ELEPHANT VALLEY OPENS AT SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK
The Denny Sanford Elephant Valley, the most ambitious project in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's 109-year history, officially opens to the public on March 5, 2026.
After more than three years of construction, this stunning 13-acre habitat will be home to the Safari Park's herd of eight endangered African savannah elephants.
๐ WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL
Elephant Valley was designed to make visitors feel as though they are walking beside elephants in their natural environment. Immersive pathways wind through the habitat, crossing over a bridge that overlooks two habitat areas where elephants roam, socialize, and play.
The centerpiece is a 240,000-gallon oasis โ a massive watering hole where elephants can wade, swim, and splash while visitors watch from elevated viewpoints.
๐ฝ๏ธ THREE DINING DESTINATIONS
At the heart of Elephant Valley sits Mkutano House, a stunning two-story restaurant complex featuring three distinct dining experiences:
โข Mkutano โ Main dining with views of the elephant habitat
โข Ona Lounge โ A relaxed lounge setting
โข Tu Grill โ Grill-style dining by the watering hole
All three restaurants offer views of the elephants while you eat โ making it one of the most unique dining experiences in Southern California.
๐ CONSERVATION MISSION
The habitat was designed to foster empathy and understanding of elephants while supporting global conservation efforts. African savannah elephants are classified as endangered, with fewer than 415,000 remaining in the wild. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance works with partners across Africa to protect elephant populations and their habitats.
๐ VISITOR INFO
โข Opening: March 5, 2026
โข Location: San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Escondido, CA
โข Elephant Valley is INCLUDED with regular Safari Park admission
โข No additional ticket needed
This is a must-visit for families, animal lovers, and anyone who wants to experience one of the most incredible wildlife habitats ever created in a zoological park.
Sources: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, NBC San Diego, San Diego Union-Tribune
Comments