San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Named Grand Marshal Award Winner In Rose Parade

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance won the Grand Marshal Award at the 137th annual Rose Parade.

The organization, which operates the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, received the award for most outstanding creative concept and float design.

The award-winning float, "Giant Strides Together," transported viewers to the all-new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley. The largest and most transformative project in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's 109-year history, Elephant Valley, will open on March 5 at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido.

• Also see: Safari Park Announces Opening Date For All-New Elephant Valley

"This year's float celebrates the majesty of elephants and the immersive experience guests visiting Denny Sanford Elephant Valley will soon get to experience," said Shawn Dixon, president and chief executive officer of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. "We're excited to receive this honor as we prepare to welcome the world to walk alongside these magnificent animals like never before."

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's float featured designs of a few members of the Safari Park's African savanna elephant herd: matriarch Swazi and her daughter Qinisa, as well as Umngani and her daughter Mkhaya. The latter mother-daughter duo Umngani and Mkhaya gained international recognition in 2025 when they, along with other members of the herd, were seen forming a protective "alert circle" during an earthquake.

• Also see: Watch These San Diego Elephants Form An 'Alert Circle' During Earthquake

Elephant Valley is the largest and most transformative project in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's 109-year history, according to officials. 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.