San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Cheetah Run and Summer Safari

Cheetah Run

 

Last week I had the opportunity to visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park with the kiddos and we were in for quite the treat! We’ve been members of the San Diego Zoo on and off for the past few years and after this last visit I renewed my membership again because I love the place so much!

Summer Safari Fun!

 

Summer is the perfect time to visit The San Diego Zoo Safari Park as the park is currently hosting Summer Safari, an African Extravaganza, daily until August 21st.  Summer Safari features Ethiopian Acrobats, Animal Encounters, crafts for the kiddos and my family’s absolute favorite, the African Extravaganza Party. My kiddos danced and hula hooped until they wore out.

Ethiopian Acrobat

 

 

African Extravaganza Party
The Kiddos and the “Lion”

One of the newest and most exciting additions to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is the Cheetah Run. The Cheetah Run is located near Lion Camp and Balloon Safari, is a unique experience. During Cheetah Run, the spotted and lightning quick animal races on a straight 330-foot-long track that allows the cheetah to really stretch its legs and reach an astounding speed: 0 to 70 miles per hour in just 4 seconds while chasing a mechanical lure attached to its favorite toy.

The Run

 

The Cheetah Run takes place daily at 5pm and is an experience like no other. It is amazing to see a Cheetah in action. It will honestly take your breath away. My kiddos were perfectly still and oohing and aahing throughout the experience. You definitely want to experience it for yourself.

 

Running from 0 to 60 miles in seconds!
Running from o to 60 miles in seconds!

At an additional cost, you can experience the VIP area and be in for quite the treat. You will be able to interact with some of the trainers, have a fun animal encounter and have the absolute best views of the Cheetah Run. My kiddos had a blast watching and being able to take pictures with the guest animal and trainer(I”m sorry but for the life of me I can’t remember what this animal is called. All I know it’s the elephant’s closest relative)

 

My son enjoying the animal interaction presentation

 

 

After the run, the cheetah is brought to the VIP area and you can ask questions of the trainers and take some pretty cool pictures. It is a one of a kind experience because you are so close to the cheetah, you can actually hear it lick and purr. It was way cool!

Shiley, who was absolutely amazing to look and hear close up!

 

After the Cheetah Run we headed over to the African Tram Safari for a view of the animals. The kids and I loved every minute of it. We actually were able to catch the after birth of a Somali Wild Ass. It was one of the highlights of our day! The African Tram Safari experience is included with admission and it is definitely a must do!

 

The Views on our African Safari Tram Experience

 

It was an incredible experience and can’t really put into words how much I absolutely love the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. If you have not visited in a while or have ever visited, now is the perfect time to visit with so many fun activities going on.

To learn more about the San Diego Zoo Safari Park head here.