The San Diego Zoo launched its mobile application in December and, to date, it has seen more than 65,000 downloads.
 
The San Diego Zoo partnered with Mobile Roadie on the mobile initiative. Via the app, users can plan their trip, as well as purchase tickets.

?The San Diego Zoo is a conservation organization, and we were looking to find ways to connect guests with nature and wildlife, while they're planning their visit, during their visit and after they've visited,? said Jenny Mehlow, a spokeswoman for the San Diego Zoo. 

?The Zoo's app can provide users with information to plan their visit and find out more information about the plants and animals while they?re in the Zoo,? she said. 

?And of course, the live animal cams allow fans of the San Diego Zoo to watch the beloved pandas, polars and orangutans from their phone or iPad, when they can?t be at the Zoo.?

Animal love
Via the San Diego Zoo app, users can browse different sections including an overview of the exhibits, an animal directory, a schedule of events, visitor information and news.

The app was launched in December 2011 and in the first week of being live, more than 5,000 fans downloaded the app.

Additionally, the zoo released the Ape LiveCam in coordination with their Absolutely Apes event.

Users can also watch their favorite animals via the mobile app and earn custom badges within the app for sharing photos and comments, as well as checking in on Facebook and Twitter.

Getting the word out
Information about the Zoo's mobile app is included on the Zoo's map and at points of sale throughout the Zoo encouraging guests to download the app while they are onsite.

In addition, the app was also promoted socially via the Zoo's Facebook and Twitter accounts.
 
?The San Diego Zoo is a conservation organization and it is our goal to connect people to wildlife,? Ms. Mehlow said. 

?This app gives users access to the San Diego Zoo anytime, anywhere and lets them know how they can help us save endangered species and habitat,? she said. 

Final Take