Been in San Diego zoo for a two of the nicest days of my life and leaving with a heavy heart.
Even if you are not a bird fanatic, this place can make you one. Besides the legendary Owens's and Scripp's aviaries I am very impressed by the Africa rocks and Parker's walkthrough aviaries too. The one next to the Bus loading station holding Kagu and Golden headed quetzal, could be the highlight in any other zoo, but here is sidewalk attraction. The Australian aviary have mind-blowing collection also. The Maleo can be seen there now.
The Lost forest is undoubtedly, the best zoo excibit I have ever seen. If man likes birds or primates, there is no better place to be. The newborn Common hippo baby is the also a big attraction there. Had to scratch the paths with pen over the map, because would probably miss something, even after two days.
Africa rocks is easily my all time second best exhibit. The only close one I can think of is the Chester's islands. The big European tropical buildings are great of course, but is hard to compete with the San Diego's natural climate, vegetation and fantastic horticulture. Have seen everything there, but the Nubian ibexes, which left the zoo temporarily, for breeding purposes.
I know, that Elephant odyssey is not very well accepted here, because of the great expectations towards everything this zoo is doing, but it probably have one of the most modern Elephant care facility In the world.
Even if SD have some stuning excibits, like Pygmy hippo (with Wolf guenon and Lesser spotted nosed monkey) Klipspringer (with dwarf mongoose and hyraxes) , Nubian ibex (with Gelada) and newborn Gerenuk baby, I wish the Ungulate collection would be bit better maintained. Since done the Caravan safari 40 km. north the day before, can not complain too much, though.
Polar bears have world class facility, with their own ice machines.The Sun Bear forest is also very well made , but the other bear species does not seem so lucky. The bus driver mentioned, that area with the old bear grottos and the notorious Aye aye cages, will be renovated. Do someone knows something about it?
Koalas series of exhibits are without alternative outside Australia, I believe. It is a baby there too.
The reptile collection is particularly intersting. Where the Turtle part deserves special mentioning.
The ambassador animals I have seen were an Aardvark,an Umbrella Cockatoo and a Beaver.
Have managed to see almost everything for two days, but the Otters. The African Clawless otters are not present anymore and their enclosure supposed to hold Spotted necked otters. The last was signed in two other enclosures too, together with Allen's swamps monkey and Schmidt's red tailed monkey, but were most probably off-show. On the top of that, the Sea otters were nowhere to be seen in the SeaWorld. Bottom line: no Otters for me
Even if I love the Europen giants Berlin, Chester, Vienna or Prague, have to admit, that San Diego Zoo is not the best zoo, but the best place I have ever been. Combination with fantastic excibits, collection, climate,conservation, education, facilities and great service make it my number one all time zoo. I am writing this on my way to New York to visit the World Champion and the idea, that there is something better or at least on par with San Diego Zoo is really exciting !