Be Amazed by the Earth’s Creatures: San Diego Zoo and Aquariums

Zoos in San Diego include the world famous San Diego Zoo where animals thrive in tropical jungles, African forests, and reproduced natural habitats serving as home to thousands of exotic animals, some of which have been rescued from the brink of extinction. A big surprise included in the zoos in San Diego is an aquarium disguised as a popular theme park tourist attraction.

San Diego Zoo

Enough can’t be said about the magnificence of the 100 acre San Diego Zoo. Located in Balboa Park in San Diego, California, the San Diego Zoo is home to over 800 species and 4,000 animals including the giant Panda. The zoo in San Diego is passionate about preserving and conserving species. At the zoo in San Diego endangered species are bred in captivity only to be released in their natural habitat. There are eight animal zones for viewing animals in their natural environment at the San Diego Zoo. One of the most popular animal zones is the Polar Rim where visitors can see the Polar Bear exhibit, the Reindeer exhibit, and the Arctic Aviary exhibit. Nearby is Panda Canyon which is home to the world famous San Diego Zoo’s Giant Pandas. The Lost Forest animal zone is a tropical habitat for many endangered species and includes monkeys, apes, hippos, and a large assortment of birds. Children are exposed to nature and wildlife in a personal way in the Discovery Outpost in the children’s zoo, crocodile and turtle exhibit, reptile house, insect house, and the Sea Lion Show. Step into the enchanted Hummingbird House to watch hummingbirds enjoying life in an exotic indoor tropical jungle setting complete with waterfalls.

SeaWorld

The most visited San Diego aquarium is located inside SeaWorld. Visitors can walk through the world’s largest underwater tunnels to be amazed by sharks in their habitat as they swim overhead. Come face to face with Shamu and other killer whales as they swim up to the glass wall of their million-gallon pool. The most unique and beautiful aquariums in SeaWorld are the Cirque de la Mer and the California Tide Pool. Visitors are astonished by the unusual and colorful marine life on display in the Cirque de la Mer aquarium. The California Tide Pool gives visitors an exceptional opportunity to actually reach in and touch the mysterious sea creatures that dwell in a tide pool, like star fish and sea urchins.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Another popular San Diego aquarium is the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography where giant aquariums bring the mystery of ocean life close enough to touch with over 60 habitats filled with Pacific marine life.