Zoo animal stars. Backstage passes are $100 per person, plus San Diego Zoo admission for nonmembers and includes a meal and beverages.
- by Jennifer Pruett, San Diego Reporter for HelloMetro
(Click to leave a message)
Jennifer PruettA self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.
