A large section of the zoo (mainly the Lost Forest area) is surrounded by dense undergrowth that does indeed give the impression of being in a rainforest. Tiger Trail features overhanging branches and thick bushes along the visitor pathway and everything comes across as being dark and shaded. This works out quite well both for the animal exhibits and the blocking out of the California sunshine. However, on the opposite side of the zoo there is the desert-like Elephant Odyssey and many open-air grottoes that are in direct sunlight.
This is one of my favorite parts of the zoo and this view of it (from the skyride) is truly stunning. Perhaps the most beautiful zoo architecture scene anywhere. Albert's, the upscale (expensive) restaurant, is indoors and is underneath the platform you see here. The area viewed in this picture is a less expensive cafe - food is ordered inside the closer of the two red roofed buildings and eaten on that patio, which has a great view. The farther red roofed structure is a nice split level gift shop. This is my favorite place to eat in nice weather, although it can be windy at times out on the deck.
