Frommer's Review
Thirty-four miles north of San Diego, outside of Escondido, this "zoo of the future" will transport you to the African plains and other faraway landscapes. Originally a breeding facility for the San Diego Zoo, the 1,800-acre Wild Animal Park now holds 3,500 animals representing some 430 different species. What makes the park unique is that many of the animals roam freely in vast enclosures, allowing giraffes to interact with antelopes, much as they would in Africa. You'll find the largest crash of rhinos at any zoological facility in the world, an exhibit for the endangered California condor, and a mature landscape of exotic vegetation from many corners of the globe. Although the San Diego Zoo may be "world famous," it's the Wild Animal Park that many visitors celebrate as their favorite.
The central focus is the 5-mile Wgasa Bush Line Railway, a 60-minute monorail ride included in the price of admission. Trains leave every 10 minutes or so from the station, and lines build up by late morning, so make this your first or last attraction of the day. (The animals are more active then anyway.) The monorail passes through areas designated as East Africa, South Africa, Asian Plains, and the Eurasian Waterhole, through swaying grasses and along rocky outcrops.
Other exhibits bring you closer to the animals, like the three self-guided walking tours, which visit various habitats, including the most recent, Lion Camp. Nairobi Village is the commercial hub of the park, but even here, animal exhibits are interesting, including the nursery area, where irresistible young'uns can be seen frolicking, bottle-feeding, and sleeping; a petting station; the lowland gorillas; and the African Aviary. There are amphitheaters for a bird show and another featuring elephants, scheduled two or three times daily. Nairobi Village has souvenir stores and several spots for mediocre dining. Visitors should be prepared for sunny, often downright hot weather; it's not unusual for temperatures to be 5° to 10° warmer here than in San Diego.
If you want to get up-close-and-personal with the animals, take one of the park's Photo Caravans, which shuttle groups in flatbed trucks out into the open areas that are inaccessible to the general public. There are a variety of itineraries (some are seasonal and have varying age requirements), and each is a minimum of 2 hours long. Prices start at $90, and you'll want to make reservations ahead of your visit (tel. 619/718-3000). Another unique perspective is provided by the Balloon Safari -- a tethered helium balloon takes you 400 feet above the park, providing amazing views of the grounds and the surrounding San Pasqual Valley. Rides are about 15 minutes and cost $15. The Cheetah Run Safari allows a limited number of guests (reservations required; tel. 619/718-3000) to watch the world's fastest land mammal in action, sprinting after a mechanical lure. Cost is $69 per person, excluding park admission.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
