Banner with photos of polar bear, penguins and wild weekends logo

November 4–5, 2023

Wild Weekend: Oceans

Oceans cover more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface. They’re critically important to the health of our planet and are closely interconnected with life across the globe. Oceans pull in over two billion tons of carbon from the atmosphere each year, and billions of people depend on them for food and livelihood. With the health of our oceans threatened by human activities resulting in climate change and pollution, we’re working to protect these immense ecosystems through our Oceans Conservation Hub.

 

Join us at the San Diego Zoo on Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5 to celebrate Polar Bear Week, Wild Weekend: Oceans, and all you make possible for oceans and marine life! Enjoy interactive experiences, fun surprises for the whole family, and discover how you can make a difference in your own backyard.

wildlife care specialist with penguin

Ask an Ally

  • Between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
  • Various locations

Curious about polar bears, birds, or penguins? Ask away—and learn more about what you make possible for aquatic wildlife and ecosystems across the globe.

  • Polar Bears, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Polar Bear Habitat, Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge
  • Cormorants, 12:30 p.m., Marsh Habitat, Map Locator #16
  • Penguins, 1:30 p.m., Penguin Habitat, Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks
  • Researcher Talk, 2 p.m., Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge
Up close portrait of polar in snow

Polar Bear Care

  • All Day
  • Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge

Spend some time with polar bears as they lounge and dig on a snowy hill, chomp down on tasty treats, or chase after live fish all weekend long.

group of visitors and volunteers enjoying a craft a the San Diego Zoo

Dive into an Activity

  • 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
  • Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge

Let’s get crafty! Meet us at Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge to show off your creativity with ocean-themed arts and crafts.

wildlife care specialist with a group of penguins

Meet & Greet

  • 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
  • Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge

Ever wondered what a wildlife care specialist does? Meet and greet our team, and discover how work at the San Diego Zoo is helping protect marine life worldwide.

Visitor holding child up to the glass to see a polar bear swimming

Take the Plunge

  • 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
  • Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge

Conservation starts with you. Discover how you can be an ally and take action to help endangered wildlife!

Dr Zoolittle

Meet Dr. Zoolittle

  • 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
  • Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge

Chat with your favorite science explorer, Dr. Zoolittle, as he shares more about the delicately balanced aquatic ecosystems we all rely on.

polar bear standing in the water and shaking, spraying droplets of water everywhere

Inside Look Tours

  • Reservation required

The Inside Look tour is an entertaining and educational adventure for the whole family, offering guided views and insider information about the San Diego Zoo. A cart tour filled with experiences and stories you can’t get anywhere else, this exclusive outing gives you the scoop on how we care for wildlife.

up close of a polar bear's face while swimming and splashing at the camera

Live Wildlife Cameras

Livestream polar bears or penguins at the San Diego Zoo from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

penguins standing on the beach in a circle

Support Penguins & Polar Bears

Share your love for ocean wildlife with a special keepsake. Your purchase helps support the wildlife conservation and education efforts to protect the future of endangered species through our Oceans Conservation Hub, including penguins and polar bears.

three polar bears walking across snow with ocean in the background

Become a Wildlife Ally

Your visit to the San Diego Zoo and continued support as a Wildlife Ally helps save wildlife in San Diego and across the globe.  Become a hero for wildlife and support wildlife with a monthly gift today!

polar bear in a snowy landscape with bushes

Wildlife Adoptions

Your symbolic adoption of a penguin or polar bear helps support critical conservation efforts that benefit ocean wildlife.

Help Oceans

You Can Help.

Learn more about how you can protect the world's oceans, and pledge your commitment today.

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