The San Diego Zoo: I'm not Lion! Don't Monkey Around! Just Go!
Written: Nov 14 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A great way to learn something, help with preservation efforts and have fun
Cons: some exhibits need updating
The Bottom Line: Come visit the zoo.
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| naphtalia's Full Review: San Diego Zoo |
I've traveled many places in the world and had the chance to see zoos both in the United States and abroad. I admit to having a fondness for zoos. Some zoos, however, leave me sad. In Merida, Venezuela I nearly cried when I saw the conditions in which animals were kept. The zoo in Berlin, Germany was impressive. The most amazing zoo, in my opinion, is the one back home - The San Diego Zoo.
The zoo is located in San Diego's largest park - Balboa Park. It takes up about 100 acres. Founded by Dr. Harry Wegeforth in 1916 with very few animals, it was originally part of the Panama-California Exposition. Today, the zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from over 800 species. Even more impressive is its plant collection which represents over 6,500 species.
The zoo still has some old fashioned display areas that are pretty sad to look at. In particular, those areas housing mountain sheep and goats are less than spectacular. Also, I'd like to see some changes in hoof and horn Mesa. Most of the zoo, however, has animals in good sized habitats which are meant to encourage their health - both physical and emotional. Even in those enclosures where the humans are not impressed, effort is made to make the animals comfortable and happy.
The best display, in my opinion, is the Polar Bear Plunge. Here huge white polar bears romp and play and lounge. They have a huge pool in which to swim in the pool which is kept at a cool 55 degrees. Visitors can watch them from above or from a viewing area below the water. It is not unusual to have them watching the visitors, too. Especially fun is to watch them playing with balls in the water. If it's not too crowded, I can sit and watch them for half an hour. Also included in the Polar Bear Plunge area are Siberian reindeer, Pallas' cats, northern birds and native plants, along with polar bears. The area for this exhibit is about 2 acres.
Another favorite for me is the Ituri Forest. This is the most complex multi-species exhibit within the zoo. As you wander into the exhibit, you will find yourself transported into an African rain Forest. The Ituri forest is home to okapis, hippopotamuses, forest buffalos, spotted-necked otters, monkeys and an astonishing variety of colorful birds. Ituri Forest isn't just about the animals, however. Here you get a feel for the sights, scents, sounds and human inhabitants, too. Throughout the exhibit, there is information about the Mbuti people who inhabit the area in Africa that the zoo exhibit represents. What the Ituri Forest exhibit has that the real Ituri forest doesn't are two underwater viewing areas. Through these, you can check out the activities of the hippopotamuses and spotted-necked-otters. There are also areas here for sitting, resting, shopping and having a bite to eat.
There are many other exhibits worth seeing. Keep in mind that San Diego is very hilly and getting around the zoo's 100 acres is more than a little daunting. I recommend getting a guided bus tour which will add to a regular admission $10 for adults and $5.50 for children 3-11. The tour is a 40-minute guided bus tour on a double-decked bus and covers about 75% of the Zoo. If it was only the tour, I might not suggest the money. The cost of the tour, however, gives you access to the Express Bus for the remainder of your day at the zoo. These Express Buses are double- or single-decked buses with green signs on the sides, allowing guests to get on and off at five different stops throughout the Zoo. They travel by the stops every 20 minutes or so. The Express Bus is mainly for quick transportation around the Zoo. It is ideal when you realize the thing you want to see next is clear on the other side of the zoo. For those who need them, there are tours in Spanish available once a day. You may have to check the schedule for that one. However, Spanish and French tours can be arranged for groups of 20 or more with advanced notice.
Another fun way to get around is to take the Skyfari Aerial Tram (adult/child $2.50 each way)This airborn ride takes you over the park and is worth the expense just to see everything from on high.
For people who have difficulty getting around, the zoo rents strollers and wheelchairs and electric carts. I went with an aunt once who did not need a chair but had difficulty walking distances. For her, the hills proved a tremendous difficulty. If this is an issue, I would recommend finding some sort of assistance, or picking a single area of the zoo to visit.
For groups of 15 or more, special tours can be arranged to take a look behind the scenes. There are also special seasonal theme tours. For details on what might be happening when you visit, call (619) 557-3962 or check the calendar of events at the zoo's website. (http://www.sandiegozoo.com).
If you need a break during your zoo visit, there are a couple of shows available. The first show is the Wegeforth National Park Sea Lion Show which takes place at the Wegeforth Bowl. This show offers an opportunity to learn about the special animals that live there. You may even get to be part of the show. The show runs daily at 1, 3, 5:15 and 7 p.m. Remember that during the fall, the zoo closes earlier and the last two shows are off. The second show is The Wild Ones which features predators and prey from around the world. The show highlights their natural behaviors. This show, appropriately enough, takes place at the Hunte Amphitheater daliy at 12, 2, 4,and 6 p.m.
There are many opportunities to eat in the zoo. There is lots of fast food in the area between the entrance and the small monkey cages. There are also 5 cafes and restaurants in the park for a more relaxed eating experience. The fast food is expensive, but good. The cafes actually have some pretty good food most days and the prices are not bad. You can easily get out for under $10 per person including drinks in them.
In the same areas where you will find food, you will find shopping. The zoo has abundant opportunities for you to separate yourself from your money. Items range from the normal t-shirt and postcard collections to artwork from all over the world. There are also huge collections of stuffed animals and other types as clothing as well as books, tapes and other educational resources. None of this material comes cheap, but often the things you'll find here are things you won't find anywhere else.
The San Diego Zoo is open 365 days a year. Depending on the time of year, the zoo may be open until different hours. During the fall, the zoo opens at 9 a.m. and admits its last guests at 4 p.m. The guests must leave the park by 5 p.m. During the summer, the hours are longer. I highly recommend trying to be around near closing or to make arrangements to visit "The Park After Dark" when it is offered as many animals are at their most active around twilight or at night.
General Admission to the zoo is $19.50 for adults and $11.75 for children up to age 11. General admission tickets cannot be purchased on line. Deluxe admission, which includes a guided bus tour and a skyfari aerial tram ride, is $32 for adults and $19.75 for children. This can be purchased on line or at the gate. The San Diego Zoo is one of two parks involved with the San Diego Zoological Society. The other is the Wild Animal Park located a few miles north in Escondido. It is possible to buy a two park pass if you want to see both provided you go to each within 5 days of each other. Two day passes include the deluxe admission package. Adults are $46.80 and children are $31.50. This is not available on line yet.
Personally, the best deal (especially for families) is the Zoo Membership. For a Dual Membership (2 adults in the same household) it's only $84. For a single adult, it's only $66.
Membership gives you unlimited admission to the zoo and wild animal park for a year, 2 guest passes and a year's subscription to the Zoonooz magazine. For a family of four, this is cheaper than everyone paying individually.
I love the zoo. If you make it to San Diego, I highly recommend a visit there.
Recommended:
Yes
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naphtalia
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Location: Somewhere in Southern California for Now
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Just cause you got the monkey off your back doesn't mean the_circus has left town.
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