San Diego Zoo Centennial Celebrations
The San Diego Zoo is having a BIG Birthday and you are all invited!
It all started nearly 100 years ago with a single roar from a lion. Local physician Harry M. Wegeforth wanted to create a safe haven for abandoned animals after an international exposition in Balboa Park and from that one desire and need to help, visitors from around the world can experience animal care and conservation at it's finest. Fast forward 100 years......
Southern California is the best! With so many fun places and things to do for families of all ages and the perfect weather to enjoy them all in, who could ask for more. That being said, I think I am like the only native Californian who is yet to still visit the San Diego Zoo. I really have no excuse and now with a growing girl, well I've made the decision to plan a trip by then end of her summer vacation for us to visit.
It just happens that it's never been a better time to go to The San Diego Zoo. Not only are they celebrating their 100th year but have this amazing NightTime Zoo event happening now thru September 5th. So what are you waiting for, the next 100th year celebration?
Voted #1 Zoo in the World by Trip Adviser in 2015
Here's what you (and me) can look forward to seeing and doing during this wonderful milestone in the Zoo's history. So check this out, in researching all the things to do at the zoo I found a helpful tool on their website. Before your trip visit The San Diego Zoo Web Site for a great tool to map your day out. Register on the site, and upon creating your list of desired activities by clicking the "add to your day" you can access it on your smart phone or tablet during your day, genius right? I'm thinking it's going to be a great way to cover all the important things we will want to see, especially if we are there just for the day. Below are just some of the fun ways to explore the zoo and get the most from your visit:
- Guided Bus Tour: From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Enjoy a 35-minute narrated tour on a double-decked bus covering much of the Zoo.
Now this looks right up my alley! Photo Credit : Let's Play OC
Skyfari® Aerial Tram: From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Take an airborne shortcut over the treetops to the other end of the Zoo and enjoy spectacular views of the Zoo, its animal and plant collection, and surrounding Balboa Park (children younger than 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult).
Animal Encounters: From Elephants to Flamingos and everything in between, experience an array of different encounters from feedings to petting and getting up close to they amazing animals.
- Australian Outback: With 7 different marsupials and 25 colorful bird species, this is the latest exhibit to be added to the Zoo providing a fun new adventure for your nippers to enjoy.
- NightTime Zoo: evenings at the Zoo are filled with plenty of toe-tapping, body-moving music, special shows, and tons of fun!
A Few Fun Facts I have learned preparing for our first visit:
- The Zoo sits on 100-acre and is home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies.
- The Safari Park has an expansive wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species. It also has a renowned botanical collection represents 3,500 species and 1.75 million specimens. More than 1,800 acres have been set aside as a protected native species habitat.
For the panda lovers out there! Looking for an even more intimate way to see one of your favorite animals? Early Morning with The Pandas is a two-hour adventure including a tour around the Zoo in a shuttle cart. Get bonus close ups with scheduled stops that visit some of the zoo's other animals too. Learn how the San Diego Zoo works to meet its goals of wildlife conservation and education on this special tour done in small groups before the exhibit opens to the general public.
I for one can't wait for our visit! Might need to make it a 2 day trip, I would love to explore the Safari Park as well. Did you know they have zip lining? Oh man, we have so been missing out!
