The San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, spans approximately 100 acres. This expansive area is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals representing over 680 species and subspecies.
A Vast Urban Jungle
Covering 100 acres, the San Diego Zoo offers a diverse range of habitats and exhibits. Visitors can explore various zones that replicate natural environments, providing an immersive experience. It’s more than just cages and enclosures—this zoo is a living, breathing world of wildlife.
Some paths feel like forest trails. Others wind through open plains or misty mountain terrain. With cleverly designed layouts and elevation changes, every step brings something new. The Skyfari aerial tram adds a bird’s-eye view of the entire zoo.
Home to Thousands
The zoo houses over 12,000 animals, including species from around the globe. From the African savanna to the Arctic tundra, the exhibits showcase the diversity of wildlife. Elephants, pandas, polar bears, and rare birds live in carefully maintained habitats.
Many of these animals are part of critical breeding and conservation programs. The zoo doesn’t just display wildlife—it protects it.
Botanical Beauty
In addition to its animal inhabitants, the San Diego Zoo is an accredited botanical garden. It cares for more than 700,000 individual plants, including a prominent assemblage of close to 13,000 specimens representing 3,100 species.
Some plants support animal habitats directly. Others simply add to the stunning visual appeal. The zoo also houses themed gardens, like the orchid house and prehistoric garden, filled with cycads and ferns.
A Must-Visit Destination
With its vast area and diverse offerings, the San Diego Zoo stands as a premier destination for animal lovers and conservation enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re exploring the lush habitats or learning about global preservation efforts, the zoo provides an enriching experience for all ages.
For families, solo travelers, and curious minds, it’s an unforgettable place. And yes, it’s big. One hundred acres of wonder, wildlife, and wild beauty—right in the heart of San Diego.
