The second of two zoos operated by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife alliance, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is in Escondido, 43 miles northeast of the San Diego Zoo, and has a smaller, substantially different collection of animals: rhinos, a bald eagle, elephants, lions, and kangaroos. While the park can be walked, safaris are offered for additional fees in carts or trucks, and are not included in zoo memberships.
If you’re a resident of Orange County or San Diego and thinking of returning to the parks beyond one visit to each in a year, an annual zoo membership will likely make more sense – especially as members can save money (5-10%) while at the zoo. Note that the San Diego Zoo does not have reciprocity with other zoos or museums, so the only value you’ll derive from membership will be in these specific zoos.
