5333 Zoo Drive,
Griffith Park,
L.A.
323-644-4200
Attractions include the Winnick Family Children's Zoo, the Red Ape Rain Forest, a replica of a natural habitat for orangutans, and the Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains.
2920 Zoo Drive,
Balboa Park,
San Diego
619-234-3153
The San Diego Zoo is home to 4,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 800 species and subspecies.
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road,
Escondido
760-747-8702
More than 3,500 rare and endangered animals roam through this 1,800-acre facility. A five-mile, 55-minute guided monorail tour covers main attractions of the preserve.
500 SeaWorld Drive,
San Diego
619-226-3901
SeaWorld offers a unique blend of interactive wildlife exhibits, thrill rides and theme park spectacle. Highlights include The Shamu Adventure and Cirque de la Mer shows, as well as the Wild Arctic exhibit.
100 Aquarium Way,
Long Beach
562-590-3100
The aquarium's Lorikeet Forest, a 5,200 square-foot, walk-through aviary filled with dozens of brilliantly colored birds is among the featured attractions that also include current exhibits like the "Shark Lagoon" and "Jellies: Phantoms of the Deep." More than 12,500 animals in 19 major habitat
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7075 Campus Road,
Moorpark College,
Moorpark
805-378-1441
On weekends, however, the public is welcome to come see its denizens, which include parrots, a hyena, a miniature horse, llamas, a cougar, a leopard, coati and vultures. A primate area is filled with plenty of swinging monkeys.
2300 Expedition Way,
La Jolla
858-534-3474
More than 45 display tanks teeming with fishes, corals and invertebrates from the chilly waters of the West Coast, Mexico's warm Gulf of California and the tropical seas of the Pacific and Indian oceans.
3720 Stephen White Drive,
San Pedro
310-548-7562
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium features kid-height tanks that display the marine life of Southern California -- live jellyfish, octopuses, fish, leopard sharks and eels.
20612 Laguna Canyon Road,
Laguna Beach
949-494-3050
Sick and injured seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales are rehabilitated for release back into the wild. Interpreters are available to explain the animals' natural history and the rehabilitation process. Educational presentations on marine mammals can be arranged.
47900 Portola Ave.,
Palm Desert
760-346-5694
This botanical park replicates all 10 deserts of North America and several African ones.
3601 S. Gaffey St.,
San Pedro
310-548-5677
The center provides treatment and care for hundreds of sick, injured, stranded or deliberately wounded marine mammals found on L.A. County beaches.
1 Irvine Park Road,
Irvine Regional Park,
Orange
714-633-2022
Home to more than 40 species native to the southwestern United States, including two black bears, two mountain lions, a porcupine, a beaver and bald and golden eagles.
610 E. Highway 246,
Buellton
805-686-9696
The ranch's 45 ostriches roam in a vast, desert-like pen that approximates their natural African habitat. Take a gander, and you might spy the odd birds nesting or mating -- one of the goofiest, most awkward courtship rituals on the planet. Or you might catch them stretching their knobby legs at
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1801 E. Chestnut Ave.,
Santa Ana
714-836-4000
Primate collection, birds, reptiles and children's zoo. Elephant rides on weekends.
211 Steams Wharf,
Santa Barbara
805-962-2526
500 Ninos Drive,
Santa Barbara
With its lovely gardens and picturesque views, the Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens is home to over 600 animals representing more than 180 species.
1600 Ocean Front Walk,
Santa Monica
310-393-6149
Managed by Heal the Bay, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is under the Carousel.
