| One of the most popular and well known | | | | 2007, the old railway is going to be replaced |
| tourist attractions in Southern California is | | | | by a new and more modern transportation |
| the San Diego Zoo. Most people outside of | | | | system. |
| California, however, aren't aware of an even | | | | |
| better wildlife experience which is just a | | | | Much of the Wild Animal Park's charm comes |
| short drive from the Zoo, in the northern | | | | from the over 3,500 plant species on display |
| part of San Diego County, the San Diego Wild | | | | along with the Nairobi Village theme. Our |
| Animal Park. Like the San Diego Zoo, the | | | | visit was on a somewhat dreary day which made |
| Wild Animal Park is operated by the | | | | the Park seem like a rainforest with babbling |
| Zoological Society of San Diego which is a | | | | brooks and misty walkways. The one exhibit |
| non-profit organization dedicated to the | | | | that my daughter couldn't get enough of was |
| conservation and education of endangered | | | | Lorikeet Landing. For two dollars, you can |
| species and their habitats. I've been to the | | | | buy lorikeet food (nectar) and the colorful |
| Park many times while growing up in Southern | | | | birds will actually land on you when you |
| California, but my last visit was special | | | | enter the atrium. From there, we saw another |
| because it was with my five year old daughter | | | | one of my daughter's favorites, Lion Camp. |
| who has never been there before. It was an | | | | This new attraction lets you see the lions |
| experience that yielded many cool pictures | | | | from several different angles and also |
| and a great time that I won't soon forget. | | | | provides an up-close view when you approach |
| | | | the glass barrier, which is the only thing |
| The San Diego Wild Animal Park opened in | | | | separating you from the king of beasts. I'm |
| 1972, and many of the attractions that were | | | | a big fan of carousels and the Conservation |
| there for the opening are still around today. | | | | Carousel was one of the most unique that I've |
| The Park is not set up like a traditional | | | | ever seen. Instead of horses, it featured |
| zoo because most of the exhibits are in an | | | | many of the endangered animals that can be |
| open area on acres of land. This allows the | | | | seen throughout the park. Our final |
| Park to keep herds of different species that | | | | attraction of the day was an Animal |
| interact with each other in an environment | | | | Encounter, where we got to experience a |
| that simulates their natural habitat. | | | | Caracal Cat up-close along with its trainer. |
| Because of this, the animals display many of | | | | |
| their natural behaviors, providing Park | | | | For a little bit more than the price of a |
| visitors with a better understanding of how | | | | one-day ticket, you can purchase one of |
| they live. | | | | several packages that allow you to become a |
| | | | member of the Zoological Society of San |
| The Wild Animal Park's most popular | | | | Diego. As a member, you get such benefits as |
| attraction is the Wgasa Bush Line Railway | | | | unlimited visits to the San Diego Zoo and the |
| which takes visitors on a 3 mile, 40 minute | | | | Wild Animal Park for one year, a ZOONOOZ |
| journey through most of the Park's main areas | | | | magazine subscription, a membership card, and |
| and then into the San Pasqual Valley. The | | | | monthly member specials featuring discounts |
| valley is divided into different areas, each | | | | on food and merchandise. Since The Wild |
| representing different regions such as North | | | | Animal Park is operated by a non-profit |
| Africa, South Africa, the Asian Plains, and | | | | organization, a visit to the gift store not |
| the Mongolian Steppe. The tour also offers a | | | | only gets you some really cool stuff, but |
| live narration by the tram driver which | | | | also allows you to contribute to a worthwhile |
| really succeeds in educating the riders about | | | | cause. This was the first of many visits |
| each species on display. For instance, I | | | | that my daughter and I intend on making to |
| never knew that a herd of rhinos is known as | | | | the Park over the next year. Hopefully, on |
| a crash. This attraction is perfect for | | | | your next trek through Southern California, |
| older kids and adults, but younger children | | | | you take the time to experience the San Diego |
| may become a little restless due to the | | | | Wild Animal Park for yourself. |
| ride's length of time. In the spring of | | | | |