Explore the versatile gathering of animals at the San Diego Zoo. (Open daily: mid June-early Sept 7:00am-10:00pm I early Sept-mid June 9:00am-dusk I last entry an hour before closing) Most of the displays have been designed to recreate natural habitats, in order to help the animals feel at home. Journey through the exhibits, and develop a sense of what nature's creatures are like in the wild. Discover unique and intriguing animals from all over the world as you venture through the Gorilla Tropics, Giant Panda Research Station, Tiger River, Reptile Mesa, Polar Bear Plunge, Ituri Forest, Wild Animal Park, and the new and fascinating Monkey Trails & Forest Tales. Click here for hotels located Near the San Diego Zoo or Near the Wild Animal Park
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Monkey Trails & Forest Tales The San Diego Zoo's newest habitat simulates natural surroundings for the eclectic wildlife of Africa and Asia. The exhibit harbors over 30 species of rare and remarkable animals including: golden-bellied mangabeys, clouded leopards, sociable weavers, mandrills and bearded pigs. Near the entrance you'll come across the vibrantly-colored mandrills, and perhaps a clouded leopard emerging from the brush. Venture down the Asian forest path where you'll encounter Bornean bearded pigs. Discover the African aviary and watch the yellow-rumped tinkerbirds zip and flutter around.
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Ituri Forest
Constructed and brilliantly mimicked after the Ituri Forest in the Congo, this playful exhibit is sure to keep you entertained. Watch as the guenons and swamp monkeys swing among the branches or engage in playful antics with the otters below. Equally intriguing is their grooming ritual. See them pick bugs and potentially dangerous parasites off one another and then chomp the critters down like delectable snacks. Further along the path, see the massive hippos through an underwater tank as they swim.
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Wild Animal Park
Experience the open wildlife sanctuary, just 40 minutes north of downtown. Watch lions trounce through the pride lands, cheetahs speed across the plain, and elephants roam throughout the land. Gander at the endangered California condor flying majestically above Condor Ridge, as the bighorn sheep wander below. Observe the intricate birds, plants, and insects of the rain forest in The Hidden Jungle. See lions up close at the Lion Camp.
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