Comments on: San Diego Zoo Bus Tour

By: Kelly

Kelly — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:13:32 +0000

I also was very disturb by the bus tours in regards to the pollution that affects us, the animals and the environment. I was really disappointed actually and do not plan to return to the zoo until this problem has been fixed. I appreciate the tour being available for those who have issues walking, limited time at the zoo or small children but is it worth the health of the animals that are already compromising their lifestyles by living in a zoo? A smaller fleet of electric or hybrid’s should be considered while the zoo does away with the cancer causing buses that are used now. It really ruined my experience there and made me sad that they would expose those animals to such things when they know the consequences to their quality of life.
Please San Diego Zoo make this change quick before more animals, and people, suffer. These animals do not have a voice. I intend to follow this issue closely until it is resolved.
Thank you for your time!

The San Diego Zoo responds: The bus tour at the San Diego Zoo has a long tradition, beginning with bus tours given to school groups in our community. For the past few years our operations staff has been working to find a way to continue to offer these tours in a way that better matches our conservation mission.

By: Sayuri

Sayuri — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 07:15:45 +0000

Are there any future plans to convert all or any of the tour and express buses to biodiesel? Not just for environmental reasons, but for health reasons of visitors, employees and animal residents. Sometimes I do get a little nauseous while on Bear Canyon, for example, when the buses either pass by or stop and idle in front of exhibits.

Our Transportation Department responds: We are reviewing the tour vehicles for future replacement, and a more eco-friendly vehicle will be a primary concern.

By: Cathy G (L.A.)

Cathy G (L.A.) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:23:56 +0000

There is a special handicapped-accessible van (free) with a hydraulic lift for people in wheelchairs and scooters, as well as those who can’t walk very far. It stops at several convenient places in the zoo. All you have to do is ask a zoo staff member and they will call for you. Be sure to ask where the nearest van stop is. I found that it’s very easy to use and a great service for those of us who need it.

Moderator’s note: Thank you, Cathy. One of the shuttle’s drivers wrote a blog about the service: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/wordpress/default/shuttle-service/

By: nancy from michigan

nancy from michigan — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:09:09 +0000

we have been on this bus tour and highly reccomend it! it was the first thing that we did and it was very enjoyable! we then went back and walked around to see the animals that we wanted to spend more time viewing. we also went on the sky lift which takes you on an over-head view of the whole zoo. great..!
do it all, you will enjoy everything. before we went to the zoo, I was a little worried about so much walking with my bad feet (arthritis)! not to worry at all people, they think of everything to make the zoo assessable to everyone of ALL AGES! regardless of any disabilities, age, wheel chairs, etc. enjoy!
I’m not a kid any more, but I still love the zoo!!!!!!!!