Photos: San Diego Zoo Safari Park (June 20, 2020)

As I mentioned in a previous post, my sister invited us to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on Friday, but we couldn't get it together in time. I've long avoided both the Safari Park and Zoo on weekends, but then I thought harder about maintaining that stance. First of all, Saturday was the official reopening to the public, but the announcement had come relatively quickly, so I figured that there would still be fewer tourists than normal. I also figured most members go early in the day and since there's currently no re-entry allowed for day passes or memberships, we took our chances on a late afternoon trip. 

We arrived around 5pm and stayed until the 8pm closing. We always like to map out a plan for the park. This time, we went up to the Australian Outback first, up to the condors and mountain goats, down through Tiger Trail, then through the center of the park. From there, we went down to the Elephant Valley, wrapped around the African Plains Trail, through Lion Camp, then around the African Loop back to the elevator then out of the park. It was a lovely afternoon and we thoroughly enjoyed the longest day of summer. 

It's really hard to wear a mask for hours on end, but these little jaunts are much easier and we'll enjoy them as much as we can until the weather gets too hot for comfort. There are a lot of changes for the safety of guests, staff, and animals, but they're mostly minor and easy to get used to and also give a lot of peace of mind. 

I know people are still having a financially difficult time right now, and who knows what's gonna happen once EDD cuts back to normal after July, but if you have the funds, I don't think there's a better value in San Diego than Zoo Membership, and I don't think there are many lower risk places than the Safari Park and Zoo right now. 
Get all the info on the park and membership here. 

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Summer Safari Celebration in Effect

It's the most wonderful time of the year! The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park (WAP to the natives) kicks off their summer celebrations. I'm posting the full press release for SDZ Safari Park after the jump, but the TL;dr is that the Safari Park will be open until 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays through September 1st, and starting this week, until 8pm on Mondays and Tuesdays through July 30th. On top of that, from June 16-September 2nd, the Zoo will be open until 8pm. If you don't have your annual pass, there's no better time to get it than now. Make sure you get at least the Keeper's Club level to get the free parking at Safari Park, otherwise you're throwing down $15 per visit. Also, pro-tip: if you're driving North on the 15, jump in the carpool lanes, exit at Del Lago, loop to the right through the mall (Beethoven) and you'll cut some time on the drive. Press release and adorbs animal photos after the jump. (All photos taken at the Safari Park from regular public viewing areas throughout the park over the past few years)