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The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

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The news site of Santa Barbara City College.

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Santa Barbara Activity Reviews: SB Zoo, Sea Center, Lotusland

Santa Barbara Activity Reviews: SB Zoo, Sea Center, Lotusland
CLReview

Santa Barbara Zoo

Reviewed by Lorenzo Lepori

Stars 4

 

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Although more modest in size compared to the Los Angeles and San Diego Zoos, the one here in Santa Barbara stands on its own. It is home to around 160 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and insects. The grounds of the Santa Barbara Zoo stretch along the desirable Pacific Ocean, giving its visitors both a delightful breeze and great ocean views. If traveling through, it is a must-see whether you have children or simply an animal lover looking for a small daytime activity.

For three hours I wondered the trails, enjoying the sight of native as well as exotic species. Noticing that some of them were indeed staring back at me on this bright sunny day, I started feeling that maybe we, as humans are not so different from them. After all we are living our lives in our beautiful habitats of Santa Barbara, soaking in the sun, breathing in the often-warm air and admiring the aesthetically and forever changing scenery.

The zoo’s limited size allows visitors to get closer to the animals, giving a unique experience that a larger zoo cannot provide.

Judging by the high volume of crowds it appeared that we all share a special interest in the gorillas and penguins. The gorillas, standing at an average of 5’ 6” and 424 pounds, truly make you feel your size. The penguins were a bit less intimidating and attracted every child who passed by.

The only downsides of my experience were the additional fee to board the zoo’s private train as well as the more expensive costs for food and souvenirs.

I would highly suggest the zoo to everyone who is either living in or visiting the beautiful Santa Barbara coast.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Ty Warner Sea Center  

Reviewed by David C. Ridings

Stars 5

The Ty Warner Sea Center is an interesting alternative to the usual recreational routine.

The location is very appealing with an extremely informative staff, and the entire captivating experience is just a short walk away from the City College campus.

Between octopi escaping from their tanks to the hypnotizing locomotion of the jellyfish, the Ty Warner Sea Center is educational entertainment for people of all ages.

The visual and eccentric beauty of the marine life is just an affordable $8 ticket away. Located on 211 Sterns Wharf in Santa Barbara the volunteers are very friendly and welcoming. The employees range in age from child to adult.

“The staff shows you all of the marine life and explain all of the general information to help enrich the experience,” said volunteer Alex Shorb.

Having staff younger and closer in age to small children appeals more to them. It is noticeable that the children were more interested in asking the younger staff questions than the older volunteers.

The Sea Center provides the public with an opportunity for hands on learning involving the local marine life of Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands.

Touch tanks are available so the public can feel the various cartilaginous fish, such as rays or sharks. People have a chance to roll their sleeves up and touch one of the public’s most infamous fears. The environment in the tanks is made as similar as possible to the local physical conditions and features.

Upstairs in the Sea Center you will find the jellyfish exhibit, which is laced with tantalizing lights as the jellies move about their tanks effortlessly, feeding on krill. The sheer beauty of the display captivates children and adults.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Ganna Walska Lotusland

Reviewed by Rachel Stone

Stars 5

 

Ganna Walska Lotusland is a spectacular 37-acre botanical garden secluded in the hills of Montecito.

The garden once belonged to European opera singer, Madame Ganna Walska, who devoted 43 years of her life, and countless amounts of money in designing this garden. After her passing in 1984 the garden opened to the public.

This wonderland contains rare and exotic plants from all over the world, ranging from endangered palms to flowering cacti. LotusLand is one of the two places in California, besides Echo Park in Los Angeles, that contain lotus flowers.

Walska’s bold artistic style can be seen throughout the sequence of garden displays: mysterious paths, handcrafted pools, and dreamy lotus filled ponds leave the visitor astonished throughout the entire tour.

A guide shows you around, taking you on a two-hour stroll through the garden. You are not allowed to leave the guide and check the spots out on your own. However, the guide does provide interesting history about each area so sticking around isn’t so bad.

A reservation and $35 fee are required for entrance into the estate.  Tours are from 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Rating: 5 out of 5

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