San Diego Zoo: A Guide to the World’s Best Zoo

San Diego Zoo is one of the most visited zoos in the United States, home to around 4,000 rare animals across 600 different species. Known not just for its size, the zoo is also celebrated for its successful endangered species breeding programs, attracting nearly 4 million visitors each year.

Why Visit the San Diego Zoo?

The San Diego Zoo spans over 100 acres in Balboa Park and holds one of the largest collections of endangered animals, birds, and reptiles. A unique feature of the zoo is its lush landscaping; with over 6,500 species of exotic plants, the zoo provides natural habitats and food for the animals.

Among the zoo’s main attractions are displays of endangered North American species like the California condor and black-footed ferret, an African safari area with giraffes and rhinos, and a monorail tour through various African habitats. Here, you can also see rare species like the Arabian oryx, addax, and Przewalski’s horse.

The San Diego Zoo’s History

The San Diego Zoo began with a unique vision. On September 16, 1916, local doctor Harry Wegeforth heard a lion’s roar as he drove past Balboa Park, joking with his brother, “Wouldn’t it be great if San Diego had a zoo?” Driven by this idea, Harry formed the San Diego Zoological Society. After the Panama-California Exposition, the city had surplus animals, which officials gladly handed over to Wegeforth to reduce costs. These animals included wolves, coyotes, bears, monkeys, lions, and more.

In 1917, Wegeforth started fundraising for the zoo with philanthropist Ellen Scripps, who donated $9,000 to build enclosures. In 1923, the zoo began charging 10 cents for admission, and Scripps later funded the construction of an aviary for coastal birds.

The zoo attracted global attention in 1925 when Australia donated koalas, the first of their kind in the U.S. Today, the San Diego Zoo is home to the largest colony of koalas outside Australia.

Key Zones and Activities at the Zoo

• African Savannah
  Home to elephants, giraffes, lions, and other African wildlife. This area recreates animals' native habitats, giving visitors a natural viewing experience.
• Polar Zone
  See polar bears and walruses in this special exhibit that mimics Arctic conditions for the animals’ comfort.
• Tropical Rainforest
  Encounter exotic birds, monkeys, and lemurs in this lush area filled with greenery and waterfalls, creating a jungle-like experience.
• Children’s Zone
  Interactive exhibits and activities for young visitors, allowing them to learn about animals up close, with opportunities to feed and touch them.

Visitor Tips for the San Diego Zoo

1. 01.Book Tickets in Advance
   San Diego is a popular tourist city, and zoo tickets often sell out quickly.
2. 02.Use the Zoo Map
   Planning your route can help you see all the zones without missing any highlights.
3. 03.Wear Comfortable Clothing and Shoes
   The zoo covers a large area, so be prepared to walk a lot.
4. 04.Take a Guided Tour
   For more in-depth insights into the animals and their habitats, a guided tour can enrich your visit.

Tours at the Zoo

• Guided Bus Tour
  Enjoy a 35-minute informative tour on a double-decker bus, included with all admission tickets. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for group tours of 20 or more.
• Botanical Tour
  Explore the zoo’s gardens and plant collections at your own pace with a Botanical Tour brochure, offering routes and information on endangered plants.
• Skyfari Aerial Tram
  Take a scenic ride over the treetops to enjoy breathtaking views of the zoo, its animals, and lush surroundings.

Fun Facts about the San Diego Zoo

1. 01. The zoo actively participates in global conservation programs for endangered species like pandas, Sumatran tigers, and polar bears.
2. 02. It’s one of the few zoos in the world with giant pandas.
3. 03. With unique naturalistic enclosures, the San Diego Zoo is celebrated for providing one of the most comfortable living environments for zoo animals worldwide.

Experience the magic of nature with a tour to the San Diego Zoo organized by American Butler.