Wildlife Explorers Basecamp debuts at the San Diego Zoo

Wildlife Explorers Basecamp at the San Diego Zoo

The Basecamp opens on Fri., March 11, at the San Diego Zoo. | Photo via San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

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After nearly three years of construction, the San Diego Zoo will debut its newest wing this Friday: The 3.2-acre Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, nestled at the site of the former Children’s Zoo.

Who (hoo, hoo) lives at these new, $87 million digs, you ask? Basecamp features four habitats with critters like endangered Fijian iguanas, dragon-headed katydids, prairie dogs + burrowing owls. Let’s explore.

Wildlife Explorers Basecamp at the San Diego Zoo

There’s a lot of playing to be had in the Wild Woods. | Photo via San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

BRYAN ALANO PHOTO&FILM/San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

🦎 Basecamp’s habitats:

  • Rainforest: Here you’ll find a multi-level outdoor area with caiman + tortoises. There’s also the 10,000-sqftSpineless Marvels Invertebrate House” filled with butterflies, arachnids, coconut crabs, bees + honeycomb. At the Rady Ambassadors Headquarters, look for the two-toed sloth and prehensile-tailed porcupine. 🐝
  • Wild Woods: This zone is home to squirrel monkeys + coatis and is all about climbing and playing. Active explorers will find the Prebys Foundation Discovery Bridge + a 20-foot-tall play structure that looks like an oak tree. Check out the waterfall grotto, splash pad, water jets, and the bluffs. Sounds like the place to hang. 🐒

  • Marsh Meadows: Think crocodilians, amphibians, turtles, lizards + snakes. This outdoor watery area highlights wildlife in marshes, swamps, and estuaries. The 7,000-sqft Art and Danielle Engel Cool Critters building boasts immersive environments, digital media, and classroom spaces. 🐊
  • Desert Dunes: The fennec fox, prairie dog + burrowing owl rule this roost. Here, you’ll find boulders for climbing + hopping, plus rocks and cool caves with shaded areas to beat the heat. 🦊
Wildlife Explorers Basecamp at the San Diego Zoo

The burrowing owl, taking in his new digs. | Photo via San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Ken Bohn/San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

🌎 The lessons:

Basecamp’s interactive design is meant to encourage little ones to play, learn about nature + develop an understanding of the zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said Basecamp is “nurturing the future caretakers of our planet.”

🎟️ How to visit:

Basecamp is included with admission or membership to the San Diego Zoo.

Wildlife Explorers Basecamp at the San Diego Zoo

“Becoming the bee” inside the immersive honeycomb space within the McKinney Family Spineless Marvels building at Basecamp. | Photo via San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

BRYAN ALANO PHOTO&FILM/San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

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