Elephant Valley To Open In Early 2026 At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

SAN DIEGO — Something big is coming to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park announced Tuesday that Denny Sanford Elephant Valley will open in early 2026. The announcement was made on World Elephant Day as the project reached 80% completion.

Officials said the new habitat is the largest and most transformative project in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's 109-year history. More than 4,100 donors made Elephant Valley possible, including a lead gift from Denny Sanford.

"Denny Sanford Elephant Valley's innovative design celebrates the world's largest land mammal and the communities that coexist with them," said Shawn Dixon, interim president and chief executive officer at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

"Every detail of this habitat has been purposefully designed to reflect the elephants' natural environment, supporting their well-being while inspiring meaningful connections," Dixon said. "We're eager to welcome guests in early 2026 to experience a place unlike any other — where wildlife and people come together in powerful new ways."

In the new habitat, guests will experience what it's like to walk alongside the elephant herd, with viewing opportunities on multiple sides.

Denny Sanford Elephant Valley will also feature Mkutano House, a two-story restaurant located by one of two watering holes, a 240,000-gallon oasis where elephants can wade, swim and play. Nearby, Mkutano Park will serve as a gathering place to learn from educators about the wildlife of the region.

The Safari Park used expert horticulturists and arborists to replicate the sights, sounds and smells of Africa's savanna and grasslands. More than 350 individual plants were grown for Elephant Valley, including rare and endangered African plants.

Guests will venture through pathways lined with African thorn trees, a common source of food for elephants. Other African trees include the vulnerable kokerboom and the endangered Nubian dragon tree, some of which have been growing at the Safari Park since it opened 53 years ago.