I'm wondering how exactly anyone thinks a zoo could guarantee the animals would be out and about?! Electric shocks? Tiny cages where they can't hide? Whatever way I can think of involves extreme animal cruelty.
The San Diego zoo is hands down the best zoo I've ever been to, and I've been to a lot around the world. Well worth the entrance fee (which is contributing to animal conservation and breeding programs).
Speaking of the Safari Park... GO THERE!!!One thing to keep in mind, most of the free Zoos are supported by local, state or federal governments.
The San Diego Zoo is a nonprofit Zoo, with little to no support from the government. All proceeds go back into either the Zoo, the Safari Park (Sister Facility 30 miles North of Downtown S.D.) or the many research projects around the Globe