San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park

08/31/2008 Posted by pandasgirl1

There's a reason why Trip Advisor puts the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park in the US Top 10 list. The Park shows the animals in a natural environment, with lots of options to see over 3,500 animals from Africa and Asia, along with the California Condors, and several shows. The new "Journey Into Africa" Tour that comes with the Best Value Package (along with the Conservation Carousel) does cover only part of the open space FOR NOW. The Park is building 8 new exhibits in that area, (They're accepting donations) and the Asian area IS accessible up close with the Photo Caravans, Savannah Safari, and VIP Tours right now. The overnight Roar & Snore camping is something everyone should try. Wake up to roaring lions-- too cool! I haven't tried one yet, but they even offer Segway tours. Lots of kid fun with the Discovery Stations, playgrounds, and SplashZones,and the petting kraal, but it's still best for those over the age of 4, IMHO. Membership is the still the best deal out there by far- $89 adults/ $24-28 children and they are currently offering $10 off on the main website , or get a 2 park ticket and do both the Zoo and Wild Animal Park for $60 adults/ $43 children ages 3 -11. The San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park focus on conservation and education, ALONG with entertaining us, and they do so many projects OUTSIDE of San Diego to save animals. They do deserve credit for saving the species of so many animals, and they are non-profit (unlike Sea World and Legoland). So, the money spent on food and goodies goes to keeping the projects going all around the world, not just at the Zoo and Wild Animal Park. They are also great recyclers - they use reconstituted silverware, and have lots of recycling bins at the parks, collect used cell phones, and have won awards from the California State Assembly and The State of California's Waste Reduction. Reservations & Customer Service- 619-718-3000 or 800-407-9534, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. direct (shhh),

Pros: Great way to see animals, photo caravan, Roar & Snore sleepover, shopping,animal encounters, Lion Camp, California Condors,friendly staff,

Cons: have to wear sunscreen

08/05/2008 Posted by rootiebatootiebaby

The Wild Animal Park might have taken a wrong turn. July 26th, 2008 I took my friend to the Wild Animal Park because she had never been there before. Everyone needs to visit this place at least once—completely different than zoos and Sea World attraction parks. Unlike other sanctuaries, the Wild Animal Park was not originally created for human delight—was not planned to be opened to the public (can tell by the landscaping). The Wild Animal Park was strictly made for breeding purposes—furthermore, to help increase the numbers of the endangered species. July 26th was extremely disappointing since the monorail no longer exists; instead, there is a tour bus that shows off 60% of the animals (compared to the monorail). A few more species you saw on the monorail—not the bus—were the okapi (relative to the giraffe), camels, the African Wild Asses (can be seen from a distance at the tiger exhibit), the mountain goats, and many more. The guests view far less animals riding the new bus; however, the animals are easier to see thanks to the bus. Personally, I prefer the monorail to the bus. I truly hope the Wild Animal Park does not forget their introductory intentions--to preserve animals in a natural environment; this is what separates the Wild Animal Park from other exhibits. This monument was not created to view animals up close. The monument allows animals to remain in a somewhat natural environment—not surprising how many successful breeding stories they have. Go to the San Diego zoo or other exhibits if you wish to see animals up close; go to the Wild Animal Park if you wish to see animals in a natural comfortable environment (not intended for the comfort of humans). A LOT OF WALKING (EVERY EMPLOYEE IS IN GOOD SHAPE), CAN EASILY REACH 90 AND 100 DEGREES IN SUMMER (YOU ARE TRAVELING MAINLY TO AFRICA AND PARTS OF ASIA). COMFORT OF ANIMAL CONDITIONS--NOT HUMAN!!! ICE CREAM IS AWESOME!!!

Pros: mostly non-caged animals in a somewhat natural environment, successful breeding, learning experience

Cons: new bus, view 60% of animals (compared 3-4 years ago), no more monorail :(