On our second day in San Diego, we decided to visit the renowned San Diego Zoo. I have mixed feelings about zoos. The not-so-good ones are heartbreaking. (I struggle seeing animals in tiny enclosures.) But, the good ones are a vital part of retaining our planet’s (diminishing) biodiversity.
San Diego’s zoo is one of the goodies (at least in my opinion). It is home to over 650 species of animals, many of them endangered. The importance of conservation and biodiversity was emphasized throughout the Zoo. And, with 100 acres of land, the enclosures seemed more spacious and thoughtfully-prepared than many zoos we’ve visited.
We spent hours hiking the zoo’s beautifully landscaped hills and marveling in its animal habitats. Bambino was particularly fascinated by the maned wolves, elephants, okapis, and lions.
With three little ones, we also had plenty of breaks for sugary snacks and playground romps. (The parents may have also stopped for the occasional “Koala Kölsch.”)
After a warm, activity-filled day, our kiddos were happy, but exhausted. Our zoo day wasn’t the kind of adventure I can rhapsodize about. We didn’t have any big revelatory moments about San Diego’s culture or identity. But, Bambino loved a day at the zoo (and frankly, so did I).
After a quick nap, we headed to the pool to regroup and make evening plans. Our group was about to grow to eleven people (six adults and five children). Thankfully, we were able to make a last-minute reservation at Pueblo in Pacific Beach.
The restaurant (which offers local seafood and made-to-order tortillas) provided us with a lovely private dining space. The adults enjoyed fish tacos, carne asada, and tequila while the kids had the space and privacy to run and play. I wrapped up the evening with good friends, a baby in my arms, and a little bit of sunburn. It was a good day.
La Vita Ebrom 