by Julie Diaz

Created on: April 28, 2009   Last Updated: January 20, 2010

The San Diego Zoo is known throughout the world as a leader in conservation, education, and animal care. But the people who visit the San Diego Zoo know that it is much more than that. They know that a trip to the San Diego Zoo is an experience that they will not soon forget.

Founded in 1916 by Dr. Harry Wegeforth, the San Diego Zoo now maintains 100 acres of animal exhibits and botanical specimen. In addition to being an accredited member of the Association of Aquariums and Zoos for its animal exhibits, the Zoo is also a member of the American Association of Museums for its over 19,000 specimen botanical collection.

Upon entering the zoo, the visitor must decide which path to follow. Go straight past Flamingo Lagoon and head to Absolutely Apes where orangutans and siamangs share a naturalistic environment of trees, ropes, and other apparatus for swinging and climbing. Farther along the path is Gorilla Tropics, a realistic rain forest landscape complete with waterfalls and climbing areas.

Another path near Flamingo Lagoon will take the visitor through Monkey Trails, home to over 30 species of African and Asian mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Here one can see some of the most endangered monkeys in the world or the elusive spotted leopard. Tiger River is next on the path with its cooling shade in which to look for the stars of the exhibit.

Maybe a ride on the Skyfari aerial tram is the way to begin the adventure. High up above the zoo one can get an idea of how big and beautiful this city oasis is. Upon exiting the Skyfari tram, turn right to see the playful grace of the polar bears at Polar Bear Plunge. Observe the budding romance of Kalluk and Chinook, while Kalluk's sister, Tatqiq will stay quietly out of the way.

Afterwards, head down Panda Canyon to see the world famous panda, Zhen Zhen. She has been recently weaned and has become more playful and independent. Continue down the hill to Bear Canyon to get a glimpse of the Grizzly bear brothers, Scout and Montana. This duo, rescued as cubs in the wild, has been at the zoo since October 2007. This path will culminate at the koala exhibit. Spend some time watching these enigmatic creatures as they sit and sleep in the eucalyptus trees. Look closely, a koala might even move!

The most exciting and anticipated exhibit is Elephant Odyssey, scheduled to open May 23, 2009. This exhibit will include more than 34 different species of animals, ranging from birds to insects to, of course, elephants. This unique exhibit will tell the story of life in prehistoric Southern California and relate it to modern-day animals. The stars of this exhibit will be one male and six female elephants. Visitors will get a behind the scenes look in the open-air care center where keepers interact with the elephants.

Whatever one chooses to see at the San Diego Zoo, there is always more to see. If it seems overwhelming, just take the bus tour to see the highlights of the zoo. Or better yet, come back again and again until you have seen it all.

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