Home to over four thousand animals, the San Diego Zoo is
located in Balboa Park in San
Diego, California.
This large zoo sits on one hundred acres of land and contains more than eight
hundred different species. But this zoo specializes in more than just unique
animals, it also comprises of a multitude of plant species.
There are many different modes of transportation to get around
the park. This zoo offers Skyfari – an overhead gondola lift, guided tour
buses, and of course, the journey via foot. There are many different
specialized exhibits that feature monkeys, pandas, polar bears, and big cats.
Panda Research
Station
The Panda station was one of the best exhibits to be at.
There is a long line to get into the exhibit, but it is well worth the wait.
The San Diego Zoo is one of only four zoos in the United States that display
giant pandas. Although you have to be really quiet as to not disturb these
gentle creatures, they are very cute to watch. There is also a keeper who
lightly talks about each panda and their history with the zoo. There is also a Giant Panda
Discovery Center,
which is located nearby the research station and has interactive exhibits.
Cat Canyon
 Since I love big cats, there is no mystery as to why this exhibit
was my favorite. At times it is hard to take pictures of these elegant and
beautiful creatures as they tend to lie in caves, far away from the onlookers. Cat Canyon
is home to many species of the big cat, such as: snow leopard, leopard, and
jaguar. Oh, and those black cats you call panthers, they are not a separate
species. "Panther" is a general term that is often used to describe pumas,
jaguars, and leopards. These cats appear black, but it is just that they have a
black-on-black coloration. Both their fur and their rosettes are black.
Polar Plunge
This polar bear exhibit is a frequently visited display that
has both an underwater observatory and above water display. Every couple of
minutes the polar bears are brought in and out of the exhibit. This gives the
zoo keepers an opportunity to hide "treats". When the bears come out, they are
lured to the "treats". Once in a while, snow is added to the polar bears
exhibit for special occasions.
The San Diego Zoo was a fascinating place to learn about
many different species of animals. On the zoo's website, animal cams are available for a
select few animals.
Resources:
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego_Zoo
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/livecams/
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