Smell of the Flamingoes as you walk in - there aren't many downfalls !
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
This zoo i have visited many many times so far. Although i know my way around pretty well, it is not the most easy to navigate for a newcomer! The plus is that they recognise this and hand out maps as you pay for entry. This makes the task 10 times easier and also means you can plan a route to see every animal you want.
There are a number of deal you can make depending on how much you are willing to spend/want to see. For a first time visitor the BEST VALUE ADMISSION would be quite appropriate as it includes unlimited use of Guided Bus Tour, Express Bus, and Skyfari Aerial Tram. All of which i recommend if you do not want to end up with seriously sore feet by the end of the day as there is A LOT of walking involved, uphill and downhill included! However the moving escalator do help this factor, so if you are feeling energetic it makes a lovely place to walk around.
The Skyfari takes you over the top of the zoo, you can see far and wide over the area of Sandiego and below to Balboa Park, definitely something to do.
The animals not too be missed are: 1)The Polar Bears as they are often quite amusing to watch! If it is a hot day though i will warn you that the animals tend to be less animated.
2) The Pandas, something the San Diego Zoo can be proud to have, they have top research facilities there and a new cub was born this summer. The line to see the pandas can be long, so if you see its short, go then!
3) i recommend taking a look at the massive yellow snake in the reptile house, it has been there forever and does not seem to be going anywhere, so definitely worth a visit!
4) The petting zoo, if you have young kids then this is a place to go. There are goats, sheep, llama and an aray of other types of animals.
5) The Orangutans are one of my favourites along with the pandas and polar bears, they are funny and can entertain you for ages! As can the chimpanzees, and gorillas.
6) The Bears, Grizzles especially are interesting to see, you get to get quite close to the enclosures which is what really makes it, as the bears are quite big!
There are numerous gift stores around, often themed to certain animals, depending on the area. Perfect for gifts if you have or know a kid with a favourite animal!
The only one thing that gets me is the prices of drinks and food, so what i'd say is carry a bagpack and bring your own water/juice etc, if you like to save like me. We often eat a big breakfast before we go too, at a good breakfast restaurant like Denny's (they are around everywhere so try it if you like - something else i recommend!)
You can also visit the WIld Animal Zoo, which is further out from downtown San Diego, but offers a whole new host of animals to see!
Enjoy your trip.
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