Comments:
and there were some springboks and gazelles and so on - I didn't keep track of all their varieties, sorry.
This park has been very successful in breeding, and sends fertile animals all over the world to encourage genetic diversity of zoological collections.
After moving through the Africa exhibits we made a quick stop at the gorilla enclosure, where we viewed some of the members of their tribe. This is a youngster.
Here's the big man himself.
A size comparison is useful.
We then drove past the cheetah exhibit, and were lucky enough to see the cats there looking around their space and grooming themselves.
What beautiful creatures they are!
I mentioned the park is several thousand acres of expansive and hilly grounds. Bring your walking shoes!
Please come back for part 3, when we see the big cats.
An Insider Visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Part 1
Thanks to the generosity of a good friend, this week Mrs Cazalea and I were able to visit the San Diego Zoo's Safari Park in Escondido, California.
We slipped through without any problem and chugged past the vehicle garage. I'll bet the park has hundreds of vehicles, along with dozens of mechanics, food prep people, behind-the-scenes logistics experts, fund-raisers, etc. All out of sight and out of mind of the typical visitor.
It also has some uninvited guests from the community, who keep the grass trimmed, entertain visitors and (occasionally) feed the lions!
We started our tour in Elephant Valley. The park's large herd of elephants live in relatively ideal circumstances.
The park has been around since 1972, when zoo curator Charles Schroeder realized future zoos would need to be able to "grow their own animals" since governments were becoming more restrictive about taking them from the wild, even for their own protection. Originally conceived as a breeding ground that would not be open to the public, it now receives thousands of visitors a day.
In "the old days" there was a tram that ran around the perimeter of these habitats, allowing visitors to look across into the valleys and observe the animals. Alas, after a few million rotations around the park, the trams began to break down, and more than a few visitors (including myself) had very LONG viewing experiences, or had to be rescued by truck. Walking out across the rhino-filled grassland was NOT an option.
in trucks, from a zip line, on foot, etc. We have visited before, using the trucks that take you into the valley to pet giraffes and feed rhinos.
Here's the official map which you can find on the Park's website, which is HERE
This 1800-acre site is located in the foothills, about 30 miles NE of the original San Diego Zoo, within an agricultural district owned by the City of San Diego. About half the land area is used to re-create specific habitats, such as the African Plains, Asian Savanna, Elephant Valley and Tiger Trail.
In "the old days" there was a tram that ran around the perimeter of these habitats, allowing visitors to look across into the valleys and observe the animals. Alas, after a few million rotations around the park, the trams began to break down, and more than a few visitors (including myself) had very LONG viewing experiences, or had to be rescued by truck. Walking out across the rhino-filled grassland was NOT an option.
So now as the zoo has adapted to modern, tram-free life, you have a variety of ways to experience the park. From a helium balloon!
On special trikes,
in trucks, from a zip line, on foot, etc. We have visited before, using the trucks that take you into the valley to pet giraffes and feed rhinos.
This time, we were invited to ride with friends on a special 8-person vehicle (stretched golf cart).
If you come out to the park, remember that it gets hotter as the day goes on, which leads to sleepy animals and tired children. So earlier in the day is better, in my opinion.
If you come out to the park, remember that it gets hotter as the day goes on, which leads to sleepy animals and tired children. So earlier in the day is better, in my opinion.
Let's slip past the line of school kids and head for the back entrance of the park.
We started by ascending a very steep hill. I'd like to compare our limousine to the speed of a Lamborghini but the only way I can phrase it is:
" .... our cart ascended the hill as quickly as a Lamborghini would if it was being pushed by two PuristS."
Slowly! I was almost ready to jump off to help push when we crested the hill and came to the "Do Not Enter" and "Zoo Vehicles Only" gate.
We slipped through without any problem and chugged past the vehicle garage. I'll bet the park has hundreds of vehicles, along with dozens of mechanics, food prep people, behind-the-scenes logistics experts, fund-raisers, etc. All out of sight and out of mind of the typical visitor.
It also has some uninvited guests from the community, who keep the grass trimmed, entertain visitors and (occasionally) feed the lions!
We started our tour in Elephant Valley. The park's large herd of elephants live in relatively ideal circumstances.
They have loving keepers, lots of space to roam, multiple challenging habitat features, and of course adoring visitors. And best of all, they are not hunted for their tusks.
Of course today I wore my Gerald Genta Gefica Safari watch. Circa 1980's, this watch was constructed of bronze to avoid flashing sunlight/reflections that might warn the wild game while Genta was on safari in Africa with a few friends.
The elephants were busy fooling around with a ball, each other, and the puzzle boxes.
They put their trunks into the box to find treats, then discover if they tip the box over, more treats are released.
This little guy threw food on his back, to scare off the flies and have a snack available for later.
Then he found a pile of loose sand, and plopped into it, squealing and rolling around.
Then he jumped up to join his mom on a walk around the enclosure.
This message has been edited by cazalea on 2015-07-10 07:28:50 This message has been edited by cazalea on 2015-07-10 11:09:49
Of course today I wore my Gerald Genta Gefica Safari watch. Circa 1980's, this watch was constructed of bronze to avoid flashing sunlight/reflections that might warn the wild game while Genta was on safari in Africa with a few friends.
The elephants were busy fooling around with a ball, each other, and the puzzle boxes.
They put their trunks into the box to find treats, then discover if they tip the box over, more treats are released.
This little guy threw food on his back, to scare off the flies and have a snack available for later.
Then he found a pile of loose sand, and plopped into it, squealing and rolling around.
Then he jumped up to join his mom on a walk around the enclosure.
We decided to move along ourselves.
Please join me for part 2 as we make our way towards the big cats.
An Insider Visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Part 2
Welcome back for Part 2 of our unique, insider's trip to the San Diego Zoo's Safari park. After visiting the elephants, we moved onto the African plains.
We had a look at giraffes and rhinos.
and there were some springboks and gazelles and so on - I didn't keep track of all their varieties, sorry.
This park has been very successful in breeding, and sends fertile animals all over the world to encourage genetic diversity of zoological collections.
After moving through the Africa exhibits we made a quick stop at the gorilla enclosure, where we viewed some of the members of their tribe. This is a youngster.
Here's the big man himself.
A size comparison is useful.
We then drove past the cheetah exhibit, and were lucky enough to see the cats there looking around their space and grooming themselves.
What beautiful creatures they are!
I mentioned the park is several thousand acres of expansive and hilly grounds. Bring your walking shoes!
Cazalea
This message has been edited by cazalea on 2015-07-10 10:44:04
an Insider Visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Part 3
Welcome back to part 3 of our insider tour of the San Diego Zoo Safari park. In previous parts, we've seen the entrance, the transportation choices, the elephants and the African exhibits.
When we got inside, we heard and saw:
But then the reinforcements arrived.
We learned that these lions are grandparents and have produced lots of offspring.
The king, IZU, came in and settled down for a rest.
This lion house is where they stay when things are going on in the enclosure, such as the maintenance and brush trimming that's being done today. They also come in when they want air conditioning, as it can get very hot outside. Otherwise they are roaming around in their native environment.
I was only 3 feet away from this enormous head.
Luckily he was not interested in me.
Neither was she.
Here's what they eat:
In this photo, keeper Tony has handed me a lion "popsicle" - which is a brain-shaped mold filled with frozen blood and guts, which they give the lions to lick. Ick. Yes, I washed my hands afterwards! Most of the time the lions eat ground meat (including bones, organs, etc as if they ate a whole animal).
We went outside to join the 4 cubs, who had just been given their weekly rabbit. The rabbits are grown for the purpose and kept free from parasites or disease.
The cubs have to learn how to dismember and disembowel their food. This guy was struggling to get the guts out without eating them.
We were pretty darn close to the lions.
Here are the three sisters. One of them took her rabbit into the shavings and wasn't happy about having to eat the wood bits along with the meat.
This message has been edited by cazalea on 2015-07-10 10:53:27
Today our goal is a mystery. Our friend Betty Jo has invited us for this inside peek at what goes on behind locked doors. So let's go back on the tram up an unmarked road to an unmarked building. At this time we literally had no idea where we were going.
When we got inside, we heard and saw:
But then the reinforcements arrived.
We learned that these lions are grandparents and have produced lots of offspring.
The king, IZU, came in and settled down for a rest.
This lion house is where they stay when things are going on in the enclosure, such as the maintenance and brush trimming that's being done today. They also come in when they want air conditioning, as it can get very hot outside. Otherwise they are roaming around in their native environment.
I was only 3 feet away from this enormous head.
Luckily he was not interested in me.
Neither was she.
Here's what they eat:
In this photo, keeper Tony has handed me a lion "popsicle" - which is a brain-shaped mold filled with frozen blood and guts, which they give the lions to lick. Ick. Yes, I washed my hands afterwards! Most of the time the lions eat ground meat (including bones, organs, etc as if they ate a whole animal).
We went outside to join the 4 cubs, who had just been given their weekly rabbit. The rabbits are grown for the purpose and kept free from parasites or disease.
The cubs have to learn how to dismember and disembowel their food. This guy was struggling to get the guts out without eating them.
We were pretty darn close to the lions.
Here are the three sisters. One of them took her rabbit into the shavings and wasn't happy about having to eat the wood bits along with the meat.
We stayed and interacted with them for quite a while, but then it was time to move on to the finale of our trip. Please come back for Part 4.
An Insider Visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Part 4
Welcome to Part 4 of our visit to the San Diego Zoo's Safari Park. We seen elephants, plains animals, gorillas and lions.
As with the lions, we were able to go in and talk with the keepers. Here's the whiteboard summary of the tigers.
I asked the keeper how tall the tigers were - she didn't know but said "let's see"
Our tour was almost complete, and our guide Pam took us over to a dining room.
The table was already set, and Ray our server brought in the previously-ordered Cobb salads.
What we didn't realize until now was the tigers would be joining us while we dined!!
Mrs Cazalea was thrilled.
I think they only serve cold food in here because most of the time we were fooling around by the window.
After we got a few bites in, the keepers let another tiger into the exhibit area.
Our guy gave us a couple looks then headed off to play with his brother.
I have too many photos so please come back for Part 5.
This message has been edited by cazalea on 2015-07-10 11:12:24
Believe it or not, the "keeper-grade" tour of the lions is not the highlight of the trip. The finale is coming, as we head to a new animal exhibit area.
Our friends were not the biggest donors on the project, but they did get it jump-started. Notice there are a few very well-known names - Tull (Dark Knight, Hangover, Jurassic World), Geisel (Dr. Seuss), Roddenberry (Star Trek), etc.
We enter through a bamboo corridor, with water and chimes.
At the end is a carved Sumatran Tiger
It's roughly life-sized.
In contrast to the hot dry terrain outside, this area is filled with cool ponds and waterfalls.
We walk around a corner and see the tiger emerge from the foliage.
These cats are much smaller than the lions, at roughly 200 lbs to a lion's 400-500 lbs.
But every step they take implies great power and grace.
It's clear that the markings help them blend into jungle surroundings. This is a male.
In another part of the exhibit, another tiger grooms herself.
She had no problem looking me straight in the eyes. We were about 20 feet apart.
She stared me down, so I walked back over the male's side. On the way I stopped to cool off under the waterfall.
Our friends were not the biggest donors on the project, but they did get it jump-started. Notice there are a few very well-known names - Tull (Dark Knight, Hangover, Jurassic World), Geisel (Dr. Seuss), Roddenberry (Star Trek), etc.
We enter through a bamboo corridor, with water and chimes.
At the end is a carved Sumatran Tiger
It's roughly life-sized.
In contrast to the hot dry terrain outside, this area is filled with cool ponds and waterfalls.
We walk around a corner and see the tiger emerge from the foliage.
These cats are much smaller than the lions, at roughly 200 lbs to a lion's 400-500 lbs.
But every step they take implies great power and grace.
It's clear that the markings help them blend into jungle surroundings. This is a male.
In another part of the exhibit, another tiger grooms herself.
She had no problem looking me straight in the eyes. We were about 20 feet apart.
She stared me down, so I walked back over the male's side. On the way I stopped to cool off under the waterfall.
As with the lions, we were able to go in and talk with the keepers. Here's the whiteboard summary of the tigers.
I asked the keeper how tall the tigers were - she didn't know but said "let's see"
then we noticed he was cheating, because he was climbing up the bars with his back feet! BIG!
Our tour was almost complete, and our guide Pam took us over to a dining room.
The table was already set, and Ray our server brought in the previously-ordered Cobb salads.
What we didn't realize until now was the tigers would be joining us while we dined!!
Mrs Cazalea was thrilled.
I think they only serve cold food in here because most of the time we were fooling around by the window.
After we got a few bites in, the keepers let another tiger into the exhibit area.
Our guy gave us a couple looks then headed off to play with his brother.
I have too many photos so please come back for Part 5.
Cheers,
Cazalea
This message has been edited by cazalea on 2015-07-10 11:12:24
An Insider Visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Part 5
Here we go with some candid shots of two male tigers playing together in their jungle enclosure:
We were exhausted by the excitement, so our hosts packed up a few chocolate cookies to go, in case we got famished before we got home.
Then they delivered us back to our car.
This message has been edited by cazalea on 2015-07-10 11:04:42
We were exhausted by the excitement, so our hosts packed up a few chocolate cookies to go, in case we got famished before we got home.
Then they delivered us back to our car.
Thanks to BJ, Pam in Development, and the whole San Diego Zoo Safari park staff.
If you get a chance to visit, I highly recommend a guided tour or ride in an open truck through the enclosures. OR you can spend the night out in a tent if you are REALLY BRAVE. I hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes trip through the Safari Park.
Cazalea
This message has been edited by cazalea on 2015-07-10 11:04:42
re: insider visit
Awesome tour, thanks for sharing this with us. I haven't been to the SD zoo in a long time, I'm down around there in November so I''l definitely try to do the tour. HAGWE cazalea!
-MW
Wow! Great write up!
Wow! What an experience! Lions and tigers and cheetahs! Is this tour as depicted by your photographs something that is available to normal civilians or do you have to be a special zoo patron in order to get the access you got?
Can't wait to visit San Diego and get such a cool experience!
Can't wait to visit San Diego and get such a cool experience!
Much of the park is accessible to civilians
The discussion with keepers inside the lion and tiger houses is limited by their availability. Naturally the predators (lions and tigers) need attention, so they can't have their keepers spending all their time with visitors... And I suspect the private dining room might be a board-member kind of thing.
You can look at their list of safaris and make up your own day by assembling exactly what you want to do. Just be sure you contact the zoo a month or two in advance of your trip.
Cheers,
Mike
(This photo by Bela Feher)
You can look at their list of safaris and make up your own day by assembling exactly what you want to do. Just be sure you contact the zoo a month or two in advance of your trip.
Cheers,
Mike
(This photo by Bela Feher)
Amazing experience nonetheless...
I might just have to spend a week down in San Diego someday and experience all of what San Diego has to offer up close and personal...
Thank you for this phenomenal photo journey. Something that feels like a real possibility since it's only 500 miles away in San Diego.
Thank you for this phenomenal photo journey. Something that feels like a real possibility since it's only 500 miles away in San Diego.
Yes, less than 8 hours Road Trip for a Purist :-)
unless you have to stop for a gourmet meal along the way, if the traffic gets heavy, or the weather is uncooperative.
and of course dependent upon your navigational skills.
and of course dependent upon your navigational skills.
At least the mountains and Death Valley are on your left...
and the ocean on your right, so you can't go too wrong...
I've made the drive many times. Missing San Diego already!
Although haven't made it in one straight shot to San Diego direct, as I've always stopped for a few hours in Los Angeles or Orange County.
Nice pictures.
Nice pictures.
What a post !!!!
Thanks Mike, that was truly an amazing experience in what you could call a REAL Zoo !
Filip
Yes, no doubt
there are other excitements at the downtown zoo too:
Eagle Owl
I think this is a cheetah kitten
wow..what a tour...
that's the only way to see the Safari Park..
been there a couple of times..and I totally agree...earlier the better...
what an experience..would love to book this for the family...thank you
tour of the SD park
Cool post Cazalea. I think I have a business conference in a few months in SD, your post really looks fun and I will have to take an extra day to check out the SD Zoo Safari park. Will let you know my travel plans, hope we can meet up 
Regards,
ED-209
Regards,
ED-209
That's up close and personal for sure
As I viewed your encounter, the memory of an old black and white movie, by the name of Chang, came to my mind. It's directed by Merian C Cooper who also directed King Kong. This is primitive, raw footage of a young farmer who moves his family away from the village into the jungle. The movie is full of actual encounters with wild beast. I think you and your wife will enjoy this silent film. it earned the title of being favored above all the movies Cooper directed.
Again thank you for sharing your wonderful experience.
Helen