San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Safari Park and its collection

San Diego Zoo Safari Park, opened in 1972, is a safari park in Escondido, United States.

Over 3,000 animals of more than 400 species are kept. The park is the site of what is billed as the largest veterinary hospital anywhere, and it serves as Southern California's quarantine point for zoo animals entering through San Diego.

History

The zoological society began looking for a larger site in 1964, conceiving it as additional breeding space for the San Diego Zoo with room for herding ungulates. It opened in 1972 as a sister site to the zoo in Balboa Park, weighted towards animals of arid country.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include elephant, platypus, giraffe and tiger.

Exhibits

The open-range enclosures are the largest, running to over 300 acres. A climate-controlled indoor exhibit of tropical African birds and insects opened in 1993. Lion Camp, a one-acre space for six African lions, opened in October 2004.

Things to do

Things to do include Wildlife Safari, Behind-the-Scenes Safari, Roar & Snore Safaris and Flightline Safari.

Conservation and approach

The Institute for Conservation Research next door holds the Frozen Zoo. The park played a large part in bringing back the California condor.

What the venue says

• Wildlife Safari
• in Escondido offers a wide variety of food and drink options, ranging from quick-service snack bars and casual family-friendly eateries to sit-down dining with incredible views of the animal habitats.
• General parking (automobiles and motorcycles): $20 per vehicle per day. Oversized Vehicle parking: $55. Preferred parking: starting at $45.
• The Safari Park provides special parking, restrooms, and access to shows, tour buses, and exhibits for guests with disabilities.
• A complimentary ADA shuttle service operates inside the Safari Park for guests with mobility-related disabilities.