The San Diego Zoo, nestled in Balboa Park, California, spans over 100 acres and is home to over 12,000 animals from 650 species of animals and birds. Known for its lush landscapes and cageless exhibits, it’s one of the largest and most renowned zo...
Also Known As
SD Zoo
Founded On
1916
Founded By
Dr. Harry Wegeforth
RECOMMENDED DURATION
5 hours
VISITORS PER YEAR
4000000
TICKETS
From $ 74
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Did you know?
Koala colony: The San Diego Zoo has the largest colony of koalas and the most successful koala breeding program outside of Australia.
First cageless zoo: The zoo pioneered the concept of cageless, open-air exhibits to simulate natural environments for its animals.
Frozen zoo: The San Diego Zoo Global’s Frozen Zoo stores genetic materials of over 1,000 species, helping preserve biodiversity.
Daily sessions where wildlife care specialists present a variety of animals, such as polar bears, red pandas, elephants, and vervet monkeys. Presentations like "Wildlife Wonders" held at 2pm at Wegeforth Bowl showcase animals from regions like the Amazon and Africa.
A dedicated area where you can meet the resident pandas, Xin Bao and Yun Chuan in a habitat designed to resemble their native landscapes in China’s Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces.
A 1948-era train that takes visitors on a ride through scenic acres of Balboa Park. The zoo is divided into four main areas: The Lost Forest, Northern Frontier, Asian Passage, and Africa Rocks.
Get a bird’s-eye view of the zoo and Balboa Park with this gondola-style aerial tram. It’s a convenient and scenic way to travel between different sections of the zoo, offering great photo opportunities from above.
This narrated 35-minute tour gives an overview of the zoo’s key exhibits. Perfect for first-time visitors, it’s an easy way to explore without extensive walking.
The polar bear exhibit features a tundra-like environment with above and underwater viewing areas, allowing visitors to see these magnificent animals swim, play, and rest.
Designed for interactive learning, this area replicates various habitats like deserts and rainforests. Children can explore, climb, and engage with animals such as fennec foxes.
Walk through the zoo’s extensive botanical collection, featuring over 700,000 plants. The zoo’s lush landscapes offer more than just animals, with themed gardens highlighting various ecosystems.
A unique experience combining 3D films with sensory effects like wind and scents. Currently showing "Voyage to the Moon," an animated film where pandas accidentally embark on a thrilling journey into space.
San Diego Zoo's conservation programs have been crucial in preventing the extinction of several key species like California condors and Pacific Pocket Mouse. For example, the California condor, once reduced to just 27 birds in the 1980s, has been successfully reintroduced into the wild thanks to the zoo's breeding program. Similarly, the northern white rhinoceros, functionally extinct in the wild, is part of an innovative project called ‘Frozen Zoo’ that uses preserved genetic material to potentially bring the species back.
In addition to genetic conservation, programs like Population Sustainability where tools like GPS tracking and camera traps study animals such as jaguars, koalas, and burrowing owls. These tools allow researchers to monitor health, movement patterns, and habitat use, helping reintroduce species into the wild. By visiting the San Diego Zoo, you’re supporting these vital initiatives that aim to protect wildlife for future generations.
Yes, the San Diego Zoo is considered the largest zoo in California. With 100 acres within Balboa Park and houses over 12,000 animals from around 650 species. It takes several hours to explore fully, making it an all-day destination.
The San Diego Zoo is known for many iconic exhibits, but Africa Rocks and Elephant Odyssey stand out for their immersive habitats and diverse species.
You can support the zoo by visiting, becoming a member, or donating to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Every contribution helps fund critical research, wildlife conservation programs, and educational initiatives.
Yes, the zoo is fully accessible, with wheelchair rentals, accessible paths, and special services for guests with disabilities. The layout is designed to ensure everyone can enjoy the exhibits comfortably.
Absolutely! The zoo offers a variety of educational programs, including animal encounters, summer camps, and conservation talks, designed to engage visitors of all ages in wildlife learning.
Yes, the San Diego Zoo app provides interactive maps, information on exhibits, and daily schedules to enhance your visit.