No Rest For The Weary
Written: May 08 '00 (Updated May 09 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great views of magnificent animals
Cons: Hills, hills and more hills
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| bootsers's Full Review: San Diego Zoo |
The beginning of May, what a wonderful time to visit San Diego. Clear blue skies, white wispy clouds, and the temperature in the mid-seventies with a slight afternoon breeze was my dream for my visit. What did I get? I had gray clouds blocking any view of the sun or sky, chilly mornings with only a sprinkle or two of sunshine to remind me why I chose San Diego for my mini vacation. So begins my voyage to the San Diego Zoo.
San Diego makes driving to the zoo a breeze. Signs on the freeway, signs on the streets, signs were here, signs were there, there were signs everywhere. I couldn't even tell you what street the zoo is on, because I just followed the signs and was led right into the parking lot. Parking was simple; pull in, find a spot and park. So what's the big deal you ask. If you have ever had to park at the LA Zoo, you would know.
The staff at information and ticket booths were courteous as well as helpful. We had coupons that only worked with the deluxe admission, but I am frugal so I wanted the general admission with the all day tram pass (A MUST). The wonderful ticket person let me know that it was cheaper to get the deluxe package with the tram and the coupons. Not only was it cheaper, but it also came with a round trip aerial ride ticket. OK, my day is looking up.
To get an idea of the park layout and find out exactly what where we wanted to go, we started out with the bus ride around the perimeter of the park. There are seven different places to get on and off during this tour. The driver was friendly and knowledgeable about the animals, habitats, plants and the zoo in general. I recommend the all day Kangaroo Bus pass instead of the one time trip. The one time trip doesn't make stops to board or get off. Also when you realize you want to be on top of that hill and notice that Kangaroo Bus placard right next to you, life is again good. Unfortunately, the San Diego Zoo experience cannot be fully appreciated on a bus. Several animals, such as those in the rainforest, can only be seen on foot or can be viewed better when using the trails.
In the rainforest, you have a terrific view of the hippo. There is an underwater viewing area, that makes it possible to come face to face with a submerged hippopotamus. Also in the rainforest, you will experience humidity, fog and a thin mist. The plants that accompany the trails are natural to a rainforest climate. Other animals in this section are the tigers, a ten foot python, birds and crocodiles. This section is a definite must.
Throughout the park, there are various special habitats and viewing sections. Besides the rainforest, you have Polar Bear Plunge, Gorilla Treehouse and the Pandas. The pandas were a must for my mother. On the Friday we went, the pandas were only out from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. This exhibit though was my biggest disappointment.
To begin with there was a very good size line to wait in before viewing the Pandas. The zoo makes you comfortable with TV's and signs giving information about Panda Bears. OK, so I had to wait a little while, but this was a rare experience to see. Unfortunately the experience lasted all of a half minute. When finally able to see the pandas up close you are asked to take your picture and move along quickly. This bothered me. I had waited in line and though I know you have to keep the line moving, I felt cheated. I didn't want a picture, I am sure I could have bought one. I wanted to watch the pandas in action. I was unimpressed with this exhibit and I am sure it is because of the way the zoo handles it.
At the San Diego zoo, you get to get up close and personal with the animals. Though there is separation between you and these creatures, you don't feel put off. While viewing the lions, they decided to play. I seemed so close that when one lion roared and pawed at the other I startled and jumped back. With the exception of the aviaries, there are no chain link fences to view animals through. There is either plexiglass or a ditch and short linked fence so that the viewing experience is enjoyable.
Food at the zoo proved to be better than expected. Having experienced amusement park food at Sea World the day before, I was not expecting to purchase much food here. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. The food was still pricey, but you got a lot for your money, you were able to make substitutions and the food was pretty darn good. We split a BBQ beef sandwich and nachos. That was enough for three adults. I bought my son a kids meal for lunch and was shocked. I could actually get milk for him and the meal came with raisins - McDonalds take note.
What impressed me most about the zoo was its dedication to endangered creatures. The zoo has all the staples: lions, bears, children's zoo, reptiles, etc. But it had gazelles that were endangered, a rare deer and animals that I wouldn't see at my local zoo. They also focus on developing a natural habitat for the animals. I guess it seems as though they generally care for the animals and aren't just caging them up to make money.
Sounds like the perfect family day trip right? Well, plan to spend the night sitting on your bum. The zoo is set on a hill. To see everything or even just the good things, you have to walk up and down hills. The zoo tries it's best with moving ramps up, elevators and buses. But, to get to the lions, bears, sea lions, pandas and other cats, there is no other way than walking a hill. The worst is a dead end road you have to take to get to the lions. Going down is just as hard as going up, though I am not sure my shins would agree with me.
The hills, however are worth the effort. Rare, magnificent creatures are in abundance at this zoo. You will see things here, that no other zoo in the United States has. I was enraptured with the general atmosphere and feeling of the zoo. It still has commercial gift shops and eateries, but here the main focus is definitely the animals.
Recommended:
Yes
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bootsers
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Member: Vicki
Location: So. California
Reviews written: 129
Trusted by: 232 members
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WooHoo. I'm going to the World Series. Go Angels!
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