Stunningly Beautiful San Diego Zoo and Safari Park at Escondido, California which covers a total area of 1800 acres as a wildlife refuge with open-range environments, has more than 3000 animals, safari walking tours, and interactive experiences. Ideal families, nature lovers, adventure finds.
This is the description of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (in California) geography, history, exhibits, practical information, conservation, etc. In case you would like details (ticket price, map, best time, etc.), I can pull those up too.
Basic Info
- Name: San Diego Zoo Safari Park (which used to be called San Diego Wild Animal Park)
- Street address: This is 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027-7017.
- Size: Approximately 1800 acres (= 7 km 2) of wildlife park and botanical gardens.
- Animals & Plants: More than 3,100 animals of 340 + species; and also in excess of 1.3 million plants of 3,700 + species.
- Operator / Organization: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (nonprofit to run the Zoo and the Safari Park).
History & Purpose
- It was established as an extension of the San Diego Zoo capacity, particularly with large, wide-ranging species which require more space than is available in the city-zoo.
- Open-range and more naturalistic habitats were kept in mind and designed instead of traditional small enclosures.
- In the year 2010, the Central Park was renamed to San Diego Zoo Safari Park (formerly San Diego Wild Animal Park).
Exhibits & Attractions
The Park consists of different combination of lands / habitats, most of which comprise mixed species (particularly the hoofed mammals) in the large and open savannas or themed areas. Some of the highlights:
- Asian Savanna/ African Plains: Large field / grassland enclosures having numerous species of grazing / antelope /ungulates, rhinos, giraffes and other typical savanna wildlife.
- The Walkabout Australia: complex has Australian fauna; the Nelson M. Millsberg Platypus Habitat contains two platypuses (exclusively in Australia at present) in an open-air environment.
- Tiger trail: To large cats (Sumatran tigers) in more forest areas/jungles.
- Botanical Gardens: The Safari Park is also a botanical garden as it is very large with colossal varieties of plants.
Safari & Experience Options
There are a few premium and guided experiences in addition to walking trails and viewing exhibits:
- Wild life Safari: Approx 90 minutes safari in the savanna habitats in open covered safari truck.
- Behind-the-Scene Safari: It will give you a closer experience with a guide to familiarize yourself with the animal care, special places.
- Cart Safari: Tour on a comfortable cart, which is not harmful to children of any age.
- Flightline Safari: 8+/aerial/semi-aerial safari adventure.
- Roar and Snore Safaris: The themed Overnight stays are based on the age group.
Examples of Visiting Information.
- Hours: 9: 00am to 5: 00pm most part of the year.
- Open year-round.
- Accessibility:
o ADA taxi within the park.
o There is a rental store of wheelchairs and ECV (electric convenience vehicles).
- Accessibility: Downtown San Diego to get there (downtown) of the city is about 30-35 miles. Driving time will need between 45 minutes to an hour with traffic.
- Facilities: Restaurants, souvenirs, toilets. Outdoor lockers. Storage (luggage and car seats) (same-day use).
Conservation & Research
- The Park has a lot of activities in conservation of wildlife, breeding of endangered species, restoration and replenishment of habitats, etc.
- A new, immersive elephant habitat (the Denny Sanford Elephant Valley) is currently in progress (or approaching completion) to be more realistic to natural African savanna conditions; it will be opened early next year.
- The botanical preservation is considerable too (plant diversity, rare plants propagation).
Emerging / Future developments.
- Elephant Valley as above exhibit.
- Park adjusting and enhancing habitats and visitor facilities and conservation programs.
Conclusion
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, California is much more a zoo than a conservation center and an adventure of a lifetime meeting the wildlife. It covers 1,800 acres of open-range habitats where animals are able to move freely in the settings that are reminiscent of settings they would be found in nature. With the African Plains to the Walkabout Australia wall, and the Sumatran tigers to the sole platypuses in the world, the park harbours some of the most fascinating species in the world.
There is a wide range of special experiences on offer to the visitor, be it a safari truck tour of the savanna, aerial safari on the Flightline Safari, or even a camping experience with the Roar and Snore Safari. The Safari Park is also important in the conservation, breeding and the preservation of flora world-wide hence every visit is very entertaining as well as educational.
The Safari Park offers an unparalleled experience of wildlife encounters, conservation influence, and world-class experience to the families, animal lovers, and adventure seeker making it one of the best places in California to visit.
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