San Diego Zoo Celebrates Lunar New Year and Wild Weekend: Asia

San Diego Zoo is celebrating Lunar New Year and Wild Weekend: Asia with two full days of activities honoring the Year of the Horse and the vibrant traditions of East and Southeast Asian countries.

The Zoo is tying the celebration to the conservation work happening through its Asia Conservation Hub, with activities ranging from meeting wildlife care specialists to making traditional paper cuttings while learning about giant pandas, tigers, orangutans, and other iconic Asian wildlife.

Getting Up Close With Conservation Experts

Wildlife care specialists will be stationed at various locations throughout the day to share fascinating insights about iconic Asian wildlife, including bears and big cats.

You can learn about the incredible conservation efforts happening both in San Diego and around the globe. Horticulturists will be at Treetops Plaza to explore the wonders of orchids, nepenthes, and other diverse plants across Asia’s lush ecosystems.

Conservation experts will also be available to discuss how the Zoo is collaborating with partners through the Asia Conservation Hub to create a world where all life thrives.

Red Envelopes, Wishing Trees, and Paper Cuttings

At Treetops Plaza, you can share your wish for wildlife and hang it on one of the wishing trees, then receive a red envelope with a gift inside – both beloved Lunar New Year customs.

Crafts for everyone include making your own Year of the Horse craft and participating in the celebrated tradition of creating beautifully designed paper cuttings.

Photo opportunities with Bamboo Panda, one of the Zoo’s favorite characters, happen at select times throughout the day, giving you a chance to commemorate your Lunar New Year and Wild Weekend fun.

Asian Cuisine and Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Hua Mei Café will be serving flavorful specialties and unique Lunar New Year menu offerings all weekend long. For those looking for a deeper experience, several special tours are available but require advance reservations.

The Early Morning with Pandas Walking Tour is a 60-minute guided stroll through the Zoo’s rolling hills toward Denny Sanford Panda Ridge, where you’ll connect with giant pandas as they start their day.

The Bear Crawl Walking Tour (21+) is a 90-minute sip-and-stroll experience that includes two alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages and an exclusive, after-hours visit to Panda Ridge.

Inside Look Tours offer a 90-minute adventure where an expert guide escorts your group around in a cart, sharing stories and sights you can’t find anywhere else. All special tours require reservations and separate ticket purchases.

Supporting Wildlife Beyond the Weekend

Your visits to the San Diego Zoo and continued support help save, protect, and care for wildlife worldwide. The Zoo Shop offers souvenirs featuring dynamic Asian wildlife, and purchases help safeguard the future of endangered species.

Symbolic adoptions of giant pandas, Sumatran tigers, and red pandas help support critical conservation efforts that benefit the Asia Conservation Hub.

You can also tune in to the Giant Panda and Tiger Cams live every day from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM if you can’t make it in person.

See you there!

Lunar New Year at the San Diego Zoo ties tradition and conservation together in a way that makes the celebration feel meaningful beyond just the festivities.

📆 Saturday, February 21 – Sunday, February 22, 2026, 10 AM – 3 PM
📍 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego
🎟️ Make your reservations here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!