long, combines a private behind the scenes experience for those participating that day (not with the general public) with an additional hands-on full contact experience with our African Elephants. Monterey Zoo is open 10am – 3pm 7 days a week – including most holidays except: We are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Four species are commonly seen within the sanctuary… 279 reviews of Vision Quest Ranch "Fall asleep in a giant over-stuffed feather bed to the sound of lions roaring. Elephant sanctuaries are sold as a place of safety, rest, and comfort, where elephants will be protected from suffering and unjust treatment. Click here to purchase tickets now! 1-1/2 hrs. About Elephant Seals Seals on the sand. ... in Monterey or in a sanctuary… The northern elephant seal is the second largest seal in the world, after the southern elephant seal. Committed to providing our animals with the largest most naturalistic enclosures possible, Monterey Zoological Society, a 501(c)(3) non profit organization, has successfully brought the Monterey County Communities a world class zoological property to benefit all who visit Monterey County! If you love elephants, the Pachyderm Package is for you! The PETA release asserted Monterey Zoo mistreated its elephants, citing two necropsies and an incident where an elephant broke an employee's back and arm. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the best places in the world to see seals, sea lions and sea otters. Tour times are announced daily but generally happen between 5:00 and 5:30 PM, lasting 30 to 40 minutes. The Butch's Bedtime Package is a fun, educational and exciting way to enhance your experience at the Monterey Zoo. The Monterey Zoo and its associated Elephant Sanctuary has improved the lot of four elephants, but there is a deeply felt understanding they need to improve the space further. Support our Zoo You can see them close to shore almost any time of year! During your visit, enjoy a “Meet and Greet” at our elephant play yard where you’ll have … The state of California and Monterey County have granted our property permission to re-open for tourist travel however while visiting, guests will be asked to follow the below rules while on the property until restrictions are further lifted. Unfortunately, our fascination with elephants has led to exploitative animal businesses misrepresenting themselves as elephant sanctuaries or sanctuary … This tour, approx. One of our nation's most spectacular marine protected areas, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world! “Monterey Zoo is a vile, barren roadside zoo run by an exotic animal trainer – it couldn’t be further from a sanctuary if it tried” said In Defense of Animals President, Dr. Marilyn Kroplick. What a simply divine weekend! How to tell them apart. Much more agile in their ocean environment, an elephant seal moves on land with considerable effort, by using its front flippers and belly. Welcome to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary! Vision Quest Ranch is home to hundreds of animals which have been rescued or work in the film industry. Support Monterey’s 1st ZOO. Sleep like a baby and when you wake up, wrap up in a fluffy spa-style robe to have breakfast on your front porch -delivered by an elephant! The Elephant Sanctuary, founded in 1995, is the nation’s single natural habitat refuge developed specifically for endangered African and Asian elephants.