San Diego Zoo
This 1,200-acre urban park has 14 museums, four theaters, a sports complex, playing fields, a rose garden, open-air pipe organ, sparkling fountain and even an antique carousel. It hosts more than 3000 animals in beautifully landscaped grounds in the northern part of Balboa Park, northeast of downtown San Diego, and also runs a free-range 1800 acre (720ha).
I arrived early to the Zoo,
around 7:30 am, and decided to get the pass for the entire year, so I
can return any time. I started with a guided tour, to be familiar with
all different places of the Zoo. The Zoo has magnificent views, and one
can spend an entire day at the Zoo withour feeling tired. I rode the Skyfari
and spent some time in the birds section, listening to different chants.
I had a chance to see the Giant pandas Shi Shi, Bai Yun and baby Hua Mei
closely. And visiting the Gorilla Tropics, Hippo Beach and Polar Bear
Plunge. In general, it was a terrific Zoo and I liked the adventure so
much.
Wild Animal Park
Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to see the Wild Animal Park. This park is located 32 miles (50km) north of the city in Escondido in north San Diego County, and it is 20 times larger than the Zoo.
The 1,800-acre wildlife preserve, which allows visitors to view herds
of exotic animals as they might have been seen in their native Asia and
Africa, was established in 1969 under the directorship of Dr. Charles
Schroeder. It opened its gates to the public in 1972 and has grown more
impressive ever since. Today, the Park has over 3,500 animals representing
260 species, and is also an accredited botanical garden. Check the Wild
Animal Park web site for more information.
