The San Francisco Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo

by Louis Arena

The San Francisco Zoo is conveniently located on the Southwest portion of the city right next to Ocean Beach.  The bus ride to the park using the Bay Area Rapid Transit was an easy and quick ride from the inner city.  The bus brings you right there with a short walk.  The lines were relatively short for a Saturday, and within minutes I was in the park. 

Upon the purchase of my ticket, a cartoon-esque map was provided making the park easy to navigate. As I stepped into the park the landscape gave a safari-like feel that intensified the experience.  While traveling to one exhibit a harmless peacock decided to join me adding even more excitement.  The park is handicap-friendly with its level paths and elevators. 

The first exhibit I strolled upon was the African Savanna where housed one of my favorite animals, the giraffe.  The long limbered giraffes stood like giants munching on a few trees.  The even-still-tall baby giraffes ran about the field not bothered by the heat.  Just before the park closes, the giraffes are gathered inside a barn for even closer but safe view.

On the way to the Lions House, I passed a large chimpanzee and lemur exhibit with various species.  These animals do not monkey around when it comes to putting on a spectacular show of scaling long branches.  Also along the way, I saw a large penguin pool that almost seemed a bit overcrowded for these tuxedo-wearing birds. As they actively swam and wobbled around, I was overcome with jealousy that they had a pool for some relief.  Luckily for me, there was a concession stand close by as there are several conveniently located around the park.

On my arrival to the Lions House I was stunned by how close these massive carnivores were.  The enclosure seemed extraordinarily safe if not overly secure without hindering sight.  The lions and tigers both were just basking in the hot sun.  Patiently waiting, I was able to see one lion pace slowly, lifting his huge paws and give out a yawn exposing his razor-sharp teeth.  With that amazing display I was satisfied and moved onto my favorite exhibit.

The grizzly bears were located in a secured field that included a pool where all the action took place.  There were two sibling bears within the premise that were not bashful.  The bears were constantly playing, swinging their heavyset paws, and pushing each other.  These animals clearly didn’t mind the public eyes as they swam towards the viewing glass creating quite a personal experience.  I spent a good amount of time marveling these magnificent creatures that I spent little time looking at other animals, such as the polar bears, koalas, and birds.

Three hours was plenty to view every exhibit in the park.  Once I left, I greatly appreciated nature and received my money’s worth.  A short walk down the block I found a place to eat and then went to Ocean Beach to view the sunset completing my adventure-filled day.

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