Hey, San Diego, Take a Walk on the Wild Side

As most of you know, one of the most famous zoos in the world is just down the street from Mission Beach.  The San Diego Zoo covers just about 100 acres and next year will celebrate it’s 100^th anniversary.  What makes the San Diego Zoo different from other zoos isn’t that it is home to over 3,700 rare and endangered animals or its renowned botanical collection, but that it is one of the largest zoo-based research centers in the world.  This isn’t your typical animal housing facility.  The San Diego Zoo is part of the larger San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research which is dedicated to preserving and protecting endangered wildlife and habitats.  Whether you’re a first time visitor or local who knows it by heart, you won’t want to miss what they have planned for the next few weeks.

The San Diego Zoo’s Play Days (March 28^th to April 15^th) are a must for any animal lover.  The Play Days offer a chance to learn from animal experts and see some exotic creatures up close, and the Zoo is extending it’s hours (9 am to 7 pm) to make sure everyone has plenty of time to enjoy all the fun.  Below we’ve listed some of the highlights we are looking forward to . . .

Ever wonder about the Tasmanian devil, or what it takes to care for a polar bear?  From 9 am from 2:30 pm, animal keepers and experts will chat about the animals they care for and share fun and fascinating facts.  Why is it some animals have spots anyway?  Well now you can find out when you learn about more common spotted creatures like cheetahs, or some of the more unusual animals like the spotted hyena and spotted otter.  And, in case you aren’t familiar with the serval (an adorable medium-sized African cat), they’re included in the presentations as well.  

 The Koalafornia Boardwalk will be the center of the live entertainment during the Play Days.  Costumed creatures, like Harry Lion, Churchill the Polar Bear, and Monty Meerkat will be making appearances at 1, 2 and 3 pm for photos and to greet the smaller zoo fans.  Enjoy live music from 12:30 to 2:30, and don’t miss the informative and hilarious Dr. Zoolittle, who will be performing (and teaching) at three different shows during the day.           

With Easter around the corner, head over to Skyfari East (11:00 am to 4:00 pm), for a photo op with Peter or Paula Cottontail.  The giant bunny will be waiting in a basket-shaped photo booth for a commemorative photo.  The Cottontails are there now for pictures and will stick around until April 5^th. 

For those wanting a more interactive experience, there will be special feeding times to give guests a chance to catch a glimpse of the elusive jaguar and the playful bonobo (formerly called the pygmy chimpanzee).  Want a more educational experience?  Starting at 3:30 pm over at the Price Center, wildlife researchers will give an inside look at their jobs and what the zoo is accomplishing to further protect mother nature.

As you can see this isn’t your average zoo; the San Diego Zoo truly offers something for everyone.  Located in gorgeous Balboa Park just a few miles from the beach, the Zoo is like entering a colorful, enchanted world.  With Mission Bay as your home base, consider stopping by the Zoo a few times to really soak in the magic and love for the animals.