Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara Zoo is very charming, has great views and perfect for families. Sadly, my faorite, crooked neck giraffe, named Janine, has passed away recently. According to the zoo keeper, she was born that way. Despite her appearance, she was hearthy and lived a normal life. Though I will miss my favorite firaffe, there are plenty of other animals to see.

The Zoo has always drawn me to view the animals and also their living conditions in every city, from the famous San Diego Zoo, to the zoo in Rome, Italy, to here in Santa Barbara. Most of the creatures of the zoo, here in Santa Barbara, have good living conditions and the zookeepers are trying to make it better every day. I will show you some of the "stars of the zoo" in their zoo living quarters in my ZOO travelogues by clicking on the highlighted in blue words birds and animals further in this review. It is a delightful smaller zoo with 30 acres and 500 animals, but well maintained and the wildlife are diverse.

Even a miniature train, runs around the park (cost is $4.50 per person, 13 and up , $4.00 for children 2-12, free for children under 2) giving you a 20 minute ride. Great location to take the children and let them explore the 30 acres of zoo with over 500 animals to enjoy the sight of and to become aquainted with up close and personal. There are some high sloping climbs but doable for most people. Admission as of summer 2012 is $14.00 for Adults (14-64) $10.00 for children (2-12) and $10.00 for Seniors (65+) Children under 2 are free.

See my ZOO travelogues for the pictures of a few of the beautiful BIRDS and the different ANIMALS. Trust you enjoy the photos.

UPDATE from 2007: Gemina, the beloved "crooked-necked giraffe" was euthanized on Wednesday January 09, 2007. She was 21 years of age and a world known "star" of the Santa Barbara Zoo. I have a photo of Gemina in my Zoo animals travelogue. She will be missed.

When going to the Santa Barbara zoo, I would definitely recommend riding the train or having lunch in the grass by the giraffes, or visiting the gorillas ( I LOVE gorillas!). A great place to bring kids, they always have a great time. I'd bring your own food, because they don't have that much of a selection and it is kind of pricy, they also don't mind if you do. If visiting from out of town I'd recommend The Sandman Inn (www.thesandmaninn.com). It's a great place to stay if you're traveling on a budget!

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Believe it or not, something actually inexpensive in Santa Barbara! The zoo was only $10.00, and it is pretty darn good. It has all the essential animals, no more no less. Don't get me wrong, this is no San Diego Zoo, but that is what I liked about it, it is quaint and very easy to get around. Nothing like checking out awesome animals in that perfect Santa Barbara weather.

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The Santa Barbara Zoo is very charming and great for kids. Visit Janine the crooked neck giraffe. According to the zoo keeper, she was born that way. Despite her appearance, she is quite healthy and lives a normal life.

It is a nice ride to go with friends or family. The Santa Barbara zoo is ranked as one of America's best small zoos, and it really is!
One of the things that I like most is that the zoo is located just right next to the ocean, so the experience to be there and watch the animals and the ocean is amazing. You will be able to see giraffes, lions, birds, elephants and much more, there are also many places to rest and spend some nice time, picnic area and restaurants too.

Open daily 10am-5pm. Tickets sold until 4pm. Admission adults and teens 8 dollars, seniors and children 2-12 pay 6 dollars.

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Santa Barbara has a small zoo, the collection of animals is not great and the price ($11) is pretty steep for what they have. Nethertheless the zoo is modern and has fairly nice enclosures.

While in Santa Barbara don't miss to visit the zoo. Flamingos were the most beautiful for me and I enjoyed feeding of giraffes!!

It is not a large zoo but the animals tend to be in open areas which seems more humane than small cages. Many exhibits were closed or under construction but the admission cost is only $8.00.