– San Diego Zoo Safari Park announces Elephant Valley, the largest transformation project in 50-year history
The leader in wildlife conservation will bring visitors closer to elephants through a new immersive experience
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has announced that construction is officially underway on the largest and most transformative project in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s 50-year history. The new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley will reinvent the heart of the Safari Park, turning the elephants’ current environment into a dynamic savanna and a place of exploration. Elephant Valley will provide visitors of all ages with the opportunity to connect with elephants like never before, fostering a greater empathy, understanding and appreciation of this majestic species, and igniting a passion for wildlife.
“We are delighted to announce Denny Sanford Elephant Valley, a one-of-a-kind immersive experience for visitors, to further connect the vital work being done here in San Diego with the collaborative elephant conservation initiatives we support on the ground.” said Paul A. Baribault, president and CEO of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Elephant Valley could not be achieved without the incredible community, donors, members and allies who support us and make all of our conservation work with partners around the world possible.”
Surrounded by elephants on multiple sides, including from below via an elevated walkway with views of the passing herd, guests will learn about the crucial role elephants play as ecosystem engineers and their intricate social dynamics. Elephant Valley will provide visitors with a new perspective on the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s role as a leader in wildlife conservation. It will highlight the organization’s world-changing partners and celebrate the vibrant cultures and local communities where people and elephants co-exist.
At the center of the guest experience at Elephant Valley is a two-story lodge, inspired by the destinations frequented by travelers on safari in Africa. This gathering place will provide an opportunity to learn from the educators about the impressive wildlife of the region, while watching the elephants wade in the extensive watering holes. The rich plant life in Elephant Valley has been carefully curated by a team of expert horticulturists and arborists to authentically reflect the sights, sounds and smells of the African grasslands. The expansive new habitat will provide enhanced experiences for the elephant herd by introducing several innovative features that align with seasonal variations to closely replicate the African savannah throughout the year.
“As magnificent as elephants are, their future is just as fragile,” said Lisa Peterson, executive director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “We are honored to take millions of wildlife allies on a journey into the lives of elephants, where they will learn about the positive impact everyone can make and share our hope for elephants around the world. Elephant Valley will be a a place where curiosity turns into discovery, where anyone from 1 to 100 years old will experience awe-inspiring moments of wonder in nature. Our hope is that the defining memories you make here will stay with you for a lifetime.”
The effects of climate change, challenges to human-wildlife coexistence, habitat loss and poaching are affecting elephant populations. African savanna elephants are currently listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. African elephant conservation has long been a top priority for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The organization works closely with Save the Elephants, The Nature Conservancy, Northern Rangelands Trust, Kenya Wildlife Service and Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya for elephant conservation. Scientific studies conducted in Africa and with elephant herds at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park provide a unique opportunity to increase understanding of the species and help develop additional conservation solutions. Increased knowledge of the complexity of elephants’ social behaviors and understanding of their overall health needs has provided the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and its partners with valuable insight into what successful conservation outcomes look like for elephants.
“Africa’s elephants face enormous challenges, which require all of us to work together and find sustainable conservation solutions for elephants and people,” said Nadine Lamberski, DVM, San Diego Zoo Wildlife’s director of wildlife health and conservation. Alliance. “We look forward to witnessing the impact Elephant Valley will have on our ongoing global elephant conservation efforts.”
Elephant Valley is funded by thousands of generous donors and Denny Sanford, a longtime supporter of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. In addition to Elephant Valley, Sanford was the largest donor for the Wildlife Explorers Base Camp at the San Diego Zoo, and for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers educational television programming, provided at hundreds of children’s hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses, and other facilities. Worldwide. Elephant Valley is expected to be completed in 2025. For more information and to make a donation, visit sdzsafaripark.org/elephantvalley.
About the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a leading conservation nonprofit, inspires a passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships. Through wildlife stewardship, scientific expertise, and collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to their native habitats. Annually, the Alliance reaches more than one billion people, in person at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and virtually in 150 countries through media channels, including San Diego television programming. Zoo Wildlife Explorers in children’s hospitals in 13 countries. Wildlife allies (members, donors and guests) make success possible.
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