Lions, Tigers and Cindy... Oh My!
It has been six years since Cindy and I explored the San Diego Zoo's Safari Park together. We were way overdue for a day of amazements.
Our first goal was to see the new Sumatran tiger cub, who was born August 23 to first-time mother Jillian. His arrival is an important step in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s ongoing work to conserve Sumatran tigers.
With only an estimated 400 to 600 remaining in native habitats, Sumatran tigers are critically endangered. Tigers face many challenges, including loss of habitat, human-wildlife coexistence and poaching. People can help protect tigers by avoiding products made with non-sustainable palm oil, an industry that harms tiger habitats, and by refusing to purchase items made from endangered wildlife.
This adorable, little guy is named Barong, which means "king of spirits" in Balinese.
We watched as he nursed and as Mom gave him a very thorough tongue bath. How truly mesmerizing.
We then stumbled upon this line, one we didn't know existed. We were gathered up and taken for a sneak peek at the upcoming, all-new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley. This is the largest and most transformative project in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s 52-year history.
It will reimagine the heart of the Safari Park, turning the current elephant environment into a dynamic savanna and a place of exploration. Elephant Valley will give guests of all ages the opportunity to connect with elephants like never before, encouraging greater empathy, understanding, and appreciation of this majestic species—and igniting a passion for wildlife. I can't wait. I do love elephants.
One of the powerful draws of this park is the fact that it is constantly changing throughout the seasons: Flowers bloom, babies are born, hidden surprises are discovered.
And it is never just about the mammals. Our feathered friends delight as well.
Oh, but I do love the mammals as well. Today, all were very active, except for the cats... they're cats after all. When asked about it, a docent told us that there were no school groups which means it's quiet and the animals can be themselves on quiet days.
The Gorilla habitat is on the way out and seeing them is one of my most favorite ways to end the day here.
The current band is comprised of all women. In July, the patriarch Winston, died at the age of 52. The ladies that remain are constantly trying to be dominant... someone has to lead. They were thumping their chests, pushing each other around, and just putting on quite the show. This last stop was a highly rewarding. Wow.
We walked over 10,000 steps, delighted in the warm sunshine, shared funny stories of our long friendship, and just enjoyed our time together. Yes, it was a day of amazements!
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