World-renowned as the home to more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals from more than 800 species and subspecies, the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park has long been a major attraction and frequently the primary draw for San Diego visitors.
The Zoo is not only one of the largest, but also considered among the most progressive zoos in the world. It is privately operated by the nonprofit Zoological Society of San Diego on 100 acres of parkland, and it also operates the San Diego Zoo Safari, a larger and more natural habitat for the animals. In fact, animals are regularly transferred between both parks as well as other zoos around the world, based on the guidelines in the Species Survival Plan (which guides American zoos in ensuring the speciessurvival).
Rather than single-species exhibits, many exhibits in the zoo feature a particular habitat in which several species co-exist naturally, along with typical native plant life. For example, an African rain forest features gorillas with African tulip tree, hibiscus, and giant bird-of-paradise, alongside an expansive aviary housing some of Africa's more amazing winged creatures.
To make it easy – and fun – to traverse from exhibit to exhibit, the zoo offers a guided tour bus that travels through most of the park. In addition, you can ride the Skyfari aerial tram featuring treetop views of the entire park as well as the surrounding Balboa Park. (Children under 8 must be accompanied by adults). 10am to 4:15pm daily, longer hours during the summer season. Adult/child is $3 each way; members ride free.
The zoo's maritime climate is particularly suited to its wildlife, as well as to growing a wide variety of plants and foods particular to the animals' natural habitats. Its arboretum features a rare plant collection and is host to some rare animal foods. For example, the zoo is growing 18 varieties of eucalyptus trees used to feed the koalas, and it raises 40 varieties of bamboo for the pandas.
On top of its exhibits and attractions, the zoo maintains a science and conservation research division, the Center for Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES), which is supported by entrance and membership income.
Zoological Society of San Diego offers annual memberships for only slightly more than the general admission fee, and currently over 250,000 people are members.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- Hours vary based on season, please check website for current hours
- Admission:
- Adults (ages 12+) one day ticket (Includes unlimited use of Guided Bus Tour, Express Bus, and Skyfari Aerial Tram): $37
- Children (ages 3-11) one day ticket (Includes unlimited use of Guided Bus Tour, Express Bus, and Skyfari Aerial Tram): $27
- Adults (ages 12+) two day ticket (Good for Two Day Admission with unlimited use of Guided Bus Tour, Express Bus, and Skyfari Aerial Tram): $70
- Children (ages 3-11) two day ticket (Good for Two Day Admission with unlimited use of Guided Bus Tour, Express Bus, and Skyfari Aerial Tram): $50
- Contact:
- Location: 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
- Phone: 619-231-1515
- Website: www.sandiegozoo.org
