I wanted to go to the San Diego Zoo especially to see the giant pandas.  I wasn't going to leave until I saw them and I wasn't disappointed although they can be a bit illusive.  I was a bit worried that they wouldn't appear but in the end they did.  The monkeys too I really liked, but it was the giant pandas that made this trip special for me and I often went to the zoo's website to look at them on their webcam. starting with the birth of Hua Mei in 2000.   You see I have been watching them for a long time.   The newest giant panda is Yun Zi but there are 5 pandas currently.

Souvenirs of course were a must for us so we got a few of those that have the pandas on them.  You may like the polar bears which are also special animals.  My favorite is a small folder with a clip board.  Don't worry about being hungry while you are there as there are so many cafes, carts and stalls and even fine dining options.  We opted for the carts mainly for our snacks.

A new exhibit that has only reopened recently is the Polar Bear Plunge.  I think best viewed from the underwater viewing room.  You should not miss them.

I lost all my digital photos of my visit so I am going to have to go back again.  If you cant get to the San Diego Zoo then, well do the best thing and experience their website.  Its pretty awesome!