Wild Weekend Oceans

November 2–3, 2024

Wild Weekend: Oceans

Oceans cover more than 70 percent of Earth’s surface, pulling in over two billion tons of carbon from the atmosphere each year. They’re home to countless species, including polar bears and penguins, and support a vast and complex web of marine life that relies on healthy oceans to thrive. With the health of our oceans threatened by climate change and pollution, we’re working to protect these immense ecosystems through our Oceans Conservation Hub.

Join us to celebrate Polar Bear Week and Wild Weekend: Oceans on Saturday, November 2, and Sunday, November 3. Discover all you make possible for oceans and the marine life that calls them home when you dive in at the San Diego Zoo. You’ll have a chance to meet wildlife care specialists and plunge into interactive experiences and fun surprises for the whole family.

ACTIVITIES

Ask a Wildlife Care Specialist

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

Curious about polar bears, aquatic birds, or penguins? Connect with our experts to learn more and explore the incredible efforts you make possible to safeguard their future.

Polar Bears: 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., Polar Bear Habitat, Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge
Cormorants: Noon, Marsh Habitat, Map Locator #16
Penguins: 1 p.m., Penguin Habitat, Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks

Polar Bear & African Penguin Wildlife Experiences

All Day
Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge & Africa Rocks

Spend time with polar bears as they lounge and dig on a snowy hill, chomp down on tasty treats, and chase after live fish. Then head over to Africa Rocks to engage with the colony of endangered African penguins as they collect materials to build the perfect nest.

West Coast Waters Activity

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

Dive in, wildlife ally! Discover more about local marine life on the West Coast through an exciting activity.

Channel Your Creativity

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

Let’s get crafty. Join us at Conrad Prebys Polar Bear Plunge to show off your creativity with an ocean-themed craft to make and take home.

Meet Our Team

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

Have you ever wondered what exactly an Oceans Conservation Hub researcher, educator, or wildlife care specialist does? Meet members of our teams and learn more about how we’re collaborating with partners to save, protect, and care for marine wildlife.

Be an Ally for Wildlife

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

Conservation starts with each and every one of us. Take the plunge to help endangered wildlife across our oceans.

Meet Dr. Zoolittle and Churchill P. Bear

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

Snap a picture with your favorite science explorer, Dr. Zoolittle, as he shares more about the delicately balanced aquatic ecosystems we all rely on. And don’t forget to say “cheese!” with our favorite costumed character, Churchill P. Bear.

UPGRADED EXPERIENCE

Inside Look Tours

SECURE YOUR SPOT

Reservation required

Embark on an entertaining and educational adventure. This 90-minute experience offers guided views, insights on how we care for wildlife, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. You’ll be escorted around the Zoo in a cart by one of our expert guides. All participants require a ticket for the experience, regardless of age.

Live Wildlife Cams

TUNE IN

Dive into the fascinating world of polar bears or penguins at the Zoo from wherever you are.

Support Wildlife

SHOPZOO

Share your love for polar bears and penguins with a unique keepsake. Your purchases help protect ocean wildlife through our Oceans Conservation Hub.

Become a Wildlife Ally

BE A HERO

As a wildlife ally, your visits to the Zoo and continued support help save wildlife here in the Southwest, across our vast oceans, and around the globe. Become a hero for wildlife and support our Oceans Conservation Hub with a monthly gift today!