San Diego Zoo Safari Park Opens Massive “Elephant Valley"

You don’t need a passport for a safari anymore, just a drive to Escondido.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has officially opened the long-awaited Denny Sanford Elephant Valley in Escondido, giving visitors a chance to walk alongside the world’s largest land animals in the biggest project in the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s 109-year history.

The new habitat surrounds guests with African savanna elephants on multiple sides, creating an immersive experience that feels like standing in the middle of an African landscape. The Safari Park’s herd includes eight elephants ranging in age from 7 to 36 years old.

At the heart of the exhibit are two large watering holes — including a 240,000-gallon pool where the elephants can splash, wade and play while guests watch from nearby viewing areas.

Zoo officials say the exhibit is about more than just getting close to the animals. Elephant Valley is meant to connect visitors with global conservation efforts aimed at protecting the species. African savanna elephants are listed as endangered, facing threats from habitat loss, poaching and challenges between humans and wildlife sharing the same land.

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance partners with conservation groups across Africa, including Save the Elephants, the Nature Conservancy, Northern Rangelands Trust, Kenya Wildlife Service and the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.

Researchers also study the Safari Park’s herd to better understand elephant health, behavior and social dynamics — information that can help conservationists protect elephants in the wild.

Construction on the habitat began in 2023 and was funded by more than 5,200 donors. The valley is named after philanthropist Denny Sanford, a longtime supporter of wildlife conservation.

The immersive savanna is designed so visitors feel surrounded by elephants as they move through the landscape — offering a rare chance to see the intelligence, social bonds and personalities of these massive animals up close.

And if guests need a break from elephant watching, the new two-story Mkutano House restaurant overlooks the habitat. The menu is filled with African-inspired dishes

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park spans about 1,800 acres near Escondido and is home to nearly 300 species of animals — but Elephant Valley may quickly become one of its most unforgettable experiences.