San Diego Zoo and Safari Park to Reduce Summer Evening Operating Hours

Visitors to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park will experience altered operating hours this summer, prompting conversations among annual passholders and guests. The Safari Park will close its gates at 4 p.m., a significant reduction of three hours compared to last year, although it will open an hour earlier at 8 a.m. Meanwhile, the San Diego Zoo will maintain its summer opening time of 9 a.m. but will now close at 8 p.m., an hour earlier than in previous years.

Despite the new hours, the zoo continues to host its popular Nighttime Zoo program, featuring musical performances and entertainment for visitors during the cooler evening hours. The changes to operating hours were not officially publicized by the zoo and have resulted in a mix of reactions on social media platforms. Some visitors expressed disappointment, having only learned of the adjustments through informal channels, such as conversations with volunteers.

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, which oversees both the zoo and Safari Park, is currently navigating a period of leadership transition. The organization is under the leadership of an interim CEO as the Board of Directors searches for a permanent chief executive alongside a director to manage the 1,800-acre Safari Park. Concurrently, labor discussions are ongoing, with union employees recently rejecting a mediator-recommended settlement.

Zoo officials have indicated that environmental factors, particularly climate considerations, influenced the decision to adjust operating hours. The aim is to encourage guests to visit during the cooler morning hours, with amenities such as restaurants and trams opening earlier to enhance the visitor experience. Official statements suggest that fluctuating summer hours may be determined by factors such as historical climate data, visitation trends, and guest feedback.

Data from the National Weather Service indicate rising temperatures in surrounding areas, with San Pasqual Valley experiencing an uptick in extreme heat. Notable past records include temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, leading to concerns regarding daytime visits.

Visitors can access interactive calendars on the zoo and Safari Park websites to verify daily operating hours. For instance, from May 23 through August 10, the San Diego Zoo will operate from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with exceptions for special events affecting hours of operation.

While many guests have adapted their plans to make the most of the altered schedules, not all are pleased with these changes. Longtime passholders have voiced concerns that the new closing times may limit the ability of families to enjoy evening visits when animals are most active. Feedback from community members has prompted discussions on social media, revealing a sentiment that the shortened hours may disproportionately affect working individuals and families who traditionally visit in the evenings.

These changes unfold against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations regarding union contracts for zoo staff, emphasizing the complex dynamics at play within the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The organization has committed to working towards fair agreements that support its workforce while maintaining operational integrity during this transitional period.

As the summer season approaches, both the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park continue to navigate the evolving needs of their guests amid environmental changes and internal organizational shifts.