The San Diego Zoo Safari Park on Thursday opened Denny Sanford Elephant Valley, the largest project in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's 109-year history, and one which allows guests to walk next to the pachyderms.
"Elephant Valley will serve as a bridge between the vital science happening in San Diego and the collaborative elephant conservation initiatives supported by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance across the African savanna," a statement from the SDZWA read. "The experience will shine a spotlight on San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's global conservation partners and celebrate the vibrant cultures and local communities in Kenya where people and elephants coexist."
At Thursday morning’s opening ceremony, SDZWA CEO Shawn Dixon said, “Words cannot describe what you're going to experience; it's a transformational experience … it's going to change your life.”
Elephant Valley will turn the current elephant environment into a "dynamic savanna and a place of exploration," with guests surrounded by elephants on multiple sides, including from below via an overhead walkway with views of the herd passing through.
"As magnificent as elephants are, their future is equally fragile," said Lisa Peterson, the then-executive director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park when the expansion broke ground in 2023. "We are honored to take millions of wildlife allies on a journey into the life of elephants, where they will learn about the positive impact everyone can have, and share in our hope for elephants worldwide.
"Elephant Valley will be a place where curiosity turns into discovery -- where anyone from ages 1 to 100 will experience breathtaking moments of wonder in nature," she said. "Our hope is that the defining memories you make here stay with you for a lifetime."
(photo: abc 10)