San Diego Zoo
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San Diego Zoo - by Lance Anderson on Unsplash
Description
The San Diego Zoo houses over 12,000 animals from more than 600 species over its 40ha. It is the most visited zoo in the USA and is owned by the non-profit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance that also runs the sister larger 'campus' of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 50km northeast of SD. The habitats are too numerous to list but include, inter alia: Monkey trails, several aviaries, Polar Bear plunge, Reptile house, Elephant Odyssey, Gorilla tropics, Tiger trail and Madagascar forest. The standard 1-day pass includes the guided bus tour, Skyfari Arial Tram (gondola lift) and Kangaroo Express Bus
Access & Transport
The zoo is on the northern side of Balboa Park, about 3km north of downtown. Coming from the south on the I-5, take the State Route 163 north exit, then the Zoo/Museums (Richmond Street) exit and follow the signs to the Zoo parking lot. Parking is free in the lot in front of the Zoo Public transport: Rapid 215 and Route 7 stop at the Zoo
Instructions & Recommendations
Opening hours change depending on the day and month so ensure you double check ahead of time. We suggest combining this activity with other attractions in Balboa Park such as the San Diego Museum of Art and the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Environmental & Social
Strong conservation credentials and notable success in breeding animals in captivity. More info here: https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/conservation-landing
Conclusion
San Diego Zoo is considered one of the best zoos in the USA and should make for a good family activity (provided you are comfortable with the concept of animals being held in captivity) but its prohibitive pricing makes it difficult to afford for many families and paints the organization in a very commercial light despite its non-profit status. Very odd
Key positive
Large with a wide variety of animals
Excellent conservation credentials
Key negative
Incredibly expensive for a zoo
The concept of zoos is debatable
Suitability
Suitable for all ages and accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:3h
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY09:00 - 18:00
TUESDAY09:00 - 18:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY09:00 - 18:00
Start of Season 2:Nov, 01
MONDAY09:00 - 17:00
TUESDAY09:00 - 17:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 17:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 17:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 17:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 17:00
SUNDAY09:00 - 17:00