Looking for some family fun over the President's Day holiday weekend? Then head to the world famous San Diego Zoo and check out Koalapalooza! The San Diego Zoo is celebrating their residents from the Land Down Under with Aussie-inspired shows and activates at the Zoo's Discovery Days: Koalapalooza presented by Outback Steakhouse.
Photo by B. Valle
“This family-friendly event offers you the chance to meet koala keepers, have a close encounter with the animals, and learn about animals that live in the wild with koalas, including kookaburras and kangaroos. The San Diego Zoo has the largest colony of Queensland koalas and the most successful koala breeding program outside of Australia.”
Koalapalooza starts Friday, February 18th through the 21st. Check out the full schedule of activities below.
Photo by B. Valle
For those in Social Media, the Zoo is also offering a special Tweet-Up just you!
Tweet up Info *Koalapalooza is coming so lace up those boots, throw on those khakis and get ready for the ultimate Outback experience—minus crocodile wrestling. Join us Saturday, February 19 in front of Sydney's Grill at 9am for an Aussie-themed walkabout through the Zoo. San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research Scientist, Jennifer Tobey, will lead us on a tour of the Outback area of the Zoo including close encounters with some of our coolest Australian animals (including the stars of the show!). We’ll also be hiding three koala plushes for guests to find using the same telemetric tracking technology that our researchers use, and the koala plushes will be raffled off at the end. Everyone who shows up will also receive an Outback Steakhouse “Joey Card” (good for a free kids meal with beverage and dessert) and will be entered into a drawing to win a VIP Tour of the Zoo for 2. Please RSVP now! See ya there!
*Zoo admission is required
Party on the Plaza
Where: Zoo entry plaza
Times: 8:30 a.m.-noon
Join in the “Party on the Plaza” as you enter the Zoo and our emcee Doc describes what the day holds in store. Say “G'day” to Sydney and Matilda, our koala costumed characters, and snap some family photos.
Keeper Presentations
Where: Throughout the Zoo
Times: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Meet kangaroos, koalas, and kookaburras during keeper presentations, and other special animal enrichment demonstrations throughout the Zoo.
New Koala Joey Name Reveal
Where: Koala Exhibit
When: February 18, 10:30 a.m.
Participate in the Name the Joey contest by voting for names here, then watch in person at the koala exhibit on February 18 at 10:30 a.m. as the joey's mother chooses the name — there will be three fi nalist name choices posted on three trees, and the tree she chooses to perch in will decide the winning name!
Scavenger Hunt
Location: Start at Poppy's Patio (Discovery Outpost)
Take part in an Aussie-themed scavenger hunt and win cool prizes!
Aussie Outback Tour
Where: Outback
When: February 18, 19, 20, and 21, 2011, 10 and 11 a.m., and 1 and 2 p.m.
Reservations Required: Book Online here, or call 619-718-3000
This very special two-hour tour takes you behind the scenes at the San Diego Zoo’s koala barn, where you’ll see how our celebrity marsupials spend their time and meet with our charming kookaburra up close.
Aussie Plant Tour
Where: Front Plaza Booth
Find out how our Horticulture Department feeds all our hungry koalas, and pick up a guide for an Aussie plant tour.
Dr. Zoolittle's Marsupial Madness Show
Where: Children's Zoo Clark Theater (Discovery Outpost)
Times: Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m.
Safari Bush Band
Where: Sydney's (Outback)
Times: 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, & 2:30 p.m.
Didgeridoo Show
Where: Sydney's (Outback)
Times: 11 a.m., noon, 1, & 2 p.m.
An authentic Australian musical experience with the incredible Didgeridoo Man playing the indigenous Australian wind instrument..
Albert's Australian Themed Treats
Where: Albert's Restaurant
Celebrate Koalapolooza at Albert's Restaurant. Join us 11 a.m to 3 p.m. daily from February 18 through February 21 during Koalapalooza Discovery Days. Enjoy a break from the action with selections from our $6 menu that includes appetizers, specialty cocktails, fine wines, and craft beers. After cocktails, stay for lunch choosing from our adventurous menu. We will also be offering a prix fixe meal for $32.00.
Although not required reservations are recommended for lunch. Call 619-685-3200
Koalapalooza $6 Menu
Prix Fixe Menu
Sea Lions Rock
Where: Wegeforth Bowl (Discovery Outpost)
Times: 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
Charismatic California sea lions are showcased, as well as other exotic animals and worldwide wonders.
Admission ticket is required for all activities. For prices and reservations visit http://www.sandiegozoo.org/tickets/zootickets.html
Disclosure: The San Diego Zoo provided courtesy passes for me to review the exhibits and pass the information on to you!
Meet kangaroos, koalas, and kookaburras during keeper presentations, and other special animal enrichment demonstrations throughout the Zoo.