San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

One of the world's largest collections of mammals, birds, and reptiles, located in San Diego, Calif., and administered by the Zoological Society of San Diego. The 100-acre (40.5-hectare) zoo, founded in 1916, has more than 800 animal species and more than 6,500 plant species. The 1,800-acre (730-hectare) San Diego Wild Animal Park opened in 1972 some 30 mi (50 km) northeast, in the San Pasqual Valley; there some 400 species of animals roam through simulated Asian and African habitats. The research department Conservation and Research for Endangered Species has contributed to the zoo's success in managing and breeding endangered species.