San Diego Day 2- Shopping and the Wild Animal Park

Our second day in San Diego dawned with a “possibility of showers” that quickly turned from “possibility” to “torrential downpour.” We put our plans to visit the Wild Animal Park on hold and took Aunti Eris out for her birthday lunch at Cheesecake Factory. By the time we finished up lunch the rain had started to clear up so we did a little shopping at the mall there hoping the weather would continue to improve. Sycely made a panda at the Build-A-Bear at the mall. When we finished up at the mall it was getting late into the afternoon but we figured we’d give the Animal Park a shot.

After the 40 minute drive we got there about an hour and half before closing which worked out just about perfectly for us to walk to the train depot, hop on and take a tour around the park to see the animals. We wrapped up just as the park was closing for the day. The Wild Animal Park features wild animals from around the world, especially Africa, displayed in large, open areas similar to their wild habitat. They take you around the perimeter to see the animals up close-it’s all very Jurassic Park, right down to the electric gate doorways that open up as you approach them.

We finished up the day with dinner at Sycely’s favorite old standby Red Robin, did a little looking at that mall and headed home for an early bedtime. Lem and I took a walk along Mission Beach after the girls were down for the night. Being so close to the beach (across the street) and having Aunti Eris along was so convenient!

Animal Park highlights included: 7 pregnant giraffes, elephants, lions, LOTS of antelope, rhinos, baby giraffes and zebras.