Day 5 (10/24/2004) Stop 16
The San Diego Zoo

With over 100 acres housing 4000 animals representing 800 species, the San Diego Zoo has been known for years as a zoo leader. On this day we experienced the world famous San Diego Zoo's largest and most elaborate animal habitat - Monkey Trails and Forest Tales. We explored 3-acres of Asian and African forests flourishing with some of nature's most imperiled wildlife, including clouded leopards, pygmy hippopotamus, and other species of rare and endangered monkeys. Upon arrival, we took a sky bucket tour which took us for an overhead look of the Zoo’s canopy. Once on the other side we worked our way slowly forward through the zoo. Once we got tired of walking, we hitched a ride around the park on motorized guided tour. The total visit took about 4 hours and was worth the visit, although I guess I had much higher hopes for the world’s largest zoo. I expected more animals and many animals were hiding from on lookers. I did not however know about the San Diego Zoo Wild Kingdom park which would have also been fun, I will have to catch that on my next trip to San Diego. ONE NOTE: The central part of the zoo was under renovation, which is adding more exciting exhibits! Still a Must See!!!

Paul J. Lossner