The Perpetual Tourist

The San Diego Zoo is a prestigious operation in Southern California, and rightfully so. It’s one of the best-run zoos in the world, and its best feature is the Wild Animal Park, an 1800-acre animal sanctuary, home to more than 3000 animals of more than 400 species, and over 3000 unique plant species as well.

The Wild Animal Park is not just a zoo, but a wildlife experience. The animals are housed in free-range enclosures rather than cages, made to closely resemble their natural habitats. Touring this park is like being on an actual safari, only safer and in more comfortable clothes.

Speaking of safaris, the most popular attraction at the park is its Journey Into Africa tour. You’ll get up-close glimpses of Africa’s diverse animal population, including giraffes, zebras, rhinos, antelope, and more, while learning about how the zoo is successfully breeding endangered species and its conservation efforts around the world.

You’ve probably heard about how a cheetah can run up to 70 miles per hour — but did you ever think you’d see it? The park’s Cheetah Run Safari is a live demonstration, as a mechanical rabbit lure sets the cheetahs in motion, exercising the cats while giving you a front row seat at the races. Unlike other zoos, you’ll have the chance to see animals as they are in nature, with the benefit of an experienced guide teaching you all about what you’re seeing.

This is another great vacation for whole families, as the information is fascinating to people of all ages, and the zoo has plenty of interactive exhibits and programs to keep little ones entertained. Trainers involved with the Animal Encounters program set up all around the zoo with animals outside their enclosures for Q&A sessions and a chance for guests to really get up close with the wildlife.

I always leave places like this wishing I’d gone into a career in zoology.

For ticket information, check here. Also note that the park offers birthday party packages and VIP tours for groups.