San Diego Zoo Safari Park Slashes Summer Hours—Here’s What You Need to Know

Planning a summer adventure to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park? You’ll want to check the clock before you go. The beloved wildlife destination has announced reduced operating hours for the season, leaving visitors scrambling to adjust their itineraries.

New Summer Schedule: Key Changes

The Safari Park, known for its sprawling landscapes and up-close animal encounters, will now operate under a trimmed-down timetable. Here’s what’s changing:

• Earlier Closures: Gates will close at 5:00 PM instead of the previous 7:00 PM, cutting two hours from evening access.
• Limited Weekend Hours: Saturdays and Sundays will see adjusted entry times, with last admission at 4:00 PM.
• Special Experiences Unaffected: Premium add-ons like the "Roar & Snore Safari" overnight stays remain unchanged.

Why the Cutback?

While park officials haven’t cited a specific reason, industry insiders speculate the shift could be due to:

1. Staffing shortages impacting operational capacity.
2. Energy conservation efforts during peak summer heat.
3. Strategic cost-cutting amid rising maintenance expenses.

"We’re optimizing resources to ensure the best guest experience," a park representative stated vaguely, dodging direct questions about the abrupt change.

How to Maximize Your Visit

With fewer hours to explore, savvy visitors should:

• Arrive Early: Beat the crowds—and the heat—by arriving at opening.
• Pre-Book Tickets: Reserved time slots may become competitive.
• Prioritize Exhibits: Focus on favorites like the African Tram or Tiger Trail first.

What Do You Think?

• Should zoos extend hours despite staffing challenges, even if it means higher ticket prices?
• Is reducing access to wildlife experiences a step backward for conservation education?
• Would you pay extra for "after-hours" access to avoid crowds?
• Are shorter hours a smart move—or a blatant cash grab?