Natural settings and rare species make for an exciting visit
Written: Sep 29 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Rare and Endangered animals, Large and fairly natural enclosures, Lots of activities
Cons: Long Walks, Hot weather during the summer
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| imbrium's Full Review: San Diego Wild Animal Park |
I have visited the San Diego Wild Animal Park (SDWAP) several times, but I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to volunteer there as well. Over the course of two years, I was a volunteer behavioral observer in two research projects (one project studied bonobos and the other project studied Southern White and Northern White rhinos).
Not Just a Zoo People visit zoos to see animals, and many zoos exist entirely for that purpose. At the San Diego Wild Animal Park, however, you are not only seeing exotic animals, you are witnessing important conservation and research efforts at work. In fact, my fellow observers and I often became mini-exhibits for the monorail tours and were pointed out as "behavioral researchers" like some strange type of animal. One of the species I studied, the Northern White rhino, is the most highly endangered large land mammal - only 20 or so left in the world, I believe. The San Diego Wild Animal Park is blessed with three of these animals, two females and a male. The species' prospects for the future look very dim, so the SDWAP may be your last chance to see one of these intelligent, wonderful animals (or any number of other highly endangered species).
More "natural" settings My favorite part about visiting the San Diego Wild Animal Park is the more "natural" settings. Most of the animals have fairly large enclosures. My favorite part, though, are the several multi-acre open spaces with names like "East Africa" and "South Africa". These huge open areas contain a large mix of birds and mammals (for instance, the "East African" enclosure contained Southern White Rhinos, African Crowned Cranes, any number of gazelle and antelope, giraffes and many others). While the groupings of animals in each of these large exhibits is not necessarily accurate, it does give a visitor a much more natural view of these animals.
Birds, Birds, Birds For those of you who like birds or just like to watch them, the SDWAP offers many opportunities to do so. There is a beautiful duck/bird pond where you can see exotic species as well as any number of local wild birds and migrants (the "freeloaders"). My favorite freeloaders are the egrets and herons - the Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret (a recent immigrant to San Diego) and the Black-Crowned Night Heron - all four species nest and raise young in the Park. I also like the native raptors - Turkey Vultures and various kinds of hawks. You can watch many exotic birds, such as the African Crowned Cranes and Ostriches walking around some of the enclosures.
The Wgasa Bushline Monorail This loops around the large enclosures and is the only way to see some of the animals, including the bonobos (pygmy chimps).
Mommy, I'm Melting! Be warned. The San Diego Wild Animal Park gets hot during summer. Hot. Very Hot. You'll-think-you're-melting hot. During the hot time of year (July and August, especially) try to not visit the park during the day. Go in the evening. The Park stays open till 10 PM during the summer (You need to be in the park by 8 PM).
Large Place, Long Walks The SDWAP is large, very large, and some exhibits are quite a walk from the park entrance. The Kilimanjaro Safari walk goes to some very interesting places, including the fence by the East Africa enclosure. The Southern White rhinos sometimes hang out at the downhill feeder, so you can watch them eat. A note of warning: Think twice about attempting the entire Kilimanjaro Safari Walk if you are visiting with small children or elderly people, especially during hot weather.
Neat Things If you feel like shelling out the extra money, there are other options.
Photo Caravans For a considerable sum (I believe the price was $80 per person a few years ago, I'm sure it has increased since then), you can ride on a "Photo Caravan" which actually goes into one of the large enclosures. Very, very cool stuff, you get to see the animals up close.
Roar and Snore During the summer, Roar and Snore is a fun option for children (they get to spend a night at the Animal Park in tents on Kalima Point).
Lorikeet exhibit For a couple of dollars, you can buy a little cup of "lorikeet nectar". You hold out your cup of nectar and bright, colorful birds called lorikeets will descend upon you. They are a bit messy, so be prepared.
Giraffe feeding station in Nairobi Village I've always wanted to try this but have never had a chance.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
imbrium
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Member: Deborah Flores
Location: San Diego, CA
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
I love reading, languages and zoology. So many interests, so little time.
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