Wild Animal Park

When I was a kid, I so wanted to
come here, but never got to. Back
then you could drive your car
through it's wilderness and spy on
various herds, and if you were
lucky, curious animals would
approach your car, even climb on
it. I remember hearing about
elephants attempting to tip cars
over! They've since changed the
park for obvious reasons. Animals
are secure within the perimeters of
fencing, some getting plenty of
acreage to conduct their lives, for
the most part, as they would in the
wilderness, while others are
caged. Prepare yourself though
for a day of walking. We started
our day when the gates opened at
9:00 a.m. and were nearly the last
ones out when the park closed at
5:00 p.m. and still didn't see
everything. The Giraffe Feeding is
a highlight, we regretfully missed.
Food is purchased to feed them
during one of the two feeding
times, so plan your visit to the
Heart of Africa around this.
Lorikeet Landing was another must
see. Small cups of nectar is
available for purchase to hand
feed these colorful birds, which are
by no means, shy. At times there
would be five or more of them
lining an arm, sitting on a shoulder
or occasionally atop a head! The
kids liked the simulator, Zoowerks-
The Ride. During our visit they
were showing "Dino Island", I
didn't care about it, but welcomed
the five minutes just to sit and rest
my feet. The one-hour, five mile
tour on the Wgasa Bush Line
Railway takes you through Africa
and Asia to see herds in wide open

spaces. Catch this one later in the day
when feet are in need of rest. It's quiet
and scenic here, with occasional
benches to sit and relax and many
photo opportunities. We missed the
Elephant Show, but enjoyed the Bird
Show where various free-flying birds
could be admired soaring through the
air, always to return to their trainers.
There are several places to eat, one
place serves beef burgers, vegetarian
burgers and breakfast, while another
serves pizza and pasta, still others
serve deli sandwiches, deli wraps,
salads, nachos, hot dogs and Asian rice
bowls. The Wild Animal Park will host a
birthday party or even an overnight
camp-over in the great outdoors.
These take place from April through
October on Friday, Saturday and some
Sunday nights, with gift certificates
available. They also have an Education
Program where families have the
opportunity to experience the Park's
wildlife up close aboard a safari truck.
The Wild Animal Park is open 365 days
of the year. Admission is $19.50 for
children 3-12 and $26.50 for adults.
The park opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes
at 4:00 p.m during the fall and winter
and closes at dark during the summer.

Located at 15500 San Pasqual Valley
Road in Escondido

Telephone (760) 747-8702

Website: www.wildanimalpark.org