San Diego's Wild Animal Park

After seeing San Diego zoo we decided to go to Wild Animal Park the next day. We thoroughly enjoyed this park and would go back again and again.

One thing I want to say is do not rush through this park. Take your time to really enjoy all the park has to offer. The animals live in areas similar to their natural habitats.

The park is located in the desert so it can be HOT. It also is very hilly in areas so drink plenty of water. Throughout the park there are misting stations and benches to rest so that really helps. I also like the fact that if you buy water at the park you get free refills so make sure to buy some water when you first arrive. It is very much worth it.

The staff is very friendly and very knowledgeable in all the animals. I can not speak highly enough of the staff. This place has some really great people working there and they seem to really enjoy their job and care about the animals.

I like how the animals have huge areas that they live in and roam. Many different types of animals live together, just like in the wild. Sometimes when walking through the park, it can feel totally alone. My family was walking on this path and no one else was on it. We stopped at a bench that overlooked a large plains area where there were zebras, gazelles and giraffes. We spent quite a bit of time just watching the animals without any other human around. It felt like we were in Africa!

By far my favorite part was the Photo Caravan Safari. It takes you right into the heart of the exhibits. Our guide was very informative and friendly. We did the deluxe package, which is expensive at $150 per person, and there is no child's price and one must be at least 8 years old to go on the safari. Even with spending $450 for a family of 3 it was worth every penny. We were not sure it we should do it but I am so glad we did. It was an adventure of a lifetime. This is a three and a half hours experience. We got up close and personal at both the Africa and Asia exhibits. We got some great photos of animals very close. Never once did I feel our guide was rushed. She let us take as many pictures as we wanted and never rushed us. By far my favorite part was getting the opportunity to feed the giraffes and rhinos! I have never been that close to a rhino before, it was truly amazing.

We thoroughly enjoy Wild Animal Park. It is not your average zoo with little cute shows, etc. This is truly a wonderful place to learn a bit more about the animals and see them in their "natural" habitats, well as natural as you can get without truly being in the wild.

I highly recommend checking this place out.