Situated on a prime parcel of 100 acres in the northwest corner, of Balboa Park, the zoo provides refuge for 4,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 800 species and subspecies.

The grounds qualify an accredited botanical garden, tended by expert horticulturists. Here grows a profusion of more than 6,500 species of exotic plants. The eucalyptus, bamboo and hibiscus play much more than ornamental roles: they furnish dietary supplements for many of the animals.

The zoo is boasting 500 million members, it welcomes 3 million visitors each year; the world’s largest zoological membership association, it oversees not only the zoo but also San Diego’s Wild Animal Park. 

Among the zoo’s rare occupants are Australian koalas, New Guinea tree kangaroos, giant pandas from China, pygmy chimpanzees from central Africa, Komodo dragons from Indonesia, Vietnamese clouded leopards, Arctic polar bears, and bird species.