SeeCalifornia.com

There are several ways of approaching Thanksgiving at the California zoos this November 27:

• OPEN–One is to watch the animals being fed. In Santa Barbara you can see the annual, entertaining Pumpkin Smash in which animals are given their own pumpkin desserts. The Santa Barbara Zoo is open 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
• SOLD OUT–Visitors must be ravenous at one of San Diego Zoo’s restaurants, Albert’s, which is sold out on Thanksgiving Day. In Santa Rosa, Safari West Thanksgiving Day dinner is likewise sold out!
• OPEN– San Diego Zoo’s Treetops still has seating.  There’s a Thanksgiving buffet in the Treetops Banquet Room on Thursday, November 27, with continuous seating from 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The lavish buffet offers Thanksgiving favorites along with traditional side dishes, salads, artisan breads, and a dessert bar. $44.95 for adults and $18.95 for children ages 3 through 11, plus tax and gratuity. Admission is required. For reservations, please call 619-557-3964.
• OPEN– At San Diego Safari Park near Escondido, Thanksgiving Buffet on Thursday, November 27, 2014 features two seatings: Noon and 3 p.m. Treat yourself and your family to an amazing Thanksgiving dinner in beautiful surroundings at Safari Park’s Hunte Nairobi Pavilion. A lavish buffet offers Thanksgiving favorites and chef’s specialties. Members are $44.95 per person for adults and $18.95 for children ages 3 through 11. Nonmembers are $90.95 for adults, $54.95 for children. Price includes Park admission. Tax, gratuity, and parking not included. Call 619-718-3000 to make your reservation!
• CLOSED– Sacramento Zoo; Oakland Zoo; CALM Zoo (Bakersfield); Charles Paddock Zoo (Atascadero); Santa Ana Zoo
• OPEN — Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo 9a-2p; Folsom Zoo 10a-1p; San Francisco Zoo; Los Angeles Zoo 10a-5p; The Living Desert (Palm Desert) 9a-5p; Orange County Zoo (Orange); 10a-3:30p; Big Bear Alpine Zoo 10a-4p. Please double check before going as events and hours are subject to change.