Get your explorer’s hat on when you visit the San Diego Zoo! Situated in Balboa Park, this 40-hectare site houses almost 4,000 animals from across 650 species and sub-species. Roam through the park past the open air exhibits showcasing natural habitats from all over the world, and you’ll understand why this zoo attracts 5 million visitors a year.
Prowl along the Big Cat Trail in the Africa Rocks exhibit to discover the five species of big cat that call this place home. Look out for jaguars and pumas as well as leopards and lynx. Kopje: Island in the Plain recreates the rocky outcrops in Africa’s grasslands for dwarf mongooses, bateleur eagles and many other creatures.
At Elephant Odyssey, admire the herd of five majestic residents led by Ranchipur, the group’s bull elephant who weighs in at nearly five and a half tonnes! This exhibit ties the past and the present together with the addition of the Fossil Portal and the Mammoth Passage Plaza. Here, you will discover how modern elephants’ ancestors evolved, and which of the ancient characteristics have survived to this day.
Children, both big and small, will love the Discovery Outpost zone. Meet the oldest residents of the zoo, the Galápagos tortoises that arrived back in 1928. The Reptile Walk will amaze you will the diversity of native Californian wildlife, including frogs and lizards, as well as snakes and alligators. Head to the Petting Paddock with woolly sheep and inquisitive goats, or admire the newest arrivals in the Animal Nursery as they are bottle-fed by the keepers. If you are visiting during the holidays or at weekends, look out for Dr. Zoolittle’s crazy science shows.
To get around the whole zoo in a day, purchase a day pass on the express bus which will shuttle you between five points in the park. There are also 35-minute narrated bus tours that will give you a general introduction to the attraction, or alternatively get a breath-taking view of the zoo with Skyfari, an aerial gondola ride over the grounds.
San Diego Zoo is open all year round, but the exact opening times depend on the season. There are 10 different food outlets, cafés to full-service restaurants, to keep you fuelled for a full day’s fun.
