San Diego's wild side roars with excitement

SAN DIEGO -- When one thinks of San Diego, pictures of beaches, bronzed surfers, Cor-onado Island and historic Old Town flood the imagination.    However, only two hours south of Long Beach, this city possesses a wild side second to none in Southern California.

The San Diego Zoo, located just north of downtown in beautiful Balboa Park, and the San Diego Wild Animal Park, located 35 miles north of the city in Escondido, give visitors something to roar about. These venues are operated by the not-for-profit San Diego Zoological Society and comprise one of the finest collections of flora and fauna in the world.

The 100-acre San Diego Zoo was founded in 1916 by Dr. Harry Wegeforth, a physician whose love of animal life spurred him to create a home for approximately 50 animals he collected from local menageries. Today, the zoo houses more than 4,000 animals of 800 different species.

Unlike many zoological parks, the San Diego Zoo has placed a strong emphasis on creating habitats that reflect a species' natural environment.

One may stroll along an Indian river valley, take in the sights and smells on a journey through an African rain forest and shiver in anticipation while watching polar bears plunge into an underwater Arctic playground.

The current star attraction at the San Diego Zoo is the giant panda family. On loan from China, parents Bai Yun and Shi Shi arrived at the zoo on Sept. 10, 1996 to begin a 12-year conservation study. On Aug. 21, 1999, Bai Yun gave birth to a cub, Hua Mei, the first North American giant panda birth in over a decade, according to zoo officials.

The pandas are part of the San Diego Zoological Society's Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species. Scientists are studying the pandas in order to help preserve them from extinction. The zoo sends approximately $1 million a year to preserve the forests in Central China where pandas live, according to zoo officials.

The 10-month-old cub's playful antics can be viewed daily in person or on the special online PandaCam found at the zoo's Web site, www.sandiegozoo.com.

"I've watched the cub since its birth almost daily at this site," said Los Angeles resident Katrina Nason. "It's the next best thing to being there."

During the summer months, zoo hours are extended so that one may experience dawn and nighttime with the animals. This opportunity allows visitors to witness activity by animals that are often nocturnal. Zoo hours are 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Sept. 4. For more information, one may call (619)234-3135.

The San Diego Wild Animal Park is an excellent addition to the city's zoological society's holdings. Opened in 1975, the 2,200-acre park gives large, grassland species room to roam.

The 32-acre Heart of Africa exhibit transports one to the savannahs of East Africa. This exhibit boasts the largest herd of endangered black rhinoceroses found in captivity and a breeding group of rare cheetahs.

The San Diego Animal Park's newest exhibit exemplifies a feat in environmental conservation. Opened in May, Condor Ridge represents the triumphant comeback from the brink of extinction of the California condor.

In 1983, only 24 individuals remained worldwide. On Feb. 29, 2000, the newest chick hatched, joining a population that now numbers more than 150. The chick is the 76th  to be hatched at the park since 1983, according to zoo officials.

During the summer, the San Diego Wild Animal Park offers unique overnight camping trips and photo safaris. The park also features night visits which include ethnic entertainment and dining. Park hours for general attendance are daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. To find out more about special events and programs, one may call (760) 747-8702.