Room to move
If you would like to see elephants, you can travel to Africa, of course, but the easiest way to observe these mighty creatures is to come to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park! We have a large exhibit area for our African elephant herd. An elevated walking path called the Elephant Overlook takes you out alongside the exhibit area to see what our pachyderms are up to. You can also view elephants next to Tembo Stadium at the Elephant Viewing Patio or on our Elephant Cam.
Most elephants enjoy a dip in a pool of water, or at least like to get their feet wet. The elephant exhibit offers a large pond, shaded with trees, for the elephants to do just that. There are also shade structures made of simulated rock and plenty of room to roam. From the elephant overlook you can view the exhibit’s elephant barn and holding yard, where the elephants go in the mornings when the keepers are cleaning the spacious main yard and hiding treats for the elephants to discover.
A herd of seven African elephants came to San Diego in 2003, and the herd has since grown to include nine calves. In 2009, a second breeding male arrived to join the females, and we hope for more calves in the future.
