San Antonio Zoo in Texas has unveiled its savanna habitat expansion, which includes an overnight experience with the resident giraffes.
The new savanna combines the former elephant habitat with the existing giraffe savanna, resulting in a 126 percent increase in habitat space.
It will be home to reticulated giraffes, plains zebras, sitatungas, dama gazelles, ostriches, white storks, marabou storks and East African crowned cranes.
The habitat features a new two-storey barn for giraffes, a new elevated walkway, and an expanded crossing for animals to move between habitats.
Additionally, the savanna includes a private lodge called Spekboom Lodge where guests can stay overnight. This features a primary suite, a kitchenette, a living area, bunk beds for children and a private outdoor patio.
Tim Morrow, president and CEO of San Antonio Zoo, said the zoo’s “growth, pace and improvements continue with this next incredible expansion”.
“Guests will be able to view and explore the savanna in entirely new ways, offering first-time-ever views and even more animals to observe and learn about.”
Operating since 1914, San Antonio Zoo is a nonprofit zoological facility that welcomes more than one million visitors each year.
126% increase in habitat space
It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Zoological Association of America and is also Humane Certified by American Humane.
In an interview with blooloop earlier this year, Morrow said: “People tend to think that zoos are just a place to visit and have fun and see animals. But it’s all the work happening behind the scenes that is the incredible part of what we do.”
The expanded savanna at San Antonio Zoo is set to open in 2024. It is part of the zoo’s 20-year plan, which involves investing up to $250 million in animal habitats.
Images courtesy of San Antonio Zoo
