California is a vast state. It offers a plethora of captivating experiences. Among all the top-notch zoos in California, establishments like the San Diego Zoo represent the cream of the crop. However, smaller-scale zoos also play a vital role in educating visitors. There’s a lot you can learn from the zoos, like how local wildlife actively contributes to conservation efforts. Given California’s coastal location, it is no surprise that the state boasts amazing aquariums. Among them, the Monterey Bay Aquarium stands out as a premier destination. It is home to a diverse array of species within the aquarium’s walls and surrounding areas. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the best zoos in California. Here’s all you need to know.
Zoos in California
1. San Diego Safari Park, (Zoo in San Diego, California)
This wildlife Park home is spread over an area of 1800 acres. Can you believe it is home to more than 3600 different types of animals? The park offers a notable excursion called the Africa Tram Safari, which is the best thing about this park. It allows visitors to venture into the expansive savannah for a 25-minute ride. During this exclusive experience, visitors have the opportunity to witness the harmonious coexistence of remarkable creatures like giraffes, rhinos, diverse antelope species, and zebras, just as they would in their natural African habitat.
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2. Safari West, (Wildlife and safari park in California)
This zoo is just 20 mins away from Santa Roza. The experience you will have here is pretty similar to that in an African Safari, so if you are looking for an alternative or you think African Safari is too expensive, you can go to Safari West. Just board a Safari and go on tour to witness some of the amazing animals like giraffes, camels, zebras, cape buffaloes, ostriches et cetera. To make your trip more exciting, you can book a safari tent or cottage there.
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3. Santa Barbara Zoo, (Zoo in Santa Barbara, California)
This place is so beautiful that words are less to justify the same. There are not too many animals in the zoo but it has some features that make it stand out against others. You can go around the entire zoo on a train ride. Interestingly, you can also feed animals in this zoo. And once you have seen the zoo, you can head towards the East Beach. Its beautiful sandy beach is spread over an area of 1.5 miles. You can spend some time relaxing here, while your kids play on the volleyball court.
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4. San Fransico Zoo, Zoo in San Francisco, California
The San Francisco Zoo is spread over an area of 100 acres. It is situated on the southwest outskirts of the city, opposite Ocean Beach. Some of the notable attractions at the zoo include the captivating big cats, the penguin lagoon, the grizzly bear habitat, and the lively lemur forest. Unfortunately, the opportunity to witness the lions and tigers during their regular feeding times is currently unavailable, most likely due to Covid-related restrictions.
Another charming feature of this zoo is the Zoo Keys. For a fee of $5, visitors can purchase a plastic key that unlocks various boxes containing recordings of engaging stories and educational facts about the animals. The zoo offers a range of additional amenities. That includes a playground area, a miniature steam locomotive, a carousel, and a miniature steam train. Furthermore, there is a dedicated children’s zoo where kids of all ages can interact with and pet sheep and goats, while also enjoying the amusing antics of meerkats and prairie dogs.
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5. Orange County Zoo
The zoo is situated inside the Irvine Regional Park, it is a small-sized zoo. There are so many activities that you can engage in, while you are in this park. Some of them are paddle boating, volleyball, horseback riding, trails et cetera. Interestingly, the main focus is on the zoo that lives or has ever lived in Orange County. The best part about this zoo is that the entry fee is only $2. So, there’s no reason you would want to miss this zoo.
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6. Oakland Zoo, (Zoo in Oakland, California)
For over a century, the Oakland Zoo has been a beloved destination for families in the Bay Area. Do you know why? Because it offers a delightful experience with its diverse collection of animals. One of its notable highlights is the impressive African savannah section. It features modern enclosures for camels, elephants, tigers, and other captivating species. To make your visit more exciting, you can take a ride on the aerial gondola. I
It will transport you to the California Trail. There, you can marvel at black bears, bison, majestic bald eagles, and the magnificent California condor, creating an unforgettable experience. Children can enjoy a charming play area designed especially for them within the zoo. In a unique distinction from many other zoos in California, this zoo also offers a train, carousel, a small roller coaster, and three additional rides tailored for children, ensuring a fun-filled experience for all.
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7. Santa Ana Zoo, Prentice Park in Santa Ana, California
This small-sized zoo has a commendable collection of monkeys. If you want to take your toddlers to the zoo, this is the perfect spot for you. Locals refer to this zoo as a monkey zoo. Do you know why? Because the owner of this zoo has made it mandatory to have at least 50 monkeys all the time. Besides, the zoo has a train, which can give a nice tour of the zoo, a carousel, and a playground where kids under ten can play.
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8. Sacramento Zoo, (Zoo in Sacramento, California)
From its humble beginnings with just 40 animals, the Sacramento Zoo has grown into a remarkable establishment. It is located in William Land Park. As of now, this modest yet highly effective zoo is home to over 400 species. Visitors can encounter a wide range of captivating animals, including cheetahs, lions, kangaroos, giraffes, sloths, and red pandas, among others. The zoo offers several engaging behind-the-scenes experiences that provide unique opportunities for visitors.
For instance, one such experience allows guests to hand-feed an okapi, creating a special connection with this fascinating creature. Another notable experience involves a tour where visitors can participate in the preparation of meatballs for cheetahs and then observe these magnificent animals up close while they undergo training.
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9. Monterey Zoo, Vision Quest Ranch, California
This is one of the newest zoos in California. The inception of this zoo can be traced back to a unique incident involving a police officer responding to a call regarding a pet cougar found inside someone’s garage. This encounter served as a catalyst that inspired the officer to not only adopt the exotic animal but also embark on a journey as an animal trainer in the entertainment industry. Eventually, in 1994, the officer acquired Vision Quest Ranch, laying the foundation for the zoo we see today. After years of operating private educational programs, the zoo officially opened its doors in 2020, offering a home to a diverse array of 100 different species.
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10. Happy Hollow Park and Zoo
Since the 1960s, families in Silicon Valley have been delighted by the presence of Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. Despite its small size of only 16 acres, this zoo and park offer a delightful experience. The zoo is home to a diverse range of fascinating species, including lemurs, birds, capybaras, fossa, and other unique animals. Adjacent to the petting zoo area, visitors can also encounter a variety of farm animals and wallabies, such as miniature horses, zebu, and donkeys. Alongside the zoo, there is a charming amusement park featuring several rides suitable for children, as well as well-designed playgrounds that provide endless fun.
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These are the 10 best zoos in California. Kindly share and do post your comments.
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