Imagine a place where people can see vibrant colored birds, including flamingos and peacocks, while also visiting slithering snakes and other scaly amphibians, even getting up close and personal with Asian and African elephants. These are examples of the various activities that any guest at San Diego Zoo can experience. The students of Beckman High School reveal their stories and thoughts about the park and its animals.

One attraction that is a must (and suggested by the zookeepers themselves) is the guided bus tour around the park. Junior Anthony Fontana expressed, “It is great! You are in this bus and the park lets you see the animals in their living habitat.” Enjoy a 35-minute tour on a double-decker bus covering about 75 percent of the San Diego Zoo. The bus takes visitors to locations in the park where they can take photos of the animals. From mysterious and sleek alligators and crocodiles, to playful polar bears and sleepy koala bears, there is a variety of animals you can visit and learn about. The large park contains one of the world’s most endangered animals. “It’s really amazing that the zoo saves endangered species from the wild that are being hunted to extinction,” revealed senior Courtney McCarthy. While on the tour, the bus eventually comes to the giant panda exhibit. This is where you get to watch panda bears interact with the environment surrounding them, as well as the new-born panda named Zhen Zhen, in a quiet, non-disturbing manner. During the trip, visitors can see up to 25-30 different types of animals. It’s worth the money and the time. Tour tickets are included in the Best Value Admission price; they are not included in the General Admission price but may be purchased for $10 per adult, $7 per child ages 3–11. Members pay $8.50 per adult, and $5 per child.

Another attraction, which is not suggested for those with a fear of heights, is the Skyfari Aerial Tram. Take an airborne shortcut over the treetops to the other end of the zoo and enjoy spectacular views of the zoo, its animal and plant collection, and surrounding Balboa Park. Adult/child is $3 each way; members ride free, with an adult accompaniment necessary for children under eight years old. “People do not understand how much the park has to offer to the community. It is fun for the whole family,” said junior Kathy Dawood, whose family has enjoyed the zoo for years. Other attractions include V.I.P. Tours, which involves taking a 2 1/2-hour tour with a guide and exploring behind-the-scenes areas in a private cart or bus. The San Diego Zoo will customize the tour to meet your special interests as much as possible. Sleepovers, parent-participation programs, and summer camp are just a few more of the amazing experiences that families can enjoy while learning educational facts about the celebrated animals at the San Diego Zoo.

No matter the date, place, and time, there will always be fun activities for the members and visitors of the San Diego Zoo. So if you want to see some intimidating boa constrictors, goofball orangutans, or stripy zebras, visit the San Diego Zoo for all your animal facts and fun.