California–2014 June 24

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

I’m of two minds about this place. First, a bit of explanation: its primary function is as a conservancy and breeding area for endangered species. Apparently, people would try to break in to see the animals, so the zoo decided to open it, under their control, to the public.

If you want the basic park admission, you see a fair amount of interesting stuff. However, if you want to do a cart trip to one part of the area to see the animals closer up, that’s an extra US$50. If you want a trip that lets you get closer to the animals and feed them, that’s an extra US$105. If you have a large family, this could run into serious money.

These are pictures from the cart tour. The guide was absolutely wonderful; she was able to answer every question that we asked.

Hot-air balloon above park Two giraffes Long-horned antelopes Antelope of varying types browsing in grass Sleeping rhinos Deer Three buffalo-like animals Animal with large antlers buffalo-like animal with hump on back Antelope with spiral horns Deer with spiral horns, eating Rhino lying down Closeup of rhino antelopes with long horns Antelopes at drinking station small horses

These pictures are from the other areas of the park. The last picture is from the cheetah run, where you get to see a cheetah running full speed. I have a video here, taken at 120 frames per second, which is about one-fourth normal speed.

Lemurs Lily pond Lily pad closeup Cactus garden View of landscape from higher area of park Reddish bird (closeup) Closeup of cactus Tall cacti Closeup of tiger facing away in 3/4 profile Tiger lying down Me in front of a statue of a tiger Gorilla sitting down. Gorilla sitting down. Serval cat on leash