San Diego Zoo is a 100-acre zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego, and is home to more than 3,700 wild animals belonging to over 650 species. The zoo was the first zoo to introduce the concept of cageless, open-air animal enclosures that mimic animals' native habitats. It is also one of the very few zoos in the world to successfully breed giant pandas. The best way to see this large zoo is by riding a guided tour bus or by taking a Skyfari, an overhead gondola that offers spectacular views of the zoo. The major zoo exhibits are Monkey Trails and Forest Tales, with monkeys and other animals from the rainforests of Africa and Asia; the Owens Rain Forest Aviary, with more than 200 tropical birds; and Panda Trek, with three giant pandas: Bai Yun, Gao Gao, and Xiao Liwu, who are on loan from China. Six baby pandas were born in San Diego Zoo and now live in their natural habitat in China.
San Diego Zoo, 2929 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, Phone: 619-231-0249
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Step 1: Visit the website and book directly and/or call ahead to confirm their hours.
Step 2: If you are spending the night, search for Hotel Deals nearby. Read the reviews, then call the hotel directly to book and ask for a romantic, kid-friendly or pet-friendly amenity if you need it.
Step 3: If you are flying, compare Flights. Book directly with the airline, add your frequent flier number and reserve your seat.
Step 4: Estimate your driving time using Google Maps (click the blue 'Directions' arrow in the search box).
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