San Diego Zoo Trip » San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Trip
15-08-2008

Hi everyone.I was just wondering what San Diego Zoo is like visiting as im going from October 25 to November 1.I already know quite a bit about it as i go to the website alot but i was just wondering about some tips on visting.We always do the waliin g around a zoo first and then we take a bus,tram etc around to just see it from the perspective to.Im quite used to waling around large zoos like Toronto Zoo but i was just wondering about tips.Thanks

20-08-2008

I prefer to visit a new zoo the other way around - view it from the tram/bus/train first to get a feel for where things are and what stuff I want to spend more time on.

20-09-2008

Agreed. If you start with the bus you'll get a much better idea of what you want to see. Best thing you could do is get there when the Zoo opens at 9 a.m. Head straight for the giant pandas if you want to see them because that's the best chance to see a panda awake when they're having their breakfast or during their lunch. Other great animals to see first thing in the morning are the tiger cubs (if they're still out in the mornings when you visit), the polar bears and the orangutans. All these animals are much more active first thing in the morning when they come out to play. Then they get tired and nap. Also, don't forget to visit the Children's Zoo. Many people skip it because of the name, but it's a great place to run across keepers doing animal walkarounds or presentations. If you get a chance you might want to visit its sister facility the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. It's very different -- think safari -- and really great place to see groups of animals living together. Enjoy!

21-11-2008

I know you already visited but since they have underwater hippo viewing it would be a good idea to head to the hippos first thing. In the early morning hippos are more active in their pools and usually swim around and play, but by noon they are usually resting in the pool.

21-11-2008

I'd agree with all those recommendations, for anyone visiting in the future

09-04-2009

Hey, I should be visiting San Diego zoo on the 17th of april... hope I'll have a good time there !!!!

09-04-2009

I will be visiting San Diego Zoo on April 23rd, i love to read advice from the experieced members in this forum who have visited this great zoo in the past. It will be my first time going there and i can't wait, i spend about 20 minutes a day on average on San Diego Zoo's website and videos, pictures etc of other people who have visited, i'm completely fascinated by this zoo, and my only fear is that i will not listen to the adviced of the Zoo and the members here.

To me Zoos are like jewels, presents, and i like to open them little by little, and San Diego most be the Hope Diamond, because i want to arrive there 20 minutes before it opens, so i can take a look at the entrance and sorrounding spots and take it all in, then little by little i want to explore every inch of this great zoo, the bus sounds like a great idea and no only is recomended often in this website, but almost in every travel tips website outhere, it is begining to look as if this is the official way to see San Diego Zoo if you want to have the best experience.
I on the other hand feel like this will reveal too much of my present, and loose some of the excitment i will feel when getting to a certain spot for the first time, and most of you mention the bus as a way to getting an idea of what areas you want to see the most, what if i want to see every inch? Would it be possible in one day from opening minute to closing minute, to see it all?, as far as the animals being active, well i understand what you mean about just sprinting to certain exihbits in the early morning, but i love every single animal so it would seem pointless to pick and choose, if there was one animal in particular that i would say would be heartbreaking no to see would be the Pandas, since that is a promise i made to my travel companion that she would be able to see them.

Other than that i will take my chances with the other creatures and just enjoy the Zoo one plant, brick and enclosure at a time, I really hope it can be done my way, because i certantly have seen that there is a smarter way.

SD Zoo Touring Advice
11-04-2009

OK, MZ954, of course I've been to this great Zoo many times -- and in fact, I was just there last week! So I'll give you my best advice. First, however, why are you going there this month (April)? Any chance you could delay the trip to late May? If so, you would then experience their terrific new exhibit, Elephant Odyssey, which is opening on May 23 (I think). I was given a "hard hat" tour of EO and it looks like it will be another truly great SDZ exhibit. If you can't delay your trip, this will give you a good reason to go back.

My advice: Buy the full-package ticket to the Zoo, which includes the Skyfari aerial tram ride and especially the doubledecker bus tour. For a good overview, ride the bus tour first. The Zoo tries to tell you that the view is better from the lower level, but I don't believe it. If you can, ride up on top and at the very back. They tell you that you can stand up to see animals on the other side, but there's always some annoyed fellow rider who will give you grief for standing up -- unless you're at the very back. After this tour, you'll have a better idea what you want to see. First of all, the Zoo's two feature animals are the Giant Pandas and Koalas. Be certain to go see them! My personal opinion is that their best overall exhibit is Ituri Forest, where you'll experience the best underwater hippo gallery anywhere (some people sit there for an hour, watching the hippos), Okapis, and a great multi-species exhibit of African monkeys and otters. Ituri Forest is best seen immediately after touring Tiger River, another great and naturalistic exhibit. Actually, though, great exhibits are all over this Zoo -- Polar Bear Plunge, Sun Bear Forest, Gorilla Tropics, Absolutely Apes, Monkey Trails, and the Kopje are all amazing. Also take in the rare animals scattered all around the Zoo -- the kiwi birds in the hidden Kiwi darkhouse, honey badgers, Corsac foxes, and others. Our book rates this Zoo as America's best for Bears, Primates, Reptiles, and Birds, so take note of these collections. Be sure to walk through the two gigantic aviaries (Scripps and Owens) and to see the large reptile exhibits on Reptile Mesa. The two best views you'll get are from the Skyfari (you'll see all the way to the Ocean) and while eating at the Treehouse. One more note, the Children's Zoo is very worthwhile, even for adults.

Hope this helps!

11-04-2009

what about best for cats!!!

just wondering miniture zoo and cottoni

are you going to visit the SDZWAP and SeaWorld San Diego too

did you have a good time zoogoer, and did you Visit the SDZWAP and Seaworld San Diego

Best for Cats
11-04-2009

For "Best for Cats", we picked Cincinnati. It has 15 different species of small cats in the aging Cat House, rare white lions, white tigers, and a great Cheetah Encounter show, where you can see the cheetahs run.
Our runner-up for Cats was Memphis, with their outstanding Cat Country exhibit. San Diego was in the "Top 10" for "Best Cats".

11-04-2009

I had a great time and yes i visted all three. Actually ihave reviews for sdz and sdwap in the united states section on zoochat

11-04-2009

Be sure to stop by the tigers early to see the cubs. They are sooo fun to watch as they play with each other in their gorgeous hillside lair.