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Stalk the Cheetahs at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Published by Camilla Cheung, Writer

Country: United States

The Experience

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, previously known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park, is a zoo experience unlike most others. The animals at the San Diego Safari Park roam in large enclosures that approximate their homes in the wild. Visitors to the Park can explore the animals’ habitats on a safari ride, which allows them to glimpse endangered African animals up close and personal in a free-range enclosure, without the typical zoo barriers. Imagine being within a few feet of a majestic giraffe, close enough to see its long tongue curling around tree branches and stripping them of its leaves. Children will love the sight of little gazelles fleeting nimbly over the hills, or locking horns in playful battle, while a huge rhino lumbers ponderously nearby.  The baby elephants are especially cute at feeding time when trainers will throw treats into the air and the babies hurry to find them on the floor of the feeding area. 

One special treat that I experienced on my visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park was seeing a young cheetah out for a walk with his trainer. The cheetah was well-trained and obedient, sitting and walking on command.  He was accompanied by a companion dog, which had been raised with the cheetah since puppyhood.  The relatively high-strung cheetah drew comfort, companionship and stability from its relationship with the faithful dog companion, helping to calm it down when it encountered new situations. 

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park was initially created to help conserve endangered species by breeding and raising endangered animals from the San Diego Zoo, and other neighbouring zoos.  In addition to these conservation efforts, the Safari Park is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in California.  The Safari ride, Journey into Africa, through the African exhibit, is one of the most popular rides in the Park, giving you the opportunity to glimpse several African animals including two species of giraffe, zebras, rhinos, gazelles, and more.  Other trails can be walked on foot, allowing visitors to see tigers, lions, gorillas, meerkats, and many more species.  More adventurous visitors may wish to take a tethered hot air balloon ride, or ride a zip-line over the fields of the Park, both of which cost an extra fee.  Children will enjoy special shows and activities such as craft-making, music stations, and a jungle gym.

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When to Go to San Diego Zoo Safari

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located about a 45-minute drive north of Central San Diego. It is open year-round, including on holidays. The weather in the area is mild, so anytime is a good time to visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. However, the Park is often open later during the busier summer months.

A one-day pass to the Park costs $37 for adults and $27 for children, and this includes admission to the Journey to Africa safari ride.

There are also joint passes available for use at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the San Diego Zoo, and SeaWorld.

Parking fees are reasonable at between $6 to $14 depending on your vehicle and whether you are a member or non-member.

Odds n' Ends

Strollers, lockers and battery-operated wheelchairs are available for rental on a first come, first serve basis.

Allow a full day to see the sights and to get the most value for your money. The Park's exhibits are extensive, and you will need the whole day to see it all.

Be aware that the weather can be very hot and sunny in the summer. Dress accordingly and bring hats and sunscreen. Make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid heat exhaustion on hot days. Food is available for purchase at the Safari Park's concessions, but you can bring your own snacks to save money.



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Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!

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San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park
Witness a family of giraffe mingle among the gazelles and cranes while rhinos gather at a watering hole. Observe South African cheetahs lounging on a ...
Starting from $34.99 per person.

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Books and DVDs

Top 10 San Diego Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides
Frommer's San Diego 2010

Elsewhere on the Web

San Diego Zoo - Official Site

Media References

Party at San Diego Zoo - SignOnSandiego.com (book)
San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park gets new name - Travel.LaTimes.com (blog)
Ancient whale bones found at US zoo - BBC.co.uk (television)

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