San Diego Zoo, CA
29 Oct, 3 Nov 1998
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San Diego Zoo, CA29 Oct, 3 Nov 1998 |
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The San Diego Zoo is the world's most famous zoo, and now we know why. It is like many other large zoos around the US and in other countries, with some great exhibits and excellent animal care. A zoo serves a great purpose in educating people about the wonders and importance of the many animals that share this world with us. But there are two things that set this zoo apart: The climate is unique, allowing San Diego Zoo to accomodate a wide variety of animal species, from Polar Bears to the Spiny Achidna. And partly because of this gentle climate, San Diego Zoo has pioneered captive breeding for many of the world's endangered species. They also have an amazing collection of plants, said to be worth more in dollars than their animals. We spent two full days there, and still didn't see everything we wanted to. Of course, we tend to take our time and absorb as much as we can at every stop. |
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Pandas - by HarrisonA panda's digestive system isn't built for bamboo, so pandas eat bamboo(20…), bamboo(…40…), and more bamboo(…60#!). Pandas may have been eating bamboo for 3 million years! Shi-shi, a male panda, weighs 240#. That's who I'm looking at in the picture. Pandas are endangered to numbers around 1000(!) because females only have babies every 2-3 years.We are trying to save the pandas in many ways, and I hope they succeed. Pandas are more closly related to racoons than bears. But a panda is neither! Don't the spots on a panda's eyes resemble those on a racoon? The second picture is of a panda paw. |
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Koalas - by AmandaKoalas sleep up to 20 hours a day! They are marsupials, which means their babies are born undeveloped and live in their mom's pouch a long time. The babies are called Joeys. Koalas are found only in Australia, and they eat only eucalyptus leaves, which are hard to digest. They live in the trees are have good gripping hands and feet. Koala is an Australian Aborigine name that means "I don't drink." It's a good name, because don't drink any water. They get all the water they need from the leaves. That lets them stay in the trees away from enemies all day. Researchers learned that koalas only mate in one special kind of eucalyptus tree. Without it in their habitat, there aren't any babies. This white koala is Onya-Biri, born at the zoo about a year ago. White koalas occur naturally, though they are rare. The first koalas in America came to the San Diego Zoo in 1924, after the zoo could prove to Australia they could grow eucalyptus trees all year round. There are only about 40,000 koalas in the wild. They have been hunted by people. Koalas are the best known animals in Australia. I think people should take care of them because they are cute and gentle animals. I loved watching them. |
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Orangutans, "People of the Forest," by RobOrangutans live in Borneo and Sumatra. The name Orangutan means "Person of the Forest." It was easy to see how they got their name after spending an hour watching them. The mothers suckle their young, the kids roll around and tease each other, the male sits aloof and does his own thing. A full grown male can live 40 years in the wild, and weigh approximately 160lbs. In zoos they can live more than 50 years and reach double the normal weight. The Orangutans split from the common ape ancestor more than five million years ago, making it the oldest in the Great Apes (of which Humans also belong). This makes them the least like humans, with only about 95% of their DNA begin similar to humans. They are also the only great ape that spends most of its time in the trees. Unlike the animals in most other exhibits, the Orangutans were very aware that people were watching them, sometimes almost putting on a show for us. I began to wonder, who's the one in the zoo? Orangs are very calm, sedentary apes. Here is one passing the time with a nickel. Unlike the social life of Gorillas and Chimps, Orangutans are generally solitary, especially the males. They are very intelligent, able to use simple tools, and pass on learned behaviors to their children. Orang young spend years with their mothers, learning their way around the jungles and what to eat. |
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Gorillas - by SusanThere is a great looking habitat for the gorilla troop at San Diego Zoo. It is designed to feel as much like a true mountain jungle habitat as possible. This makes it hard to see them! We checked in on them both days, and only got a glimpse of the troop. We did have fun pretending, though. |
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Hippos - by SusanThe most amazing thing about hippopotamus' is their size. They weigh 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 tons! It was fascinating to watch how gracefully they move around in the water, depsite their enormous weight. Kind of reminds me of the ones doing ballet in "Fantasia". Hippos are good mothers, constantly watching for lions, hyenas and crocodiles. They have been known to kill lions and bite 9-foot-long crocodiles in half. Females govern the herd and take turns babysitting up to 40 babies. A baby will sometimes climb onto its mother's back while she is floating. This probably helps protect them from hungry crocs. (Hippos look like the rhino of the river.) |
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The gift shops at the zoo had great plush animals. Amanda wanted to bring them all home. (She actually wanted to bring the REAL animals home! Especialy a chimp!) Find your favorite stuffed toy at eToys.com As we walked to our car, a little weary, but satisfied from an enjoyable day, the day closed with a beautiful San Diego moonrise. Famous last words: "The end is always a bummer. You have to go home, and your feet hurt." - Harrison |
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We love almost anything from DK, and this one is sure to be a hit with the younger kids, and probably still fun for the older ones too. Henry the animated lizard is your guide to the games and puzzles. In one great activity, kids try to remember the animal sounds and play them back in the right order in one game. In another, they flip cards to pair each baby animal with its mother. The games can be played alone or with a friend at different skill levels. |
While visiting the zoo, we found we were especially attracted to the apes. The calm habits of the gorillas and orangutans were captivating. Explore the world of orangutans, gibbons, gorillas, chimpanzees, and more with games, puzzles, original songs, and animated illustrations. |
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