Wild Animal Park. (Where to go, What to do).

The San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park is an expansive wildlife sanctuary located on 1,800 acres. More than half of the park is set aside as a protected native species habitat. Many of the earth's rarest creatures roam in herds and flocks in vast, almost-invisibly enclosed habitats resembling their native homelands. The park is home to more than 3,500 animals representing 429 species, including the largest crash of rhinos in any zoological facility, and one of the only California condor exhibits in the world.

Features include Animal Encounters, which allows guests an opportunity to have face-to-face contact with an African cheetah, an African crowned crane, a serval, caracal, and other rare and exotic animals. Other attractions include Heart of Africa, a walking safari; the Wgasa Bush Line, a 5-mile, 60-minute tour offering views of animals in open plains; Nairobi Village; Animal Shows; and Behind-the-Scenes Tours. Summer hours start June 4: 9AM to 8PM.

Call [phone]. www.wildanimalpark.com. The park is located east of Escondido on State Highway 78.

Special evening presentations daily during the month of August, including live music. Entrance gates open at 9AM until 8PM, and guests may stay in the park until 10PM.