The San Diego Wild Animal Park Experience

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