In the past several months, we’ve all missed visiting the animals, and there’s some evidence that they miss us too! And while we’ve been away, the babies have been booming! Did you know that our zoos and wildlife parks are sanctuaries for endangered species? Many have breeding programs to keep these precious creatures alive and thriving. Southern California is roaring with opportunities to commune with the natural world – some just minutes from Circa, and others, only a few hours away. So take a walk on the wild side – our zoos and wildlife parks are now open.
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens 5333 Zoo Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90027
The Los Angeles Zoo is officially open and the babies are booming. Meet the meerkat pups, coo at the condor chick, and greet the baby gorilla. Oh, and did we mention the bighorn lamb and other adorable newborns. For the safety of guests, staff, and animals, the Zoo experience has been modified, and advance timed-entry reservations are required. Find everything you need to plan your visit HERE
Natural History Museum Butterfly Pavilion 900 W Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007
Butterflies are taking flight at the Natural History Museum! The Butterfly Pavilion showcases hundreds of butterflies and the plants that surround them. This seasonal exhibit features expansive flight space and lots of natural light – there will be hundreds of free-flying butterflies inside. Starting September 11, a limited number of guests will be allowed inside the Pavilion during each reservation time slot to allow for physical distancing. Members and other guests are required to reserve all tickets in advance.
Aquarium of The Pacific 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, CA 90802
The Aquarium of the Pacific is open for outdoor exhibits only, but there’s still plenty to see, including the Harbor Terrace (featuring the Moon Jelly Touch Lab and archerfish and mudskipper exhibits), Shark Lagoon (including touch pools), Lorikeet Forest, the Our Water Future exhibit, Southern California Steelhead Story, Molina Animal Care Center, June Keyes Penguin Habitat, the Ray Touch Pool (open for touch), and the Seals and Sea Lions Habitat. The outdoor gift store and some food service will be open.
SeaWorld Zoo Days: Bayside BBQ & Brews 500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Stroll through 40 acres of beautiful outdoor grounds filled with lively animal exhibits. Recapture the wonder of marine life presentations with physically distanced seating. And treat your taste buds to chef-created BBQ, over 50 local craft beers, wine, cocktails and more. You can relax and enjoy it all, with enhanced health and safety measures in place. All guests including Pass Members & Fun Card Holders require a reservation to attend SeaWorld during Zoo Days.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd. Escondido, CA 92027
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is now open to guests, ending the first major closure in its 103-year history. Guests can once again experience wildlife with their families, stroll among diverse habitats, and take part in fun, educational activities that bring us closer to the natural world. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an expansive non-profit wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 3,500 animals representing more than 400 species. Its renowned botanical collection represents 3,500 species and 1.5 million specimens. Over half of the Park’s 1,800 acres have been set aside as a protected native species habitat.
San Diego Zoo 2920 Zoo Dr. San Diego, CA 92101
Located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park, the 100-acre San Diego Zoo is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary, home to over 3,700 rare and endangered animals from over 650 species and subspecies, and over 700,000 exotic plants. The San Diego Zoo is now open to guests, ending the first major closure in its 103-year history. Guests can once again experience wildlife with their families, stroll among diverse habitats, and take part in fun, educational activities that bring us closer to the natural world.
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens 47900 Portola Ave. Palm Desert, CA 92260
The Living Desert is a 1200-acre facility that specializes in the plants and animals found throughout the deserts of the world. Many exotic and endangered species can be seen in natural surroundings such as bighorn sheep, oryx, cheetahs, wolves, striped hyenas, thick-billed parrots, leopards and golden eagles. The botanical gardens represent over 1500 species, indigenous to the arid areas of North America and Africa. The Living Desert is located in the middle of the Coachella Valley, just 15 miles east of Palm Springs. Hours and ticketing information HERE
Photo credits:
Photo #1: Aquarium of The Pacific
Photo #2: Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Photo #3: Natural History Museum Butterfly Pavilion
Photo #4: Aquarium of The Pacific
Photo #5: SeaWorld
Photo #6: San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Photo #7: San Diego Zoo/Photo Credit: Liz Sauer
Photo #8: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
