San Diego Zoo

As I took a stroll down memory lane in Southern California, I decided to revisit the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park.  I had been to the San Diego Zoo as a child, but I was too young to remember.

Just after the entrance, I decided to start off on the left by the Skyfari East lift.  I have to admit, the Meerkats sure are a cute animal.  I remember a show on the Discovery Channel a while back, showing Meerkats and I think it was quite popular.

Just around from the Meercats were the Macaws, very colorful birds:

Just beside the Macaws was a medium sized pond with Spot-necked Otters.  I tried to get a photo, but the Otters were quite playful this day.  Also, this day the Zoo was very busy.

After watching the Otters, I walked over to the Fossa.  I thought back for a minute.  Most of these animals I had never heard of in my life.  Some of them had interesting names, some looked a little funny, but sure enjoyed viewing them in their natural habitat.

After looking at the animals around the entrance, I decided to take a rest and take the Skyfari Lift to the back of the park.  I knew that Balboa Park was a gem in downtown.  I never knew that there was such a great view from the Skyfari Lift.

 

All through out the Zoo (except for the Polar areas) there were nice waterfall's or small island displays.  Honestly, I wish I had something this nice in my yard.

I noticed a good size group of people around the Koala (which are not bears, they are marsupials.)  These Koala's have a great idea, sleeping!  I know they are nocturnal marsupials.

Giraffes have been a second favorite animal.  I like the color patterns on their skin.  This giraffe was a young one, but still tall enough.  If I could have some as pets, that would be great.

When ever I see a camel, I always think of my friends in Israel.  This camel, bless him, was going through a shedding phase.

The last area to visit was the Elephant Odyssey.  I watched the elephant's walk around the area.  I am amazed a how a huge animal could walk around so gracefuly.

A small look at home.

As I looked through my photo albums, I debated as to my next blog post topic.  I realized that I travel more often than I thought I had.  I finally found one album to focus on.  I took this trip in May 2010.  I had decided to go back and see home again.  I have been back home to Southern California 3 times since my family moved away in the early 1980's.

I had left the hotel in La Mesa, Ca and drove up I-15 to Escondido.

As I drove northward, I enjoyed my view.  Since this trip was my first alone, I made sure I knew where I was going.  I wanted to stay north of the border at all costs.  As I drove eastward on CA-78, I knew that I was close to the Wild Animal Park.  I was delighted to see this wonderful sign:

Just after the entrance, you are in front of the Aviary:

As I walked onward, I came to some wonderful ponds with some magnificent animals.  If I am not mistaken, this is the Chilean Flamingo Lagoon and African Marsh:

Just over from the African Marsh are the Meerkat.  Such fascinating animals:

After I watched the Meerkat play for a while, I turned to the Southern Pudu.  I have to admit I had never hear of the Pudu before hand, and thought it was a strange name.  But I also admit the Pudu is a nice looking animal almost like a short deer:

Just south of the Pudu, there was a nice Lagoon.  There were all types of birds and fish to look at.  Here is the view of the Lagoon:

After walking through the section with all types of birds, I noticed a huge balloon in the distance.  I was curious as to what it was.  I made my way down to the  Balloon Safari (a new part since I last visited.) 

After exiting the Balloon Safari, I moved onto the Heart of Africa.  This is a new expansion since I last visited in 1981.  Thankfully there was a tram ride, which made the viewing easier.