SAN DIEGO (Nov. 20, 2025) – The all-new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park will officially open on March 5, 2026. As the largest and most transformative project in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s 109-year history, Elephant Valley is meticulously designed to foster empathy, understanding, and a lasting appreciation for elephants, while igniting a desire to protect them and their native habitats.
Elephant Valley will serve as a bridge between the vital science happening in San Diego and the collaborative elephant conservation initiatives supported by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance across the African savanna. The experience will shine a spotlight on San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s global conservation partners and celebrate the vibrant cultures and local communities in Kenya where people and elephants coexist.
At the heart of Elephant Valley is Mkutano House, a two-story restaurant featuring three distinct dining destinations: Mkutano, Ona Lounge, and Tu Grill. Inspired by the rich and varied culinary traditions across Africa's many regions and blending them with global influences, the restaurant will offer a harmonious fusion of familiar flavors with bold notes. Every dish will invite guests to embark on a rich culinary journey that celebrates discovery and connection.
The Safari Park, spanning 1,800 acres in Escondido, California, is home to over 3,100 animals from more than 340 species. This one-of-a-kind destination offers guests of all ages the opportunity to strengthen their connection to wildlife and the natural world. Elephant Valley is included with Safari Park admission. For more information, visit sdzsafaripark.org/elephantvalley.
About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships and groundbreaking efforts at the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, both leading zoological institutions and accredited botanical gardens. Through wildlife care expertise, cutting-edge science and continued collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. The Alliance reaches over 1 billion people annually through its two conservation parks and media channels in 170 countries, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television, available in children’s hospitals across 14 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible.
