Wild Animal Park or Zoo?

[CapeCodDoug]

Hi -- I'm confused about the differnce (if there is any) between the "Wild Animal Park" and the San Diego Zoo. Planning on visiting this area the last week of July, and would like to have stuff to keep my kids busy. If you've been there, which one would you go to if you could only go to one?
Thanks, CCD

[MaryS]

They're both exceptional and, in general, I prefer the Wild Animal Park, but it can get awfully hot out there in the summer.

[Joel]

If you've never been to either, I would definitely choose the Zoo in Balboa Park. However, if you are coming from Palm Desert, it is only about 90 minutes to the WAP and a solid 2 hour drive to the Zoo..and that's with no traffic..

[Dgstan]

It seems our chief KIAs failed to address your question.

The Zoo is amazing. It is a world-famous, award-winning facility. While it's still considered a "zoo", where the animals are kept in cages, the enclosures and grounds are very nice and certainly unlike most zoos across the nation. The diversity of animals is far beyond your standard zoo as well.

The WAP is quite different. Many of the animals there are allowed to roam free out on plains that are meant to resemble their natural habitat. You ride a train through their environs in order to hope to catch a glimpse of them. It is quite a different experience than a zoo.

Both are must-sees. If I had to choose one, it would be the zoo. They've got pandas, koalas, an amazing reptile exhibit. Balboa Park is also very nice. Great museums and the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center.

[Vince P]

I adore Lions.

Which joint would allow me to hug, pet and have lunch with a live Lion in person?

Vince P

[Dgstan]

I adore Lions.

Which joint would allow me to hug, pet and have lunch with a live Lion in person?

Vince P

I think you can do that in Vegas. Ask for Sigfried.

[Joel]

I adore Lions.

Which joint would allow me to hug, pet and have lunch with a live Lion in person?

Vince P

Great memories of visiting Lion Country amusement park when I was a kid:



http://www.yesterland.com/lioncountry.html

[Sluggo4171]

I adore Lions.

Which joint would allow me to hug, pet and have lunch with a live Lion in person?

Vince P

I am not speaking from experience. (Maybe)...Do not strap a salt lick on your rear if ya do try to pet em. Suckers love the salt

[Vince P]

JB,

That Lion Park is super cool. Have you been there recently? I'd figuratively give an arm and a leg to go there.

How far is Irvine from Santa Anita if I'm driving up from the 5 to the 10 to the 405?

Are they open in early November?

How old do you have to be to drive thru?

Anyone want to join me during BC week this November and go there for a day?

Admission is only $3.50, half the price of a Dodger Dog.

Vince P

[Joel]

JB,

Are they open in early November?

Vince P

Sure, Vince!

Afterwards we can hit Busch Gardens, the Movieland Wax Museum, and Marineland..maybe even catch some wrasslin at the Olympic Auditorium..