5 Most popular San Diego Zoo animals

Photo Credit: Randy Stewart / San Diego Zoo / Flickr

If you’re planning a trip to the San Diego Zoo, it’s worth noting which San Diego Zoo animals are the most popular. This will not only help you know which ones you must see, you’ll also know you’ll need to arrive early to beat the crowds and make the most of your time at the zoo. 

The San Diego Zoo spans 100-acres and is home to more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies. It also has a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants.

The 5 most popular San Diego Zoo Animals (in no particular order) are koalas, giraffes, leopards, polar bears and giant pandas.

1. Koalas

Koalas are one of the most popular San Diego Zoo animals, which just may have something to do with their cute cuddly reputation. Contrary to popular belief, however, these animals are not bears. Even though they’re often called koala bears, these mammals belong to a group of animals with pouches called marsupials. Other marsupials include kangaroos and opossums.  

The San Diego Zoo is home to the largest koala colony and the most successful koala breeding program outside of Australia. Experience the koalas by strolling along an elevated walkway where you can watch them perching in the eucalyptus forest. If you really love Koalas, you can take part in Breakfast with Koalas at an additional cost. Reservations required. 

Fun Fact: The San Diego Zoo acquired its first pair of koalas in 1925. Their names were Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. Keep tabs on the koalas wherever you are on the Koala Cam. 

2. Giraffes

Giraffes are not only the tallest land animals, they are also one of the most popular San Diego Zoo animals. Their height and the unusual pattern of their coat make them so intriguing. The Zoo has Masai giraffes, which are native to Kenya. They share their space with a herd of gazelles. Feeding time is always a great opportunity to view the giraffes. Check the schedule when you arrive and plan to attend. You’ll see them enjoy hay and carrots, as well as raw onions as a treat!

Fun Fact: A giraffe’s eyeballs are as big as a golf ball.

3. Leopards

The San Diego Zoo has three different kinds of leopards: Amur, Clouded and Snow. These stealth spotted animals are popular due to their beauty and, quite frankly, because they are an ultimate predator. In spite of being the smallest of the large cats, compared to lions and tigers, leopards are still clever and powerful hunters.

While Amur leopards are prominent in Africa, few people have seen Clouded leopards in their native Southeast Asia. The Snow leopard, also from Asia, looks very different from the others with its gray coat and black spots. Because these animals blend in so well to their surroundings, Snow leopards are also seldom spotted in the wild.

Fun Fact: Leopards can hear five times more sounds than humans, even the ultrasonic squeaks made by mice.

4. Polar Bears

The San Diego Zoo offers several fun ways to experience polar bears beginning with an underwater viewing room. Since polar bears love to swim, this is a great way to see them up close as they frolic in the water. You can also check them out from an outdoor viewing area that overlooks the bears’ “beach.” Finally, the zoo offers an Experience Wall, which has glass panels that slide open to reveal a protective mesh barrier that allows you to interact with the bears. Keep tabs on the polar bears wherever you are on the Polar Bear Cam. 

Fun Fact: Built to stay warm in their cold habitat, polar bears sometimes overheat and have to cool off in the chilly water.

5. Giant Pandas

The San Diego Zoo has three giant pandas for you to experience. These large animals serve as a reminder that giant pandas are endangered species, as only about 1,600 exist in the world. Giant pandas are popular for many reasons, including their unique black and white markings. Pandas are only about 3-5 ounces at birth and grow to weigh up to 220 pounds for females and 275 for males.

If you really love pandas, consider getting up a little early to spend a morning with these giant bears before the exhibit opens. The San Diego Zoo is now offering small-group tours at an additional cost before the zoo opens. Your two-hour adventure allows you to watch the zoo’s three pandas enjoy their breakfast … bamboo! Keep tabs on the giant pandas on the Panda Cam. 

Fun Fact: Giant pandas are technically carnivores, but they have adapted to live mostly on bamboo.

My Castle House

After a fun-filled day visiting San Diego Zoo animals, head back to relax in your beautiful Disneyland vacation rental home by My Castle House. We offer 14 wonderful properties in the Anaheim area, all convenient to area attractions. All of our Disneyland vacation rentals are well-appointed offering the comforts of home and the ability to prepare your own meals in fully equipped kitchens. Relax in the pool – all of our castles have one – and get a good night’s rest in any one of our incredible themed rooms. 

Photo Credit: Randy Stewart / San Diego Zoo / Flickr