Some careers follow well-worn paths. For Javier Quiroz, the horticulture team’s lead arborist for Denny Sanford Elephant Valley, the journey has meant tackling uncharted challenges as grand as the trees he helps nurture.
Elephant Valley is a historic chapter in our storied journey. Officially opening at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on March 5, 2026, this project represents years of planning, foresight, and steadfast dedication. For Javier and his colleagues, participating in this milestone has been both a professional highlight and a deeply personal mission.
“Every tree we plant or move is part of a legacy. We're not just shaping a landscape; we're creating a home where elephants can thrive for generations,” Javier shares, his passion shining through every word.
The abundance of plant life throughout Elephant Valley helps the herd thrive.
The daily work at Elephant Valley might appear straightforward, but the story behind its leafy ecosystem is anything but simple. In the shade of mature ficus and thorn trees, many of which began as tiny seeds in the Safari Park’s nursery, a bold dream emerged.
Javier and his team faced one of their greatest challenges during this creation: relocating towering thorn trees, some more than two decades old, across the Safari Park without damaging their massive root systems. This process demanded ingenuity, patience, and coordination from everyone involved.
“Seeing these trees take root in Elephant Valley is one of my proudest moments. It proves how perseverance and collaboration can transform a vision into a living sanctuary,” Javier reflects.
Thanks to the expertise of Javier and his team, Elephant Valley is a marvel of thoughtful design throughout.
The horticulture team’s role has evolved several times during development. They started with planning and design, moving then to construction and landscaping. Then, as final preparations were made for the grand opening, their focus shifted to ongoing maintenance. This includes ensuring the health of newly planted flora and partnering with wildlife care specialists to support the elephants as they explore and engage with their plant-rich environment.
The habitat itself is a marvel of thoughtful design. Native plants now stand as key features of the landscape, giving it a forest-like feel while providing shade and opportunities for the herd to engage in dynamic experiences. Guests even walk side by side the elephants, offering a connection to wildlife like never before.
"Conservation and saving species globally are a significant source of satisfaction and motivation,” Javier reflects.
Javier's favorite memories from this project are rooted in the Safari Park’s influence. “After 47 years here, I’m continually grateful to work in a job that has a direct, positive impact on the world. Conservation and saving species globally are a significant source of satisfaction and motivation,” he says.
Now that the experience is officially open, the horticulture team’s effort stands as a testament to decades of dedication and care for all to see. Each tree, each plant, and each detail tells a story of perseverance, collaboration, and purpose. Beneath the branches of Elephant Valley, our legacy is only strengthened with this reimagined space for giants, providing a renewed hope for their future.
Interested in learning more? Tune in to Amazing Wildlife as host Marco Wendt speaks with Raj Brown, director of horticulture, about Elephant Valley and how his team created a sense of immersion and place. You’ll even learn about hot composting, force fields, and the meaning of “zookie.”
