When the kids were growing up we were members of the San Diego Zoology Society.
We had unlimited access to the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park.
During the summer months, the kids attended Wild Animal Day Camp at the Wild Animal Park and always had a great learning experience.
Now, many years later, we are still card carrying members of the Zoology Society.
It’s much more economical than most would think and the rewards are incredible!
I love to walk about while letting my imagination take me to Africa!
And since the Wild Animal Park now goes by the name of San Diego Safari Park, it’s very easy to be on safari in Africa in my imagination.
Here are a few of our ‘African’ adventures over the years.
Britt, Todd, Brian and Katie – 12/1985
Years ago it was fun to get up close and personal with the elephants but because of safety issues and complaints from some animal activist, it’s no longer permissible to do this.
Todd handing out snacks – December 1985
Brian & Todd aboard an elephant in 1986.
Brian with his Wild Animal Day Camp leaders – 1987
Britt with her Wild Animal Camp leaders – 1987
Todd with his Wild Animal Camp leaders – 1987
I wasn’t all that excited about the hawk flying at my face let alone having it land on my hand to eat a dead mouse.
But, boy oh boy, what an incredible memory!
Todd with his fellow campers before Wild Animal Camp started early one morning in 1989
Brian and his Wild Animal Camp leader – 1990
He had the coolest camp this year with excursions out on the Savannah in the back of trucks!
Britt and her Wild Animal Camp leader – 1990
Todd and his Wild Animal Camp leader – 1990
The San Diego Zoology Society has provided us with many happy memories.
And without a doubt, there are many more memories to come!
Over the years, they have expanded the activities with all new Safaris to participate in including Roar & Snore, Flightline, Jungle Ropes, and so much more!
JR Frugalmom says
Going on a safari is always fun! We just took the kids to a local safari a few weeks ago, and they surely loved it. There’s just something amazing about driving around surrounded by giraffes.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I didn’t realize they’d made the name change and I also didn’t realize there was a bit of a distance between people and the animals nowadays. It stands to reason, but your kids were lucky to experience the easier days!
All the same, still a wonderful place to go!
judy gardner says
what a fun looking place! we have a nice zoo close by – my favorite animals there are the polar bears!
Cathi says
Oh Judy … aren’t the polar bears magnificent? They always look so cute and cuddly. It’s easy to forget they’d like to have us for a snack! 😉
Thanks for stopping by Simple Sojourns!