Wild Animal Park

Set in the dry, rolling hills of San Pasqual Valley, the San Diego Wild Animal Park is home to approximately 400 of our world's most endangered species — from the Northern White Rhino to the California Condor.

Plan on a full day — or even two — at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, and be sure to bring along a camera equipped with a good zoom lens. Binoculars and good walking shoes are also a plus.

This 1,800-acre San Diego wildlife park is home to more than 3,500 animals, from the majestic cheetah to the fascinating lowland gorilla.

When you arrive at San Diego Zoo Wild Animal Park, consider booking one of their specialty tours at the Safari Booking Station.

To get around quickly, the park's Rolling Safari Tour on a Segway X2 is a whole lot of fun. The 2-hour experience includes a quick lesson on how to ride a Segway, followed by a guided tour of the park's African and Asian animals.

On the photo caravan safari, you can hop on an open-air truck into the East African enclosure where you'll feed and photograph inquisitive giraffes, cape buffalo and Indian rhinoceroses, among other wildlife.

My top pick? The new Flightline zip line tours, where you'll soar 600 feet over the park's Asian and African field exhibits.

Flightline is the longest zip line in the Continental United States. It's 2/3rds of a mile down. When you come up here, it's a little scary at first, but you can actually see the animals looking up at you and it's an incredible experience.

The Park's Great Rift Lift offers sweeping views of the park, in addition to easy access to its lower level attractions, which include the Serengeti-styled helium balloon safari.

At Journey into Africa, you can board a biodiesel-fueled vehicle for a 2 1/2 mile tour around the park.  

For the best chance at seeing the animals in action, arrive during the cooler morning or evening hours, or check out the park's daily feeding times.

There are several San Diego Wild Animal Park restaurants to choose from. Grab an espresso at the Greenzoo Coffee Company when you arrive, or enjoy breakfast at Thorntree Terrace. Other restaurants around the park include Mombasa Island Cooker, where you'll find Italian and Asian specialties, or Okavango Outpost, known for its entree salads and wraps. Thorntree Terrace also serves a nice variety of lunch specials, including turkey sandwiches, fish and chips, and panini sandwiches.

Following lunch, take a walk along the 70-foot suspension bridge for a look at the white tiger, then head up to Condor Ridge, where you'll get an up-close look at endangered California condors.

Other highlights on the San Diego Wild Animal Park Map include Lion Camp, where a pride of African lions relax in the hot San Diego sun, and Elephant Overlook, where you'll be charmed by adorable little Ingadze.

For the ultimate splurge, book one of the park's overnight Roar and Snore safaris. Comparable in price to some San Diego hotels, the experience includes two meals, a private canvas tent, and three unique tours through the park.

It's an unforgettable experience you're sure to enjoy.


ADMISSION: $35 (includes Journey into Africa tour and Conservation Carousel); ages 3-11, $26; seniors, 60 and older, $31.50; ages 2 and younger, free.
           
PARKING: $9 per vehicle ($14 for motor homes and RVs)

INFORMATION: 760-747-8702 or 619-234-6541 (recorded)

WEB: www.wildanimalpark.org