The San Diego Zoo is one of the top zoological parks in the world. The park — including the 1915 and 1935 expositions, entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, and preserved today as part of Balboa Park—was essentially rebuilt to some extent for each exposition. The zoo continues to be a favorite of animal lovers far and wide, as it has something for everyone including an extensive animal display and strong commitment to conservation.
History
The San Diego Zoo opened in 1916, after the Panama-California Exposition. The zoo was started by Dr. Harry Wegeforth after he was inspired to start the zoo when he heard that there were several animals left over from the expo. From just a dwindling number of animals, over the years it grew massively to become one of the largest and most respected zoos in the world. Over the years, it pioneered open-air, cage-free exhibits to allow animals to live in environments that closely mimic their natural habitats.
Structure and Layout
Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban cultural park in San Diego, California, and it houses the San Diego Zoo —which covers over 100 acres and is a site of more than 12,000 animals representing around 650 species. The zoo is broken into categories by type of habitat or specific species and includes places such as the Lost Forest, Panda Canyon, and the Northern Frontier. The zoo is designed for easier navigation for visitors, with walking paths and a safari aerial tram that provides an overview of the displays.
Animal Collection and Exhibitions
The zoo has a rich stock of animals most of which are also rare. The park is home to thousands of endangered plant and animal species, including a significant percentage of the world’s population of giant pandas preserved by this conservation project. Koalas, polar bears, elephants, and even gorillas are all landscape creatures but the UN has worked hard to promote their conservation as trendy cultural symbols. To enhance the displays, designers aim to reproduce the natural habitats of the animals, transitioning from the savannas of Africa to the tundras of the Arctic. This zoo is also known for its botanical gardens that house more than 700,000 rare plants.
Conservation and Research
The zoo is operated by San Diego Zoo Global, which is responsible for the conservation of endangered species worldwide. The zoo houses over 7,000 animals and actively participates in 100 international conservation projects, including breeding programs, wildlife rehabilitation, and habitat restoration worldwide. Additionally, they operate the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, located 30 miles north, which focuses on larger animals and open-range exhibits. Renowned for its work with critically endangered species like the California condor and northern white rhino, the organization has gained international recognition.
Visitor Info & Tickets
The San Diego Zoo is open every day of the year, including all holidays. Standard hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. but may be extended during peak times. Adult general admission tickets are nearly $69, while children 3–11 ring in at $59. The zoo features additional special experiences for an extra fee, including behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters. It’s a good idea to buy tickets online in advance, especially when visiting during busy times.
Getting Around the Zoo
The zoo is big and some visitors find it tiring to walk. For assistance, the zoo offers a guided bus tour covering 70% of the park and Skyfari trams. With your admission ticket, you can enjoy most of these services, allowing you to explore the zoo without tiring yourself out.
Visitor Amenities
To make the visits comfortable as well, the zoo has all the needed facilities. There are many cafes, snack bars, and picnic areas. Visitors can rent strollers and wheelchairs when needed. Moreover, the zoo promotes sustainability and wildlife conservation, encouraging guests to reduce waste and recycle. Additionally, free Wi-Fi is available for easy navigation and sharing experiences online.
Latest Developments
One of these arrivals — also at the San Diego Zoo — was a baby orangutan, another a rare Andean bear cub. Both are fan favorites. On the conservation front, the zoo is on course to save critically endangered species. Recently it announced a new project to save the vaquita, a tiny porpoise standing on the brink of extinction (WDC). The “Africa Rocks” exhibit — which includes upgraded habitats for leopards and lemurs, among other species — also recently reopened.
Planning Your Visit
To avoid disruptions, arrive early when visiting the San Diego Zoo, or risk encountering troublemakers. They are less busy than on weekends and during non-peak months. To stay comfortable under the intense San Diego sun, wear comfortable shoes and apply sunscreen. Additionally, you can take advantage of free parking, or easily reach the area by public transport if you’re not driving.
