San Diego, CA – Photo Tour Of The Zoo

/ 2023, California, Photo Shoot, San Diego, Uncategorized, United States / By

San Diego, CA - Zoo Visit

The San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, California, was founded in 1916 and is one of the largest and most prestigious zoos in the world. With over 3,500 animals representing over 650 species, it provides a unique and educational experience for its visitors.

The zoo has a rich history, having been founded by Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth when he heard the roar of a lion while visiting Balboa Park. He was so inspired by the sound that he wanted to bring a zoo to San Diego. The first exhibit housed a variety of animals, including a grizzly bear, monkeys, and a wolf.

Throughout the years, the San Diego Zoo has become known for its successful breeding programs for endangered species, such as the California condor, giant panda, and Tasmanian devil. In addition, it has developed innovative animal habitats, including the Elephant Odyssey and the Africa Rocks exhibit.

Some of the San Diego Zoo’s favourite animals include the giant panda, which the zoo has helped breed and sustain the population, the koala, known for its cute and cuddly appearance, the polar bear, which can be seen swimming in its Polar Bear Plunge habitat, and the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world.

Overall, the San Diego Zoo has been a leader in animal conservation, education, and research, and continues to provide visitors with unforgettable experiences and memories.

My Favourites

The Southern ground hornbill, also known as the African ground hornbill, is a large bird with a distinct appearance. It is found in sub-Saharan Africa and is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting. These birds are known for their deep booming calls and for their social behavior, as they often live in groups of 2 to 9 birds. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on insects, small mammals, reptiles, and other birds. The Southern ground hornbill plays an important ecological role in its habitat, as it disperses seeds and helps to control the population of certain prey species. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this unique and important species, including captive breeding programs and efforts to reduce habitat destruction and hunting.
The Golden trumpet tree, also known as the Tabebuia chrysotricha, is an attractive and vibrant flowering tree that can be found at the San Diego Zoo. The tree is native to Brazil and is prized for its golden yellow blooms that cover the entire tree during its peak blooming period. The tree generally has a rounded shape and can reach up to 30 feet tall and wide when fully mature. Visitors to the San Diego Zoo can enjoy the Golden trumpet tree's blooms from late winter to early spring. The tree is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists who come to marvel at its bright, beautiful, and extravagant blooms that stand out against the lush greenery of the zoo.
Camels are known to cross their back legs while eating, which is a unique behavior that has fascinated scientists for years. It was believed that camels cross their legs to provide support and stabilize themselves while eating on uneven desert terrain. However, recent studies suggest that this behavior is a way for camels to conserve energy and prevent blood flow loss to their muscles. When a camel lifts one leg to take a step, there is an increased risk of losing balance and falling over. Crossing their legs provides the camel with additional stability, which allows them to remain standing for longer periods while eating. Additionally, crossing their legs will also help redistribute the weight of their body, preventing undue muscle fatigue and discomfort. In conclusion, camel's leg-crossing behavior is just another evolutionary adaptation that helps enhance their survival in harsh environments.
Bird of paradise plants, also known as Strelitzia, are a popular tropical plant known for their stunning, brightly colored flowers. Native to South Africa, these plants require warm temperatures, rich soil, and good drainage to thrive. In addition to their striking flowers, bird of paradise plants also have large, lush leaves that add a dramatic touch to any space. They are highly valued for their ornamental purposes and are commonly found in gardens, parks, and tropical landscapes around the world. While they can be challenging to grow, bird of paradise plants make excellent additions to any home or garden for those willing to put in the effort to care for them properly.
The common eland (Taurotragus oryx) is a species of large antelope native to eastern and southern Africa. They are the second-largest antelope species in the world and have a reddish-brown coat with vertical white stripes on their sides. Males have spiral-shaped horns that can grow up to three feet long, while females have shorter, straight horns. Common elands are herbivorous and feed on various types of vegetation, including leaves, grasses, and shoots. They are also able to survive for long periods without water by extracting moisture from their food. The common eland is a social animal and often forms herds of up to 500 individuals. During the mating season, males engage in head-to-head combat to establish dominance and attract females. Females give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of around 9 months. Although the common eland is not currently threatened, their populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss, hunting, and competition with livestock. They are still hunted for their meat and hides in some parts of Africa. Conservation efforts are in place to protect their populations and preserve their habitat.

My processed shots from the Shoot

Water Catcher Plant
Local Foliage
Just The Eyes
Whispy
Dragon
Elephant Play
The Smile
Bright Red
In The Breeze
Baboon
Cactus Plants
Ornate Hawk Eagle
Baboon
Cuddly
Tough Outer Skin
Strange
Shadows
Hoppo Smile
cactus Species
Gentle Giant
So Tall
Look At The Claws
Twin Dragons
Trumpet Tree
Almost Human
I See YOU
Bear Smile
Prowling
Deep HDR
Cleaning Time
Common Eland
Polar Bear
Whispy
BonteBoK
Geco
Cactus
Southern Gerenuk
Camel

Complete Shoot Links - Full Resolution Images in Flickr

San Diego, CA - Day Trippin Zoo

Taking photos at the San Diego zoo is an enjoyable experience. The variety of animals and beautiful surroundings make for great photo opportunities and lasting memories.
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