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San Diego Zoo Africa Rocks – Summer Family Fun


The San Diego Zoo, known to be one of the best zoos in the world, recently opened a new state-of-the-art exhibit, Conrad Presbys Africa Rocks. But make no mistake, this new addition is not home to the usual suspects — lions, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, and rhinos to name a few. In fact, the new exhibit is home to lesser-known animals and plants found in Africa, including penguins. Yes, penguins! Who knew?

But mom, I don’t wanna leave!

These adorable birds were the first animals to make an appearance from the Africa Rocks star-studded lineup which includes five other habitats as well. And we had the opportunity to visit Penguin Beach in Cape Fynbos on opening day this past weekend. Definitely the hottest ticket in town as the Zoo has not had penguins in over 35 years! Our girls loved seeing the cute warm-weather penguins waddle and dive into their 275,000-gallon pool. Also living in this ginormous pool are leopard sharks. Not to worry though, these sharks do not eat penguins.

And because African penguins are endangered, this habitat is also a breeding colony. Hats off to the San Diego Zoo Global team for all their efforts to protect and grow endangered species.

The exhibit is also one of the most ambitious projects the zoo has taken on to date. With its transformation of what used to be a steep grade and 1930s-era exhibits of Cat Canyon into an easily accessible, gently winding pathway with state-of-the-art homes for animals and garden spaces for plants. 

Be sure to check out when the rest of the star-studded line-up will make an appearance this summer. We can not wait to go back and see all six habitats! Especially those of the Hamadryas baboons and meerkats. And if you can’t make it out, no worries, we got you covered. Check out their live webcams now. Cuteness overload guaranteed.

Interested in a VIP experience? You can now have breakfast with the penguins on select dates this summer! You’ll get an early entrance to the Zoo and have the opportunity to watch these adorable animals swim, waddle and play before the crowds come. Now, how’s that for an amazing experience?Plus, there’s also a Penguins and Friends Tour which includes a unique private viewing of the penguin beach where you’ll get the inside scoop on how the Zoo cares for these unique endangered birds and what they are doing to conserve them in the wild.

Join us in visiting and supporting the San Diego Zoo’s efforts to protect and grow species populations of animals, such as the African penguins. Click here for more visitor information.



Abrazos (Hugs) — Gladys

    15 COMMENTS

  • Lisa Nightingale July 6, 2017 Reply

    What cute penguins! I miss the San Diego zoo so much!

  • Maria July 6, 2017 Reply

    The penguins are sooo adorable! My son is going to enjoy this exhibit! I can’t wait! Great pic’s Gladys!!! Thanks for all the Info! See you soon SD zoo!

  • Rocio Ocampo July 6, 2017 Reply

    Wow! Great info! I saw the construction going on last year and I’m so excited that the exhibit is now open. My kids are going to love seeing the penguins. I’m definitely interested in the VIP experience. That would be so awesome to have breakfast with the penguins! Great pictures by the way!

  • paige July 6, 2017 Reply

    We love the SD zoo! We haven’t been in years though- I need to take thebkids back tonsee all this new stuff!

  • Liz Cannon July 6, 2017 Reply

    We haven’t been to the San Diego Zoo yet but I’m dying to go! It looks so fun!

  • Heidi Wells July 6, 2017 Reply

    That penguin jumping pic is amazing girl!

  • Beverly July 7, 2017 Reply

    Those penguins are the cutest. So much fun for the kids.
    Love their mini-me outfits <3

  • Karen Lizarraras July 8, 2017 Reply

    What an awesome attraction! We love penguins & have been contemplating on a trip to the SD Zoo, Im sure after I share this the decision will be a no brainer!

  • Betsy V July 9, 2017 Reply

    OMG!! This is definitely going on my list of places I need to visit when I go back to cali next year. WE ARE OBSESSED WITH PENGUINS!

  • Emily July 9, 2017 Reply

    This looks so fun! I didn’t know the zoo had penguins all those years ago. My littlest would love this!

  • Karissa attanasio July 12, 2017 Reply

    I love this zoo. Must make a trip before summer is over to take all three babes.

  • Karen Edgar July 13, 2017 Reply

    The pictures you captured are so great! I love the San Diego Zoo! So much fun for the whole family!

  • Marisa Brown July 18, 2017 Reply

    Well you’ve convinced me, I HAVE to take my kiddos there!!!

  • Dani Colding July 27, 2017 Reply

    This looks like an epic day at the ZOO!!! The best summer hangout for sure! I am so glad the girls had a blast!!

    xo Dani

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