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Wild Animal Park

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IWW639
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4 out of 5
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11-15 of 15

San Diego Wild Animal Park

  • February 8, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Dog Mother from LeRoy, New York
San Diego Wild Animal Park

The park was farther out of the city than we expected. Fortunately, we rented a car - I do not know if there are ways to reach the park without one.

The park is located out in the country on thousands of acres of land, away from the ocean, inland, where the land is arid and somewhat hilly. Although there ARE animals in aviaries and small zoo-like enclosures, the large animals (from small deer-like animals to rhinos and giraffes) live on tracks of land many, many acres in area where they have LOTS of room to run, roam, and (hopefully) feel free. Please be sure to take your binoculars with you so you can see all the animals up close.

From journal The Great Winter Escape from Western New York: San Diego

Editor Pick

San Diego Wild Animal Park

San Diego Wild Animal Park

This is by far the best animal park I've ever visited, and I've visited many. The Wild Animal Park consists of approximately 800 acres of the 1800 owned by the San Diego Zoo in Escondido. Much of the park can be reached only by monorail, the Wgasa Bush Line Railway, so be sure to allot an hour to glide through East Africa, North Africa, and Eurasia where you can watch an enormous variety of animals behaving as they would in the wild. Narration is provided by the enthusiastic, knowledgeable drivers. Since the park is a breeding facility, there are countless babies to be seen in the spring and early summer months, guarded by their animal mothers who seem unaware that they need not fear preditors--except the stealthy veterinarian. There are also more traditional zoo-like exhibits in the walkable sections of the beautifully landscaped park. Splurge a little on nectar for the lorikeets and biscuits for the giraffes since feeding them is an experience to remember. Human food is decent and reasonably priced.

Note: Become a member of the San Diego Zoologial Society if you plan to visit both the Zoo and the Wild Animal Park. A year-long membership is $84 for a couple.

From journal Critters & Deserts - A Week in the San Diego Area

San Diego Wild Animal Park

  • July 18, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by janneke from , Texas
This was an incredible experience. Take the safari as soon as you enter the park. The line was an hour (short). We got to see newborn animals and the animals were out and about unlike the day before at the SanDiego Zoo. Make sure you sit on the right side of the tram. I read this ahead of time and was thrilled, otherwise you miss so much. After the Safari we had lunch at the outdoor cafe. Great kids meals and a yummy veggie burger. Another hint is to pay the few extra dollars for VIP parking. It is worth every cent. Wear comfy shoes and take your time.

From journal San Diego with Kids

Editor Pick

San Diego Wild Animal Park

  • October 24, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by gaylansue from stevensville, Maryland
This park is a good drive from downtown, however, it is worth every mile. It is by far better than the San Diego Zoo. The animals are in the wild, and the tram ride takes you to every part of the park. Probably the best thing we did in San Diego. Don't miss the opportunity to see this. It is worth renting a car for the day just to see it.

From journal California here we come

San Diego Wild Animal Park

  • July 26, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by IWW639 from New Orleans, Louisiana
The Wild Animal Park is a bit different from the Zoo, in a couple of respects. First of all, while the zoo was enormous, the Wild Animal Park is HUGE. Secondly, the Wild Animal Park is a preserve. This means that the animals spend their days roaming in large enclosures, living much like they might in Africa or Asia, in herds. Elephants, zebras, and giraffes wander about a shared enclosure, with little to fear from the tram rolling by in the background.

From journal Sunny, Beautiful San Diego

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11-15 of 15

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