Roar and Snore - A Safari Adventure

It was 11:00am Saturday August 8, 2009 when my daughter (24), myself and our respective partners arrived at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park for an unforgettable 24-hour family adventure. As a conscious and compassionate animal person, I have to admit I had major reservations about visiting the animal park when my (vegetarian) boyfriend originally showed me the article he read about the parks Roar and Snore overnight camping program. Once he shared his feelings about their program being an integral part of saving many of the creatures on the worlds "Endangered Species" list, that's when I started doing research into this unique 1,800-acre Wild Animal Park, which also includes a 900-acre native plant reserve.

The Wild Animal Park - to my delight - is a smoke free environment centered just inland from Oceanside California. It was originally developed for the purpose of creating sustainable populations of endangered species and is recognized around the world for its successful program. Part of their ongoing work with endangered species includes the efforts of scientists based at the Beckman Center for Conservation Research, located on grounds at the Park, as well as field programs around the world. 

The park offers a youth Conversation Corp program for students ages 14-18 (an action and advocacy program), summer camp, Night Owl sleepovers for grades 3-6 and 6-8, as well as family education programs, and of course the Roar and Snore overnight adventure - our destination this particular weekend.  

To read more about our Flightline and overnight Roar and Snore adventure and see additional photos visit Eco Family News website - click here.