Google reviewers rate Wild Wonders, Inc. 4.8 out of 5 based on 144 reviews, frequently praising knowledgeable staff, clean enclosures, and close animal interactions during tours. Common themes include friendly guides and unique experiences with species like fennec foxes and wallabies. However, some visitors criticize disorganized scheduling, inconsistent communication, and pricing discrepancies compared to advance quotes.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 144 reviews (88% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 144 Google reviews (99 with written comments, 24 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 14% of reviews.
Most recent review: September 28, 2026.
Service: Zoo serving El Cajon, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Photos
Customer reviews
4.8
★★★★★
144 reviews on Google
5★126
4★11
3★3
2★0
1★4
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
SO
Sally Olson2 reviews
★★★★★
We had a great time here with our family. We were able to see animals up close and learn about them. We especially loved the fennec fox experience! It’s a bit of a drive but for animal lovers, worth it!
Visited on: Weekday
Reservation recommended: Yes
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Thank you so much!
we are so happy you enjoyed your visit!
They were completely disorganized from start to finish. I had a reservation and still waited 45 minutes for basic service. Nobody seemed to know what they were doing or what they were supposed to tell me. One person would say one thing and then another would come over and say the exact opposite. The pricing felt made up on the spot and nothing like what was quoted in advance. For what they charge, you'd expect them to have their act together. I wouldn't bother coming out here again, its just not worth the headache.
honestly the cold brew was warm when i brought it to the car (lukewarm kind of defeats the cold in the name) so i nearly turned around but they guys at the counter were so apologetic i felt bad making a fuss and just took it anyway.
but the almond croissant with the only croissant left basically made my whole morning it was seriously good, flaky but not dry and the almond filling was actually way more then i expected.
the outdoor table was wobbly but honestly im kinda used to that by now with smaller places so it wouldnt rock my review that hard.
theyre fast here tho like really on it i barely had time to sit down before my plate showed up.
i forgot to check the hours but i think they close earlier than youd hope so if youre a late dinner person maybe call first.
overall a nice stop that felt more personal than all those fake trendy spots, just wich theyed chill thier cold drinks a bit more.
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Hi Strider - Wild Wonders is actually a wildlife education conservation center and we do not serve coffee or croissants, so I fear you have left a review for the wrong establishment on our yelp.
Kind Regards,
Lynn
Wild Wonders is an amazing place where the animals look to be in perfect health and the energy and passion of the zookeepers is contagious. Casey was a great tour guide!! As a science teacher for 30 years, I know my stuff and so does he. I learned plenty of information throughout my morning tour. I booked a private tour and the tour did not disappoint; while it was very expensive, it was well worth it. I mean. I mean, how many times do you get to feed a fennec fox and a binturong in the same morning? It was a super educational and rewarding day. A+ from this science teacher for Wild Wonders.
We went here with a group of 4. From start to finish, the experience was amazing. First off, I got the time wrong. I thought our tour was at 1pm, when it was scheduled 11-1. Entirely my mistake, as the communication from Wild Wonders clearly showed 11-1. We were on the road when they called, and our ETA was 12:15. I asked them if they could just prioritize our 3 paid animal encounters, and then if there was time, we could tour part of their facility.
When we arrived, they were so polite, didn't make me feel horrible for being so late, and actually gave us the full tour with our animal encounters. It was absolutely amazing, and more than I expected. In addition to the 3 animals we got to feed and interact with, they also brought out several other animal ambassadors that we got to learn about and pet while our amazing tour guide Mac fed them. She told us she was the newest hire to Wild Wonders, but she did an outstanding job with our tour, and was very knowledgeable of all the animals!
The facility itself is lovely, well maintained, and you can tell the animals are well cared for. We also spoke to the director and got some information about the conservation work they do both within the US and in Africa. It made me feel even better about booking this encounter with them! I would highly recommend this for anyone looking to interact with some unique animals and contribute to animal conservation.
Visited on: Weekday
Wait time: No wait
Reservation recommended: Yes
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you so much, we are so happy that you visited and that you enjoyed it. We appreciate your support of Wild Wonders :).
We took one of our children here for her birthday with the Wallaby Walk (wallaby and our daughter share the same name). It’s a very nice place to visit. It’s extremely clean, the caretakers are very professional and personable, and the animals are full of cuteness! This place is nothing like the big zoos. Amanda was our guide and she was absolutely amazing. Great personality and very friendly. The facility is well kept and the animals are well taken care of and loved. They have some of the cutest animals we’ve ever seen (kinkajou- or honey bear, African pygmy hedgehog (I think that was its breed), bear cats, porcupines, opossums (violet! She’s adorable), and the dwarf armadillo (she was the cutest thing!). And Tucker (she’s super fun to talk to!). Each of our children really enjoyed this tour. They said it was much more interesting than a zoo or wild life park. Can’t wait to go back for another tour with the fennec fox!
Visited on: Weekday
Wait time: Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended: Yes
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Thank you so much! We look forward to you visiting again!
Delightful tour of the facilities, extremely friendly and knowledgeable guide, and personable and fascinating animals. Great experience, can’t recommend it enough!
Fun experience seeing wild animals and how they live. We went to evening tour. See all the nocturnal animals! Ashley was an amazing tour guide...we got to pet most of them.
Visited on: Weekday
Wait time: No wait
Reservation recommended: Yes
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
We are so happy you enjoyed your visit- thank you for your support