Since my dad was a huge animal lover, we always had dogs, cats, ducks, turkeys, peacocks, and other smaller creatures when I was growing up. Also, since we lived in Tijuana, just across the border from San Diego, he would take us to that city’s largest zoo. Therefore, I have always liked being around animals. However, as I became an adult, I was turned off by the idea of visiting animals in captivity. So, I avoided going to the zoo for a long time, decades. But then my daughter was born, and for several years, she loved going to the zoo until she felt it was unfair to keep animals locked up, which is how I also felt.
However, as the pandemic started, I read how the City’s and Oakland’s zoos were financially straight in the San Francisco Chronicle. So, these zoos have trouble generating enough revenue to cover their astronomical animal feed bill, which runs into the millions per month, and there has been another collateral damage.
In the case of the San Francisco Zoo, for example, not only do they exhibit animals, but they also provide the following humane services:
- Like many other zoos, they help house and protect threatened and endangered species, which may be the only option for their ultimate survival.
- They have provided veterinary and foster care to wild animals caught by animal control within city limits, such as mountain lions and coyotes, among others.
- They have adopted animals from other zoos worldwide that were unable, or could not afford, to take care of them.
- Part of the zoo’s revenues is donated to animal protection and habitat conservancy organizations worldwide.
Of course, without visitors and their entry fees, the services above have been canceled or cut back dramatically. Therefore, I now encourage people to visit the San Francisco zoo or with family, especially since there is so much to appreciate. One of the zoo’s attractions is its location, just across the Great Highway from the beach. So, you can spend time at the zoo and include a few hours at the beach laying out or just going for a walk. In addition, the zoo itself makes you feel like you have left the densely packed city and escaped for a few hours.
Inside the zoo, most people tend to veer toward their favorite animals and exhibits. However, for me, the five high points of the zoo are as follows:
- The mixed species of the Savannah exhibit by the entrance were tastefully designed. It contains animals living in harmony and as they would cross paths in their natural habitat. The exhibit includes giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and others.
- The playground, completely renovated in 2013, is a great place for your kid(s) to burn off some energy. It also allows parents to take a break and relax before continuing.
- The animal sculptures located around the zoo are another favorite of mine. From what I have been told regarding the more exotic creatures, the artwork is excellent and quite lifelike.
- The South American Rainforest and Aviary are entertaining with all the birds it houses, but my favorite part of this exhibit is the sloths, which share this space with the birds. The petting zoo is a must-see for visitors of all ages. The zoo personnel who staff this part of the zoo are very friendly and will guide you, including telling you how to pet the various animals.
As I wrote above, these are my Top 5 favorite things to see at the zoo, but other great exhibits and interesting animals are to check out. And don’t forget to pack a lunch or buy food there, walk across the Great Highway, and picnic on the beach if the day is nice.