MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- After a long week at work, most Marines either want to relax, go out or do something with friends or their families. However, sometimes the price of a southern California can limit the choices available.
For military members and their families the San Diego Zoo can be a fun and inexpensive way to spend a day. The zoo is known for being the largest in the United States, and is only a ten-minute drive from the depot. Every day, the zoo offers free admission to all active military members with a valid I.D. and discounted tickets for their families.
The zoo doesn’t just offer a walk in the park with a few animals hanging out in their respective areas; there are plenty of opportunities for a fun-filled day. This includes shows featuring some of the zoo’s furry, feathery and slippery residents and shops filled with souvenirs available for purchase to remember the day and plenty of opportunities for a fun-filled day.
“My girlfriend and I have had a blast so far today,” said Sgt. Andrew Johnson, kennel master, Provost Marshall Office, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif. “It’s nice for the community to be so supportive and offer this for active duty military, especially since we’re trying save up to go home for the holidays.”
There are numerous exhibits such as the Polar Bear Plunge, which brings the majestic bears of the Arctic to the backyard of San Diego, and the Elephant Odyssey brings the prehistoric ancestors stories back to life with the descendant elephants of today. The zoo is also home to five giant pandas, including the newest cub, Yun Zi, born Aug. 5, 2009, in the deluxe Panda Canyon exhibit. With more than 4,000 animals spread out over 170 acres of parkland, the zoo can be a great way to get out in the fresh air, do a fair amount of walking and get in some animal watching as well as a bit of little people watching.
“It’s funny to see the little kids get all excited when they see an animal,” said Johnson. “Even though they just saw a monkey in one cage, it’s almost like they forget there’s an animal in the very next cage, and as soon as it starts moving they start getting all worked up. It’s pretty hilarious.”
Though most may enjoy their walk through the park, some may feel like a set of wheels is the best mode of transportation.
“She doesn’t want to get out of the stroller,” said Pvt. Ryan Kirby, Company C, Platoon 1050, of his daughter. “We’ll have fun today though. It’s nice to spend time with my family again.”
The zoo also offers the Wild Animal Park near Escondido, Calif., which has the same free admission for military members and discounted admission for their families year-round.