| Embark on this grand adventure to visit the exotic – right here in Southern California. First, visit “America’s Teaching Zoo” at Moorpark College. The Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College is the only hands-on program in the nation that teaches its students how to train exotic (and domestic) animals. Today you will not only tour the facility, but take in a student-run animal show and get satisfyingly close to the big cats, giant tortoise and other animals. The five-acre zoo features more than 200 different animals and you will see how the students care for, feed and ensure the well-being of the animals while on a docent-guided tour of the facility. Following, a visit to Gardens of the World for a docent-led tour to, not only see the amazing beauty, but to learn about the different gardens, plants and cultures that these garden commemorate. This 4.5-acre cultural landmark features 5 different gardens including a Japanese Garden, French Garden, English Perrenial & Rose Garden, Italian Garden and an authentic California Mission Courtyard Garden. Pathways provide easy access to get up close to the amazing variety of plants, flowers and water features. Then, visit Japanese Gardens like you’ve never encountered. Located directly adjacent to a $75 million water treatment plant, this 6.5-acre traditional-style stroll garden is like those built in 18th and 19th century Japan for feudal lords. The main difference being that the garden gets its water from the 65 million gallons that are reclaimed at the adjacent plant each day. Stroll through the dry garden, tea garden and zigzag bridge. The naturalistic, three-stage waterfall, azaleas, cherry trees, magnolias, wisteria, iris and lotus are beautiful. An included picnic lunch on our journey. |