All photos accredited to Faith Maschman and Aaron Maschman

The famous attraction known as the San Diego Zoo sends a message to guests upon entry that it is one unlike any other. Although in the middle of a large scale city, the environment is formed to cultivate that of each animal’s natural habitat. Their employees work to capture that classic “through the wardrobe” feeling.

The park holds more than 12,000 endangered animals, displaying an arrangement of over 680 species and subspecies.

As guests venture through the park gates, they are immediately greeted with the American Flamingo Exhibit, as well as a refreshingly tropical area. Many guides linger near the entrance, willing to assist or relay their animal knowledge to any requesting visitors.

The attraction showcases a fascinating display of reptiles and amphibians, grouped into an exhibit known as their “Reptile Walk”. The organization takes on an active role in research and conservation of these species. 

A key component that allows the San Diego Zoo to stand out from others is how deeply they prioritize the animals’ natural lives and well being. Animals are never discouraged from sleeping or leaving public eye simply to please guests, as depicted on the left. In fact, the park goes the extra mile and ensures to model their eating and hunting habits as closely to the wild as possible, as shown on the right.

The park includes lovely aviaries that imitate the structure and surroundings of a forest. The aviaries are home to 15 different species of birds, each having a beautiful display of shape, color, size, and more.

The zoo also happens to be an accredited botanical garden, protecting over 700,000 plants. In fact, some of the plants that can  be found in the park are extinct in their natural habitat. These plants tend to require more care, and the employees work constantly to ensure the health and life of these species.

Many animals have produced young throughout their stay at the park. These babies are in no way ignored, and are given their own personalized care and attention. The zoo partners with organizations such as the Animal Care Center and the Neonatal Assisted Care Unit to ensure the health and safety of every new life that is born in their care. These animals remain with their family or their animal groups, and are encouraged to play and participate, as they would if they had been born in their natural habitat.

The elephant enclosure is a perfect example of the dedication these zookeepers have to the animals. Not only is the habitat made to fit their environment, but they also have a station for hygiene and basic care, as well as a care center that acts as an elephant hospital for sick and elderly elephants.

The health and nutrition of each animal is a top priority for the attraction. As stated on their website at sandiegozoo.org, “Each animal’s diet is kept in the diet database. From there, the forage team uses a spreadsheet to calculate the amount of food items allotted to each area of the Zoo. Diets are updated easily if animals are moved within the Zoo grounds. The nutritional services supervisor is responsible for maintaining the spreadsheets and making sure everyone gets their proper diet.”

As most zoos do, the attraction showcases a large number of big cats, that are often napping. The contrast in environments between the two, however, speaks volumes about San Diego’s commitment to capturing each creature’s life in the wild.

The baboons are one of the larger groups of animals within one exhibit. This is likely due to how heavily they rely on companionship, and need one another to live. The San Diego Zoo employees make it a priority for the animals to freely interact with one another, safely within their habitats.

Among the more arid territories of the zoo, there is an unusual amount of large tortoises. In its history, the park has rehabilitated more than 100 desert tortoises. They currently have a Galapagos tortoise that they have estimated to be a whopping 139 years old. Fittingly, her name is Grandma.

The San Diego Zoo ultimately provides an exceptional experience for every visitor, presenting an arrangement of diversity in animals and habitats, along with their devotion to their animals’ well-being, safety, and happiness. It truly is a remarkable place, with honorable tactics.