A world-class wildlife sanctuary
Written: Sep 11 '00 (Updated Sep 11 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Educational value, good cause, lots of fun for all ages
Cons: Expensive extras, expensive entrance, lots of walking
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| rsinghal's Full Review: San Diego Wild Animal Park |
I have visited the Wildlife Park several times. The San Diego Wildlife Park is one of the most interesting wildlife sanctuaries and breeding programs on earth. The Wildlife Park has saved several animals from extinction, often taking species off the endangered list. This is a non-profit park you can be very proud to give your money too. Thousands and thousand of acres, the park is divided into several large habitats, each emulating a different part of the world (East Africa, for example). Inside each habitat, all the herbivore animals are placed together. Because the wide expanse, you see natural behaviors you would never see in zoos, defensive posturing. I once say a baby being born by an antelope.
There are opportunities to feed giraffes, cheetahs, lorikeets, and a variety of other animals. Be careful, as some of these animals (esp antelopes) will enjoy munching on your loose clothing. An electric rail tour is included (you can take it as many times as you wish). If you want to see a lot of action, the best time to go is as soon as the park opens. Animals are most lethargic in the middle of the day, and very active in the morning when it's cooler. The bonobo's (sometimes called pygmy chimpanzees) are very interesting. There are good free shows to see, which are best done in the middle of the day, when the rest of the animals are lethargic. Food prices are VERY expensive, but it all goes to a good non-profit source. There are places to picnic, where you are surrounded by animals. The picnics are wonderful, and can be a great romantic outing if you come prepared. As having visited East Africa, I can say their East Africa habitat is shockingly accurate (minus the predators). This is as close as you can get, without actually going to Africa.
In sum you will enjoy your visit, and your money will be doing good things. If you visit only three times in a year, you'll still save money by buying a year pass, which is cheaper than three tickets. You'll get a monthly magazine with coupons and great articles as well. You'll probably find yourself going more often, and being glad for it.
Once again, to get your money's worth, going early and leaving early is better than going late and staying late. There is a lot of walking after your train ride (which you should do first thing you get there). Where comfortable shoes. Food is expensive; as are gifts. The educational and entertainment value for a family with children is unsurpassed by other attractions in the area.
ADDED: If you want a FREE, inside look into the park tune into "The Keepers" on Animal Planet and/or Discovery Channel. This show is filmed entirely within this park, and you get to see an inside look into the park, and the wonderful, amazing things it does. It also builds excitement with kids before the trip (as the show airs nationally), and gets them more involved in the educational experience.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rsinghal
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Location: Carlsbad, San Diego, California
Reviews written: 10
Trusted by: 0 members
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