Dallas Zoo in Texas has revealed the first look at African Shorelines, marking the first stage of the extensive, multi-year Safari Trail expansion that will transform visitors' encounters with wildlife, conservation efforts, and educational programs.
Scheduled to commence construction this October and open in 2028, African Shorelines aims to enhance the guest experience by creating immersive habitats for critically endangered African penguins and lesser flamingos.
The project will feature interactive educational exhibits, a new café with views of wildlife habitats, and carefully designed areas that foster a deeper bond between visitors and wildlife.
Safari Trail project gets underway
The zoo says that the project demonstrates ongoing dedication to outstanding animal care, innovative conservation efforts, and prioritising guest experiences. The team bringing the expansion to life includes CLR Design and Dimensional Innovations.
"African Shorelines represents everything we believe the modern zoo experience should be," says Lisa New, CEO of Dallas Zoo, as reported by CBS.
"It reflects our commitment to exceptional animal care, meaningful conservation, and creating unforgettable experiences that inspire people to care about wildlife."
African Shorelines is the first of three phases of Safari Trail, a significant zoo expansion supported by the Wild Horizons capital campaign.
The zoo announced it has raised $79 million of its $120 million target, with $30 million coming from bond funding approved by Dallas voters in 2024.
Future projects include Wild Grasslands, a habitat for cheetahs and rhinos, and Okapi Forest, which will house monkeys and endangered okapi, a distant relative of giraffes. The full Safari Trail is scheduled for completion by 2030.
The 106-acre Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas. It was founded in 1888 as the first zoo in the Southwest with just two deer and two mountain lions.
Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.
