ranles

An old reason to visit San Diego, returns!!!!

We went for a brief visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park this morning (6/14). The formal opening for everyone is 6/20. Today was a special opening for "medium+" level membership donors.
The new rules include face masks of everyone over 2 years old. Parking is free, at least for now (usually $15 at the Safari Park). You will be asked health questions before entering. Visitor numbers are restricted. The will be street signs alerting visitors of the status. No phone status available.

Safari Park, per our visit. We arrived 25 minutes before the 9am opening. There are three lines with ground circles noting the 6' distance. We were first in one of those lines (tomorrow is a second day of this program for the same donors). We first went to the newest exhibit, Australia (opened May, last year?). On the way, we picked up a ticket to see the platypus. No more waiting in line, now you get a time ticket! We saw one of the two, briefly, before it swam away. It is dark, and visibility is not great. It is nature, hit or miss. You get about 2+minutes. The roos were not out yet, but were about 9:20AM. Next we went up to the "shed" and saw the cassowaries. The main changes, are the restriction from intermixing with the roos. Then it was across and up to Condor Ridge. No change in seeing the condors. The big horn sheep exhibit is slightly altered for access, but you can still get a good view, including at least 3 new babies! The domestic animals exhibited as you leave are just the same, but distancing of visitors makes it a bit more complicated. Down we went to the tiger exhibit. 3 were out, we say two. No real change here. Our final stop was the Meerkats. Only two were out, but they really seemed glad to see people, if with masks.

The dining area down by the camp and lion exhibit is still closed. The hamburger dining in the center area is open, for outside dining. The central men's bathroom, has every other urinal covered. Many seating areas have been altered. The tram is NOT operating. Some of the pay for transports are still operating, but under new rules. See the websites. Sorry, we did not get more information to share. About 1 hour and 20 minutes was all my ragged legs could do. Exiting is thru a separate area.

You are reminded to keep the 6' distancing. People were fairly compliant. It was safe. Lots of employees. If you have a refillable souvenir cup, you show it and get the lower price, but will be given a soda in a paper cup, and can pour it into your cup if you wish. One more "share touching" avoided for the staff. We are 75, and would not do risky activities during this pandemic.

It has been tough for the Zoological Society to continue, without any gate income. All the endangered species still need to be fed, and the keepers paid. No government help, except for the rent.