San Diego Zoo

Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! The world-famous San Diego Zoo is home to these animals, and 4,000 other rare and exotic creatures of over 800 species from all over the world. If you want to see penguins frolicking along the ice, or elephants casually walking through their home, come do so at the San Diego Zoo.

The zoo hosts one of the widest varieties of animals of any zoo in the world. Monkeys, Pandas, Polar Bears, Tigers and more make their home at the zoo, and can be seen in fourteen exhibits at the park. In “Monkey Trails and Forest Tales,” is home to over 30 species of Asian and African mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians.

Children and adults alike will love to travel through the elevated walkway that travels through the tree canopy. Here you can meet many rare monkeys on earth. Below, the Asian forest path allows you to meet a family of Bornean bearded pigs and Visayan warty pigs. While here, keep an eye out for the mysterious clouded leopard. Also located in this exhibit is an African aviary, home to exotic birds, such as the yellow-rumped tinkerbirds and amethyst starlings. More animals emerge in this exhibit at the western end. Aquatic tanks host pygmy hippos and slender-snouted crocodiles. Living across from them are exotic amphibians and reptiles, including dwarf crocodiles and pancake tortoises. All of these rare and endangered animals, plus many more, are featured in just one of fourteen exhibits at the zoo.

One of the zoo’s popular exhibits is Polar Bear Plunge. Here, the arctic tundra is brought to San Diego. Visitors are left breathless after visiting the Plunge. The Plunge is an underwater viewing room in which you view the polar bears playing and swimming underwater. These bears are playful and friendly, and often swim right up to the glass, saying hi to the visitors standing just inches away on the other side of the class. Outdoors at this exhibit, visitors can view the beach area, where the polar bears play, dig, or take a nap. Also included in this area are diving ducks, such as eiders, smews and buffleheads, as well as Siberian Reindeer, northern birds and Pallas’ cats.

Perhaps one of the most stunning exhibits is Tiger River. This jungle exhibit includes crocodiles, fishing cats, and, of course, beautiful tigers. Gorgeous Malayan tigers make this zoo their home. These amazing creatures walk through their home, which is designed to resemble a natural jungle habitat. Visitors can view this creatures walking, sleeping, eating and swimming in their new home. A heated cave is set close to the path, so visitors can observe the tigers as the sleep.

While it is impossible to list each exhibit and its animals, some other creatures that make their home at the zoo include, giraffes, cheetahs, owls, gorillas, African Elephants, Jaguars, pythons, and hippos.

Tickets for admission to the San Diego Zoo are 32 dollars for adults and 19.75 for children, ages 3 to eleven. Children under 3 are free. For more information, or to reserve tickets, visit, www.sandiegozoo.org

Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo and meet animals that you have never met, and may never have another change to meet. Step into the world of exotic and beautiful animals, for an experience that you will never forget.