Now Open: Elephant Valley at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

(eap) At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, located east of Escondido, California, a new elephant habitat – “Denny Sanford Elephant Valley” – has recently opened. Covering approximately five hectares (13 acres), the area is designed in the style of an African savanna and grassland landscape, offering the animals more space as well as additional enrichment opportunities. With this project, the park aims to foster empathy, understanding and appreciation for the animals while raising awareness of conservation and natural habitats. Visitors can observe the current herd of eight elephants from various viewpoints at eye level, gaining insights into the animals’ behavior and complex social structure.

© San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Interim Executive Director Patrick McTigue commented: “A central component of this transformative space is community. Visiting Elephant Valley gives us the chance to celebrate the wonders of nature together, whether it’s the African savanna or the San Pasqual Valley. I’m excited to see how this space inspires our community to protect and connect with wildlife and wild places for years to come.”

A team of landscape gardeners and arborists designed the area, planting more than 350 specimens, including rare and endangered species. Two large watering holes provide the elephants with opportunities to bathe and play. The two-story “Mkutano House”, which forms part of the new area, offers a range of food and beverage options for visitors. The project was financed through more than 5,200 donations to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. In total, more than 3,000 animals from 290 species are housed at the Californian safari park, which – like the San Diego Zoo located approximately 50 kilometers away – is operated by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. ■