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San Diego Safari Park

In this episode - San Diego Safari Park . . .

(Listen for today's special guest). The audio version - No foolin'.

Where do you live? Have you ever entertained the thought that you live near a magical place? No, I'm not talking about Disneyland; I'm referring to your backyard. You say, "My backyard is in the middle of nowhere.”

California residents are fortunate; sometimes, with work, chores, and daily routines, it's easy to forget we live among nature's bounty of landscapes, plants, animals, and tourist attractions. One of the most famous attractions is the San Diego Safari Park in Escondido, California. A world-renowned wildlife sanctuary and botanical garden that provides visitors with a unique experience of observing and interacting with animals in their natural habitats. This park spans over 1,800 acres, making it one of the largest wildlife parks in the United States.

On Sunday, March 26, 2023, we were invited to share a birthday celebration with my mountaineering friend Brendan and his family. It's been years since we've visited what was previously called the San Diego Wild Animal Park. And from what we experienced, much has changed. Let me give you a little context for those who’ve never been there.

Before you arrive, download the App for your phone or pick up a park map. The park has several sections, each offering different animal exhibits and activities. One of the most popular exhibits is the African Plains, home to diverse animals, such as giraffes, rhinoceroses, and zebras. Visitors can take a guided safari tram tour to explore this park section or opt for a hot air balloon ride to get a bird's eye view of the animals and their surroundings.

Our favorite and popular exhibit is the Tiger Trail, a habitat designed to mimic the natural environment of Sumatran tigers. Guests can observe these majestic creatures as they roam their territory, play with enrichment toys, or swim in their pool. The park also offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the Tiger Trail exhibit, where visitors will learn about the park's conservation efforts and get up close with the tigers.

Let’s listen to our eight-year-old Safari explorer and tour guide comment on the tigers: Audio recording - in front of the tiger exhibit.

In addition to animal exhibits, the San Diego Safari Park also features a botanical garden (Lori's favorite) with over 1.5 million plants, including rare and exotic species from around the world. Early spring, and we strolled the self-guided gardens tour with no crowds. However, join a guided tour led by expert horticulturists if you prefer. This diverse park offers many activities and experiences for visitors of all ages, including a petting zoo, a butterfly exhibit, and a lorikeet aviary where visitors can feed and interact with these colorful birds. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, challenge the FlightLine Safari, a zip-line that whisks visitors over the treetops of the African Plains exhibit.

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to wildlife conservation and education. The park has several ongoing research and conservation projects, including preserving California condors and reintroducing Peninsular pronghorns into their native habitat. Visitors can participate in educational programs to learn more about the park's wildlife conservation efforts.

Overall, the San Diego Safari Park offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages and interests. With its diverse animal exhibits, botanical garden, and commitment to conservation and education, it is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

P.S. (The podcast includes a memorable treat at the end.)

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

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