The SB Post
Meet Michael: The Newest (and Tallest) Addition to the Santa Barbara Zoo
Posted On: Friday, Jan 20, 2012 9:54 AM
Today's welcoming party at the Santa Barbara Zoo featured a wildly special guest. Michael, a 16-foot tall Masia giraffe, joins one-year old Daniel, Audrey, Sulima and Betty Lou in his new ocean-view home at the Santa Barbara Zoo. At only five-years old, Michael is already quite the globe trotter. He was born at the Toronto Zoo and was later moved to Parc Safari in Quebec before relocating to Santa Barbara as part of a cooperative program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
In addition to his four fellow long-necks, Michael is now friend to a variety of other zoo animals at what is known as one of the world's most beautiful zoos. The Santa Barbara Zoo is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Andree Clark Bird Refuge and Santa Ynez Mountains.
Did you know?
- The Santa Barbara Zoo is home to 160 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. More than 500 animals are exhibited in open, naturalistic habitats.
- Thirty acres of lush botanic gardens feature formal gardens and lawns, native plants and trees, cacti and succulents, ornamentals, exotic species and less formal plantings arranged throughout the park to recreate natural habitats.
- The Zoo is available for rental for events such as weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, and picnics.
From Michael to monkeys, snow leopards to sea otters and cats to cranes, the Santa Barbara Zoo is a certain hit for all ages. If you're looking for fun things to do in Santa Barbara, it's a must on your bucket list.
Hours of operation: Open daily, 10:00am - 5:00pm. Special holiday hours: 10:00am - 3:00pm on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
Ticket Prices: Adults 13 - 64, $14; Children 2 - 12 and Seniors 65+, $10; Children under 2 are Free. Parking is an additional $6.
