So Close You Can See Elephant Eyelashes? Welcome to San Diego’s Elephant Valley
A New Perspective on Elephants at Elephant Valley
Before visitors step into the new Elephant Valley experience at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, they are greeted by a striking landscape of fallen trees and natural formations. The path winds through this reclaimed terrain, offering a unique view of how elephants shape their environment. Tree trunks form arches over bridges, and clay-colored paths with hoof prints lead guests deeper into the space. This design is intentional, aiming to immerse visitors in the world of elephants, creatures often misunderstood and hunted for their ability to transform landscapes.
Kristi Burtis, vice president of wildlife care for the Safari Park, emphasizes that the goal of Elephant Valley is to tell the story of elephants as “ecosystem engineers.” Opening on March 5, the 13-acre area will offer an unprecedented close-up view of the park’s eight elephants, ranging from 7 to 36 years old. The space focuses heavily on conservation and provides a more immersive experience than traditional zoo exhibits.
The centerpiece of the park is a curved bridge overlooking a savanna, allowing elephants to walk under guests. Additional features include hidden nooks where visitors can observe elephants at their level. Unlike the park’s popular tram tour, there are no fences or enclosures, creating a space where humans are elevated and do not interfere with the elephants’ natural movements. During a recent event, one elephant even flung a mixture of dirt and feces onto the bridge, highlighting just how close guests can get to the animals.
Burtis explains that visitors will be able to see details previously unseen, such as the hairs on an elephant’s skin, their eyes, eyelashes, and the muscular structure of their trunks. The design of Elephant Valley is inspired by the natural environment rather than attempting to replicate African landscapes. Instead, it incorporates elements like Kenyan wood and beadwork to honor the region without imitating it.
Fri Forjindam, a former lead designer on the project, notes that the goal was to create a space that recognizes the local environment while celebrating the elephants. “We’re not going to pretend we’re taking people to Africa,” she says. “Instead, we’re learning from it and sharing information.” The design also emphasizes coexistence, using indigenous plants and focusing on the story of how humans and elephants can live together.
The Mkutano House, a multi-story lodge named after the Swahili word for “gathering,” offers a space for guests to linger. While reservations are recommended for dining, there will also be a walk-up option. The ground floor features hut-like roofing and views of the elephant grazing pool. A centerpiece tree under constellation-like lighting mimics sunrises and sunsets, blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Animal carvings and beadwork adorn the area, and colorful cloth tapestries move with the wind to enhance the natural feel.
Throughout the space, there are educational and research goals. The Safari Park collaborates with organizations in Kenya to study human-elephant conflict and develop non-lethal solutions. With around 415,000 elephants in Africa, the African savanna elephant is classified as endangered. Research on the zoo’s young elephants is shared with the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary to improve care for orphaned calves. Additionally, the park studies the endotheliotropic herpes virus, collecting data that is difficult to obtain in the wild.
One entrance to Elephant Valley includes bee boxes, which act as a natural deterrent for elephants and help prevent crop damage. Timed feeders encourage movement and mimic natural resource-seeking behaviors. Water areas have been redesigned with ramps and steps to make navigation easier for the elephants.
Forjindam describes the goal of Elephant Valley as allowing visitors to “observe safely in luxury” without imposing dominance. The space aims to feel natural, avoiding the outdated concept of animals as prizes. Ultimately, the experience is designed to make visitors feel like house guests in the elephants’ home.
Elephant Valley represents a shift in how zoos engage with both animals and visitors, emphasizing conservation, education, and coexistence.
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