This is by far the best zoo I've ever been to. The...

This is by far the best zoo I've ever been to. The habitats are so carefully thought out to be the most comfortable and closest in feel to the natural homes of each animal. Nothing actually looks like a cage. I also enjoy the unique layout of the paths; it feels more like taking a slow meandering hike, which is a huge enhancement to the experience for me. You can walk the whole zoo in 10k steps or less, but you don't need to with the bus tour and tram ride included in the ticket. As can be expected, the prices of food border on extortion, but outside food is allowed in so pack a lunch and it's all good. We're SoCal locals, so if we plan to go to the zoo (or Safari Park) more than once throughout the year it's actually cheaper to get the passes, and makes it nice to have the freedom for spur-of-the-moment trips to SD with no added cost (thanks in part to the free parking).