Construction Begins On Elephant Valley At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

SAN DIEGO, CA — Construction is underway on an updated home for elephants at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, zoo officials announced Thursday.

The all-new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley will transform the Safari Park's current space for elephants into a "dynamic savanna and a place of exploration," officials said. It's the largest and most transformative project in the 50-year history of the Escondido-based park.

"We are thrilled to announce Denny Sanford Elephant Valley — a first-of-its-kind immersive experience for visitors, to further connect the vital work happening here in San Diego to the collaborative elephant conservation initiatives we support in the field," said Paul A. Baribault, president and chief executive officer of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the nonprofit organization that operates the Safari Park and the San Diego Zoo.

"Elephant Valley could not be achieved without the incredible community, donors, members and allies who support us and make all our conservation work possible with partners around the world."

Elephant Valley will highlight the wildlife conservation work of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and its partners and celebrate the communities and cultures where people and elephants coexist.

The space will feature an overhead walkway, rich plant life, and a two-story lodge inspired by the destinations frequented by travelers while on safari in Africa. The new habitat will provide "enhanced experiences" for the elephants by introducing several innovative features that align with seasonal variations to closely replicate the African savanna year-round, according to the Safari Park.

Elephant Valley is funded by thousands of donors and longtime San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance supporter Denny Sanford. In addition to Elephant Valley, Sanford was the lead donor for Wildlife Explorers Basecamp at the San Diego Zoo, and for the educational television programing of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers, provided at hundreds of children's hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses and other facilities across the globe.

Elephant Valley is expected to be completed in 2025.