There's a safari park in Southern California that is one of the largest and most popular attractions in all of San Diego. Located in Escondido, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an 1800 acre wildlife preserve that houses over 2,600 animals. Many of these animals are allowed to roam freely in spacious free-range enclosures that closely mimic each animal's natural surroundings.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park, originally called the Wild Animal Park when it opened in 1972, was initially designed as a supplement to the San Diego Zoo to allow more breeding space, to create a spot where larger animals could be housed, and for species conservation.

This safari park has grown and developed over time to what it is today -- an expansive area of land where over 300 different animal species exist in a natural environment where they are free to roam without the confines of the typical cages found in zoos.

During a typical visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, you'll have a chance to view these rare and stunning animals up close and watch them interact in a more natural environment than what you are used to seeing at the zoo.

Sometimes you can get so close to the animals that you can actually feed them with your own hands.

Or maybe you just want to watch them being fed, like this baby giraffe sucking on a bottle from an animal caregiver.

One of the most popular ways to experience the Safari Park is by taking the Africa Tram to explore the exhibits and see the animals actively roaming around the sanctuary.

This guided adventure will you give you a totally different perspective of the park that you can't explore while on foot.

Or you can also opt for a balloon safari that provides soaring views of the park.

As you rise 400 feet in the air in this tethered balloon, you can enjoy watching the animal activity from the sky.

For an even more intimate experience, take a covered wagon tour and roam the land on a wild safari that will take you into the heart of the animal kingdom.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is so much more than just an animal park. It's also a nature lovers paradise with over 3,500 different plant species throughout the park.

So after you've had some fun watching the wildlife, take some time to stop and smell the flowers. It's amazing what you can learn from the animals.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park is located at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd in Escondido. You can find more detailed information about hours and ticket prices at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park website.

Have you ever been to the Safari Park? Did you enjoy the experience?