Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the San Diego Zoo
Join the San Diego Zoo for Lunar New Year and Wild Weekend: Asian Rainforest on Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18, 2024. Discover fun activities for the whole family and leave feeling inspired by the conservation work made possible by the Asian Rainforest Conservation Hub and filled with good wishes for the future!
San Diego Zoo Lunar New Year activities
Lunar New Year Wishes and Good Fortune | 10 AM to 3 PM | Asian Passage
Share your wish for wildlife and hang it on one of the wishing trees. Get a red envelope with a gift inside, a celebrated tradition for Lunar New Year.
Meet a Specialist | Select times from 10 AM to 3 PM | Various Locations
Learn about iconic species—including tigers, red pandas, snow leopards, and sun bears—with exclusive opportunities to meet with Educators or Wildlife Care Specialists and learn about the wildlife you love.
- Takins, 10 AM, Asian Passage
- Tigers, 11 AM, Tiger Trail in Lost Forest
- Sun Bears, 11:30 AM, Sun Bear Forest in Asian Passage
- Asian Leopards, 12 PM, Asian Passage
- Red Pandas, 1 PM & 2 PM, Asian Passage
Ask a Horticulturist | Select times from 10 AM to 3 PM | Asian Passage
Explore the wonders of orchids and other diverse plants across dynamic landscapes. Take a deep dive into the Asian Rainforest with the Zoo’s team of experts to discover the vibrant and fascinating plant life thriving in these lush ecosystems.
Chat with a Conservationist | Select times from 10 AM to 3 PM | Asian Passage
Learn from experts about the Asian Rainforest Conservation Hub and how your support makes collaborative conservation possible across Earth’s largest continent.
Crafts for Everyone | Select times from 10 AM to 3 PM | Asian Passage
Take home your very own dragon drum craft and participate in celebrated Lunar New Year traditions by making your own paper lantern!
Photo Opportunities | Select times from 10 AM to 3 PM | Asian Passage
Meet Bamboo Panda, a favorite Zoo character, and snap a selfie together commemorating your Lunar New Year celebration!
Flavors of Asia | 9 AM to 5 PM | Hua Mei Café
Enjoy celebratory specialties and unique Lunar New Year menu offerings all weekend long.
Discovery Cart Tours | Reservation required
Enjoy a 60-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoo with one of their expert guides, who will share stories about the wildlife they care for and their conservation work worldwide. This intimate experience has limited availability, so make your reservation ahead of time here.
Inside Look Tours | Reservation required
On this special tour with wildlife experiences, an expert guide escorts you around the Zoo in a deluxe cart. Perfect for a family outing, where you’ll discover stories and sights you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Make your reservation ahead of time here as spaces are limited.
See you there!
San Diego Zoo is located at 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101.
For more information and updates, visit the website here and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok.
See you there, San Diego!
