Events

One Forest, Many Roles

Carbon sink:

Absorbs and stores excess carbon from the atmosphere

Biodiversity hotspot:

Among the most biologically rich and threatened regions on Earth

Water transport: Creates clouds that carry moisture around the planet

Home: About 30 million people live in the Amazon

Be a Wildlife Ally: Choose Good Wood

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance manages two Amazonian wildlife monitoring stations, one of which is located in a Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) logging concession. FSC certification ensures that trees are responsibly harvested, protecting wildlife from rampant deforestation.

You can help by choosing items with the FSC logo. Look for it on wood and paper products, like furniture or paper towels (and your copy of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal!).

Howler monkey Their long distance calls can sometimes be heard from nearly two miles away (about the corner-to-corner distance of Balboa Park!).

Emerald tree boa With expert camouflage and long teeth, tree boas can snatch flying prey mid-air.

Southern tamandua

Their name means “catcher of ants” in Brazil’s Tupí language.

Jewel caterpillar A gooey coating and spikes protect these caterpillars until they transform into dalcerid moths.

Amazon water lily

Massive eightfoot leaves help these giants soak up the sun. Blue morpho butterfly

With a wingspan of five to eight inches, these are among the world’s largest butterflies. Kapok These trees are some of the Amazon’s tallest, reaching about 230 feet and producing up to 4,000 fruits at a time.

Açaí palm Many animals eat the açaí’s tart purple berries. People eat them, too—in the Amazon, and around the world. Kinkajou These nocturnal carnivores use their prehensile tail to grip branches for balance and when reaching for food.

Amber phantom butterfly Translucent wings help them hide in dense, shaded habitat.

Glass frog Transparent skin on their bellies allows their green top color to provide camouflage.

Whiteblotched river stingray Polka dots provide camouflage for these fish in sun-spotted water. Peruvian firestick While most stick insects have leaf-like camouflage, these use bright warning colors as a defense.

Elephant beetle By eating waste, rotten wood, and carcasses, beetles clean up the rainforest and create fresh soil.

Yellow-spotted Amazon river turtle Their main nesting sites are heavily protected to prevent poaching.

November and December Hours

San Diego Zoo

9 a.m.–5 p.m.*

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

9 a.m.–5 p.m.*

sdzwa.org

619-231-1515

*Exceptions apply. Programs and dates are subject to change—please check our website daily for the latest information and requirements for visiting.

(Z) = San Diego Zoo (P) = Safari Park

November & December

SAN DIEGO ZOO

NOVEMBER 25 Thanksgiving Day Buffet at the Zoo

Enjoy a sumptuous Thanksgiving buffet at the San Diego Zoo’s Treetops Room. Two seatings are available: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. or 3:30–5:30 p.m. Call 619-718-3000 or book online. (Z)

DECEMBER 10–23, 25–31, 2021; AND JANUARY 1–2, 2022 Jungle Bells

presented by California Coast Credit Union Join us at the Zoo until 8 p.m. for holiday cheer with festive lights and decorations, the return of the spectacular Aurora show, special seasonal performances and entertainment, and a variety of treats. (Z)

OFFERED DAILY Discovery Cart Tours

Enjoy a 60-minute guided tour of the Zoo aboard a deluxe expedition cart, led by one of our knowledgeable guides. Book online or call 619-718-3000. (Z)

OFFERED SELECT DAYS Early Morning Cheetah Experience

Meet our world-famous wildlife behavior specialists and get an up-close look at one of our cheetahs as they run and play! Call 619-7183000 or book online. (Z)