San Diego Zoo
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San Diego World Famous Zoo
SAN DIEGO ZOO UPDATES! MARCH 26, 2010 Polar Bear Plunge Reopens - The San Diego Zoo's Polar Bears are roaming around their new exhibit just in time for Spring Break. Humans will appreciate the new focus on creating a more open and expansive space complete with pathways, interactive exhibits (check out the helicopter), and a chance to get up close and personal (safely) with these giant white bears. Please take note of the San Diego Zoo's new initiative to connect the decline of the Polar Bears' ice habitat in the wild to global warming as you roam around the exhibit. More information on the revamped Polar Bear Plunge exhibit. Related Article.
New Baby Panda at the Zoo - Bai Yun, the Giant Panda, gave birth to her 5th baby on August 5, 2009. The bouncing bundle of joy is named Yun Zi who was just 'released' for public viewing on January 7, 2010. When he is not on exhibit, you can still catch a peek at the San Diego Zoo's PandaCam to see him in all his black and white glory.
Back to the Zoo.
WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO ANYWAY?
Let us first start out by saying that if you have never been to the San Diego Zoo, it is well worth your time and your money to explore it.
It is open every day of the year from 9am - 4pm (off grounds at 5pm) with longer hours in the spring and summer. Please check the San Diego Zoo's website for the most current information.
The San Diego Zoo is more than just a collection of animals; it is about beautiful and lush landscaping (with 700,000 plants), encounters with animals (870 species and subspecies), birds (1,850 individuals) and zoo keepers. Most of all, the Zoo aims to expand peoples' knowledge and appreciation for authentic animal species conservation. The San Diego Zoo is a nonprofit organization that relies on ticket sales and donations to sustain itself and to continue its world-wide research programs. The San Diego Zoo has a pretty good track record - it has been open to the public since 1916.
SkyFari
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You Will Get Your Exercise!
The second thing that we would like to say is that the San Diego Zoo is very large - it covers 100 acres of Balboa Park. When you visit the Zoo, plan to do a lot of walking so dress accordingly. The terrain consists of both uphill and downhill slopes. If you have children that require a stroller or if you use a wheelchair, pay attention to the signs along the 'trails' that tell you to take alternate routes so you don't have to get stuck looking at a flight of stairs. There is one way besides walking to get from one end of the park to the other - the Skyfari Aerial Tram. The 'buckets' fit up to 4 people and are worth the $3 each way. It is one of the best ways to see the enormity of the Zoo. Here is a link to the interactive map from the Zoo's website: San Diego Zoo Map
Enhanced Animal Enclosures
The San Diego Zoo has worked diligently to enhance the living conditions of the animals. The newer exhibits like Ituri Forest, Polar Bear Plunge, Monkey Trails, Tiger River, Gorilla Tropics, and Absolutely Apes are the best examples of the Zoo's commitment to improving the animals' quality of life. These types of exhibits do not put the animals in cage, per se; it is more of a natural setting that allows various species of animals to roam around in the same enclosure. The newer exhibits also provide the visitor with more information about the animals and conservation efforts.
Admission
Best Value Ticket (includes unlimited use of Guided Bus Tour, Express Bus, and Skyfari Aerial Tram) - Adults (ages 12+) - $35 and Children (ages 3-11) - $26.
Military Discount: Active duty military personnel (U.S. and foreign) with valid military ID card receive free admission. Spouses and dependents receive 10% discount on the Best Value Admission only; valid military ID required.
Annual Pass to both the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park - $89 for dual adult membership, $28 per child membership (ages 12-17) and $24 per child membership (ages 3-11).
Directions
The San Diego Zoo is located in Balboa Park, near downtown San Diego. Free parking is available on the San Diego's Zoo property as well as throughout Balboa Park. Public transportation via bus is conveniently located on Park Boulevard.
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