National Zoo and Aquarium Month in San Diego

June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month, and San Diego is one of the best places to celebrate!

San Diego is home to three amazing locations where you can observe animals in their natural habitats. These magnificent locales are places where you can learn about the community of animals and wildlife with whom we share the earth, and how to preserve their existence. In an effort to honor the role these types of parks play in conservation, recreation, education, and research, a full month is dedicated to zoos and aquariums throughout the country.

We live in a world full of incredible species, and to have the chance to see many of them up close and personal should not be missed. The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park and Birch Aquarium are remarkable places to observe diverse types of wildlife and learn what you can do to protect them and their habitats. This is a great month to visit one of these parks with your kids!

San Diego Zoo

Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is one of the most advanced facilities for experiencing and learning more about wildlife. Its fame is worldwide and it enjoys visits from over 3 million people a year. This is a great place to view animals from all over the earth, including various rare and endangered species. The zoo spans over 100 acres, houses more than 3,700 animals and 650 species. Some of the favorites here are the polar bears, the giant pandas, and the adorable koalas. The San Diego Zoo’s mission is to lead the fight against extinction. And don’t forget to admire the amazing landscaping while you’re visiting the Zoo.
Some of the June special fun includes Kindernights, Wild Night Out, and Summer Safari. The Nighttime Zoo is a special experience for the whole family, and runs from mid-June through the beginning of September. The Zoo’s newest feature, Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks! focuses on the remarkable biodiversity of the African continent, including both flora and fauna.

Birch Aquarium

For a view of a variety of ocean creatures, you must visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The aquarium is 20 minutes from downtown San Diego and overlooks the Pacific Ocean from a high bluff.
The exhibits include a huge variety of marine creatures in more than 60 habitats. Get a closer look at coral reefs, complete with tropical fish. Observe and even touch marine creatures such as sea stars, sea cucumbers and others in the outdoor touch pool. To instill a deeper appreciation of marine life, this is the place to be this summer.
World Oceans Day celebration at Scripps Birch Aquarium is June 9. This year the focus is on plastic pollution, and what people can do to help reduce the amount of ocean plastic. Other June activities include Green Flash Concert Series, World Oceans Day, Kelp Forest Dive Show, and Shark Feeding. The Aquarium also hosts an annual and uniquely southern California experience – observing a grunion run!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

If your bucket list includes experiencing an African safari, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a place that replicates that adventure. Spending time at this incredible park is like visiting the plains and forests of Africa. Some of the most magnificent as well as endangered creatures are housed at the park and can be seen in a habitat that closely replicates their natural homes.
A tram ride through the park takes you past freely roaming rhinos, giraffes, gazelles, and other creatures. Watching African lions wrestling with their cubs and gazelles milling around a watering hole takes one to the action of the Serengeti. The Tiger Trail offers amazing views of Sumatran tigers. There is no better place in the country to experience Africa and its wildlife.

June boasts such adventures as the Roar and Snore Safari as well as a new experience, “Walkabout Australia”, featuring a special program called Roos and Mates.

Whether you’re a visitor to San Diego, or a local, June is a great month to experience and appreciate these incredible wildlife landmarks. Check out Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups’ articles for more San Diego events!