San Diego Zoo &
San Diego Safari Park
www.sandiegozoo.org
Last verified 4/11
Misty F. shared the following email she received from Chris from the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Safari Park (formerly the Wild Animal Park) Customer Service Team in April 2011:
"At the Zoo we have ten restaurants and 13 snack locations. At any of the
main restaurants we should be able to accommodate your need for gluten free
food products. All you have to do is ask to speak to the Lead or
Supervisor of whichever location you visit.
Each park's restaurants have a "menu item book" listing the ingredients for
each item on our menu. We frequently have this type of request and it
isn't a problem. We hope this helps you."
In the General FAQ section of the Zoo's (and San Diego Safari Park) website they answer the question "Will food service work with my allergies/special dietary needs?":
"We recognize the seriousness of food allergies and although we would like to accommodate all guest requirements, we recognize that our kitchens are not equipped to prepare food separately for guests who are sensitive to certain ingredients. Each restaurant can provide an ingredient list for the items available for purchase - unfortunately we cannot assure you that other ingredients may not be in the preparation environment."
Bringing food into the parks is also addressed in the same General FAQ section of their website:
"Guests may bring person food items into our parks. Large food storage containers such as coolers are not permitted on grounds, and no facilities are available for food storage.
For the convenience of guests, there are picnic areas located outside the Zoo's main entrance and near the Wild Animal Park's entry plaza within easy walking distance of our parking lots. Zoo and Park guests who have already entered our parks may get their hand stamped for re-entry on the same day of their visit during park operating hours. . . For the safety of guests and the animals in our care, please do not bring glass, alcohol, or straws into our parks."
Misty F., 4/11
I took my kids there and they do offer a book with all the
ingredients to whatever they serve for you to look at. It was really
helpful. My daughter and I had a safe, gluten free lunch with no problems.
The staff was patient and helpful. Just remember to stay away from the
chili, as it has rolled oats of all things in it!
From Easy Eats online magazine, 12/10
The San Diego Zoo, one of the world's best, is a little behind in the rest of the city in terms of it's (gluten-free) offerings. The upside? You are allowed to bring your own food into the park, making a picnic with polar bears a distinct reality."
