The San Diego Zoo - One of the World's Finest

The San Diego Zoo is considered one of the world's finest. The mild climate and varied terrain provides a lush and beautiful environment, an ideal setting to observe a great collection of rare and exotic animals. They are presented in natural settings with many excellent vantage points.

The zoo is one of the few outside of China which has pandas. The pandas are on loan primarily for research purposes and are treated like visiting royalty. They actually live (and are studied) in a large enclosure behind their display area, and are on display only five hours a day, and only if they feel like coming into the display area!

(Left) A mother gorilla cradles her infant on her lap while she eats. Gorillas very rarely breed in captivity so this is indeed an extremely rare sight.
(Right) A mother orangutan gives its young child a hug. Seconds before the youngster came running up arms outstretched, obviously wanting a hug, and was obliged.

(Left) The flamingo enclosure is obviously a favorite spot for taking pictures.
(Right) Two hippos nuzzle in peaceful contentment in their pond. They can go about five minutes before resurfacing for air.

The Tree House restaurant overhangs a steep canyon which runs through the center of the zoo. It is an easy place to relax and enjoy the zoo's beautiful vegetation and natural landscaping.