Enter through the bamboo tree tunnel as light filters through the leaves to a magical Tiger Trail forest where wild nature and civilization collide.
The brand new almost 20 million dollar Tiger Trail exhibit at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park opens to the public on Saturday May 24th 2014. The 5.2-acre Sumatran tiger habitat brings Safari Park goers closer than ever before to the majestic and critically endangered Sumatran Tigers. The Tull Family Tiger Trail, named in honor of Thomas and Alba Tull, is a forested habitat offering up-close breathtaking views of the Park’s 6 Sumatran tigers and highlighting conservation efforts for the species.
The formidable and endangered Sumatran Tigers, widely known for their elusive behaviors have never before been seen so close. In the brand new Tull Family Tiger Trail exhibit, viewers are close enough to make eye contact with their green-gold eyes and watch as they climb, swim and walk. We were invited to a media preview of the Tiger Trail habitat, all opinions are my own.
Watch Out Behind You!
The Sumatran Tigers have been conditioned by the well-educated trainers and staff to be extremely responsive to the people around them. In fact on the day of our media preview visit, the Tigers followed us around – eagerly watching the children with fascination. When the baby cried the Tigers eyes widened and their ears perked. I’ve never seen such a responsive reaction from any zoo animal before.
Lori Gannod of So Cal With Kids youngest son was the perfect example of how responsive and amazing the Sumatran Tigers are. Unbeknownst to him, while smiling for the cameras a 3 or 4 year old male Sumatran Tiger came up behind him and playfully batted the glass with his large velvety paw. It was a sight to see!
The 5.2-acre Tull Family Tiger Trail habitat features 3 separate yards for the tigers, with rocks for climbing, ponds for swimming, deadwood trees to use as scratching posts, and long grasses for catnaps.
Features of the Tiger Trail Habitat
Sambutan longhouse
The Sambutan Longhouse (pictured above) is reminiscent of the rumah adat traditional architectural style. Inside the longhouse are the best areas to view the Tigers. I was told during our media preview that eventually there will be a tug-of-war feature that children can play with Tigers! How amazing will that be? There is a small hole and a door that handlers will open throughout the day when there are interested children and receptive Tigers. I cannot wait to see that!
Pondok
The Pondok is an Indonesian shack where visitors can discover how poaching and the illegal trade of animal products are impacting the survival of tigers and other animals that share their habitat. There is also a large underwater viewing area there to watch the Tigers show off their swimming skills.
Waterfall
Quite possibly my favorite feature of the habitat was the natural landscaped waterfall. You are able to walk underneath the sheeting water and watch as the Tigers walk below.
Logwalk
My oldest son’s favorite Tiger Trail feature was the rope-climb and a log-walk bridge, where he used his athletic prowess to navigate and help his younger siblings down. At the bottom of the rope-climb was a special Sumatran Tiger viewing window.
A Fully-Immersed Experience
Unlike animal exhibits of the past, the brand new Tiger Trail habitat at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is an experience which guides guests into a full immersed Sumatran experience. It quite literally is where wild nature and human civilization collide. With plenty of opportunities to see the Tigers, you are quite literally inserted into their world.
The mature vegetation is lush and there are plenty of places to quietly sit and observe the animals comfortably. Each of the gorgeous sitting benches are dedicated to conservation families.
PlayScape
The Tiger Trail Habitat features a interactive children’s playground. With climbing ropes, slides and jumpy circles my kids did not want to leave. I appreciated the seating available in the shade.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road
Escondido, CA 92027
(760) 747-8702
To find out more log on to: Tiger Trail at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
This looks SO awesome ! Will need to add this to my “to do” list next time I am in California for sure.
I didn’t realize it was behind glass. Phew! That photo with the lil boy is amazing. Thanks for sharing, we will definitely check it out!
Is there an extra cost for the Tiger Trail experience?
No, there is not an extra fee. Have fun, you will love it!
Many thanks. We can’t wait!