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New 'Elephant Valley' coming to San Diego Zoo Safari Park in 2025

ESCONDIDO, Calif. (KGTV) — The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance announced Thursday construction of a new "Elephant Valley" exhibit is underway. The alliance says this is the largest project since the park opened in 1973.

The Denny Sanford Elephant Valley will transform the Safari Park's core, modifying the current elephant area into a "dynamic savanna and a place of exploration." Once completed, all guests will have the rare opportunity to connect with elephants in a brand new way, fostering a deeper awe for the already impressive species.

The park expects to complete the ambitious project in 2025; however, the press release did not specify which month or season it will open.

Paul A. Baribault, the alliance's president and CEO, described the vision for the project as "a first-of-its-kind immersive experience" that will shed new light on the conservation efforts for elephant populations worldwide.

“Elephant Valley could not be achieved without the incredible community, donors, members and allies who support us and make all our conservation work possible with partners around the world,” Baribault says.

As the name suggests, the Elephant Valley will be surrounded by the massive creatures on multiple sides. Guests will also get to view elephants from above as they cross an overhead walkway above the herd.

The alliance described elephants as "ecosystem engineers" in its press release, and it also pointed out the species has complex social dynamics.

Vibrant cultures and communities that coexist with elephants will be highlighted in the exhibit, evidence of the alliance's collaboration with partners overseas, the release says.

The #1 spot for guests at the new exhibit will be the valley's two-story lodge, which mimics tourist locations travelers flock to while going on safaris in Africa. Educators will share their knowledge with guests at the gathering place as elephants meander their way to the large watering holes.

The safari park hired top-tier arborists and horticulture experts to recreate the African grasslands, capturing the authentic smells, sights and sounds of the ecosystem.

The expansive habitat will provide the elephants with seasonal variations replicating how the savanna changes throughout the year.

Lisa Peterson, the safari park's executive director, says the elephants' future is cloudy and fragile. The conservation effort is one of the park's top priorities to keep the magnificent species around for the long term.

“We are honored to take millions of wildlife allies on a journey into the life of elephants, where they will learn about the positive impact everyone can have, and share in our hope for elephants worldwide," she says. "Elephant Valley will be a place where curiosity turns into discovery—where anyone from ages 1 to 100 will experience breathtaking moments of wonder in nature. Our hope is that the defining memories you make here stay with you for a lifetime.”

Elephant populations are threatened by climate change, habitat loss, poaching and challenges with coexisting with humans, the release says.

The African Savanna Elephany species is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species.

The safari park works with the following organizations for elephant conservation:

• Save the Elephants
• The Nature Conservancy
• Northern Rangelands Trust
• Kenya Wildlife Service
• Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya

In order to better understand the animal, scientific studies of elephant herds are conducted at the zoo, safari park and in Africa, helping scientists develop more conservation solutions. “Elephants across Africa are facing immense challenges, which require all of us to collaborate and find sustainable conservation solutions for elephants and people,” says Nadine Lamberski, chief conservation and wildlife health officer for the alliance. “We are eager to witness the impact Elephant Valley will have on our continued elephant conservation efforts globally.”

Thousands of donors funded the Elephant Valley, and Denny Sanford was a major supporter, the release says. Sanford was also the lead donor for the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp at the San Diego Zoo, as well as the "San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers" educational TV program shown at hundreds of children's hospitals.

If you'd like to donate yourself, or learn more about the new habitat, follow this link .

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Cloned endangered horse now calls San Diego Zoo Safari Park home

By city news service • published september 7, 2023 • updated on september 7, 2023 at 5:53 pm.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is now home to the world's second successfully cloned Przewalski's horse, a critically endangered species previously considered extinct in the wild until 1996, it was announced Thursday.

The foal, born Feb. 17, 2023, and his surrogate mother, a domestic quarter horse, were recently moved from his birthplace at ViaGen Pets & Equine cloning facility in Texas so he can learn the language of being a wild horse from his own species, a statement from the zoo reads.

The foal was given the name "Ollie" in honor of Dr. Oliver Ryder, director of Conservation Genetics at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Ryder began his career at the zoo in 1975 under the guidance of Dr. Kurt Benirschke, who was instrumental in founding the conservation research program at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

"It is an honor to have studied and worked with so many others on the conservation of this special animal and to see come alive the possibility of using advanced genetic and reproductive technologies to sustain resilient populations in human care and in their native habitat," Ryder said.

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The world's first cloned Przewalski's horse, Kurt -- named after Benirschke and also living at the Safari Park -- is the genetic twin of Ollie, as he was born in August 2020 from the same stallion's living cell line. That cell line was cryopreserved more than 40 years ago in the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Biodiversity Bank's Frozen Zoo.

Formerly extinct in the wild, the species has survived for the past 40 years almost entirely in zoos, and nearly all of the surviving horses are related to just 12 Przewalski's horses born in native habitats, a zoo statement reads.

The species has since been reintroduced to its native grasslands in China and Mongolia, but scientists say there is more work to be done to ensure genetic variation and thus the species' survival.

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Przewalski's horses normally live in groups, where a youngster secures their place in the herd from their mother. Because Ollie was born to a domestic horse, he has not yet had experience with other Przewalski's horses.

" Eventually, San Diego Zoo Safari Park wildlife care experts will work to ensure he gains the unique behavioral language he will need to interact and thrive among the larger herd of Przewalski's horses at the Safari Park, including Kurt," a statement from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance reads. "Kurt is currently learning the language of being a wild horse from his companion, Holly, a young female of his own species. The plan is for Kurt and Ollie to become breeding stallions when they reach maturity at about 4 years of age."

Ollie and his surrogate mother will temporarily live in a secluded, private habitat off view from guests, until he is ready to be introduced to other horses of the species.

Safari Park guests may see Kurt and Holly in the park's Central Asia field habitat.

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Three orphaned mountain lion cubs find new home at Safari Park

UC Davis team found the cats in separate locations

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Three recently rescued orphaned mountain lion cubs were treated at the Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where they will now make their home, it was announced Thursday.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the UC Davis Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife found the 6-week old cubs separately over the course of a week.

Because the lions were orphaned at an early age, they cannot be safely reintroduced into their native habitat, according to the Wildlife Alliance. Fish and Wildlife designated the San Diego Zoo Safari Park as a haven for the cubs.

“Mountain lions are a keystone species right here in our own backyard,” said Lisa Peterson, executive director of the Safari Park. “It’s been a privilege to nurse these youngsters back to full health, and we now have the honor of caring for them long term.

“While our research teams and our conservation partners continue their mountain lion work in the field, the Safari Park will be a refuge for these three cubs offering them native landscapes and new opportunities to thrive, while sharing the importance of coexistence among wildlife with our guests,” Peterson said.

A search party assembled to find the cubs by using data from the GPS collar of the mother, designated F307 by the UC Davis mountain lion research team, to determine the search area.

On the first day of the search, team members from UC Davis found the first cub hiding in a hole, and the second was wedged tightly between two rocks, a statement from the Wildlife Alliance read. Three days later, they found the third cub crouching in chaparral. The search continued for several more days and remote trail cameras found no evidence of other cubs, the Wildlife Alliance said.

All three cubs were within 250 feet of each other. Due to their young age, they likely would not have survived more than one week on their own. The trio were reunited at the Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center and nursed back to health, according to the Wildlife Alliance.

“Our UC Davis mountain lion study team really appreciated the help from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the Department of Fish and Wildlife in the effort to locate the cubs, and the willingness of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to give them excellent care long term,” said Dr. Winston Vickers, director, Southern California Mountain Lion Program. “As veterinarians, we use education and research to help people living in mountain lion habitat to protect their pets and livestock at night, assuring the health of both those animals and mountain lions.”

Mountain lions’ habitat ranges from Canada to the tip of South America. They are extremely versatile and adaptable, surviving in a range of habitats including high mountains, deserts, coastal areas and even cities.

“In Southern California, their proximity to people has put local mountain lions at risk of population decline and even extinction due to low annual survival rates,” the Wildlife Alliance statement reads. “Ongoing and collaborative efforts between conservation partners, like these which have saved these orphaned cubs, help assure long-term survival of this iconic species in Southern California.”

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Guests Can Once Again Visit Gorilla Troop at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Following SARS-CoV-2 Recovery

Visiting the western lowland gorilla troop at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a tradition for many at the world-famous wildlife sanctuary—and starting today (Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021), guests will once again have the opportunity to connect with these primates, and learn ways they can help to save this important species.

Guest access to see the gorillas had been limited over the last month after several troop members were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This morning, guests had the opportunity to see the eight-member troop eating, drinking and interacting with one another—having fully recovered, thanks to the incredible work of wildlife care professionals, the veterinary team and collaborations with a wide array of colleagues and partners who ensured that the highest standard of care was given to the affected gorillas.

“We’re so grateful for the outpouring concern and support we’ve received while the troop safely recovered,” said Lisa Peterson, executive director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “We’re thrilled to share the joy that this beloved troop brings to our community and to our guests.”

Despite team members adhering to all recommended biosecurity precautions, several members of the Safari Park gorilla troop tested positive for the virus on Jan. 11. The gorillas were infected with the B.1.429 lineage of the coronavirus, which has been prevalent in California and may be more contagious than other strains. The entire troop remained under close observation following the diagnosis, when some gorillas showed symptoms including mild coughing, congestion, nasal discharge and intermittent lethargy.

San Diego Zoo Global joined forces with multiple local, state and national leaders in the medical, scientific, zoological and public health communities to provide the best possible care for the gorilla troop. These colleagues include professionals from San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, UC San Diego Health, Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, the Scripps Research Institute, California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Department of Public Health, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratories, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine, The Great Ape Heart Project based at Zoo Atlanta and Chicago Zoological Society Radiology Consulting Service.

“There’s a such a warm camaraderie felt with our colleagues as we continue to share knowledge,” said Peterson. “We’re incredibly thankful for the collaboration across various areas of expertise to ensure the best health for our troop and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things.”

While the sharing of information and what was learned from this experience has already begun among wildlife care professionals at over 200 zoos worldwide, San Diego Zoo Global is committed to providing resources from occurrences at its sanctuaries in San Diego to conservation organizations around the world. Documentation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park may help provide important information regarding scientific understanding of the virus and its effects on great apes. Also, information learned about curbing zoonotic disease transmission, biosecurity protocols for wildlife in managed care and field settings, and its implications will be vital to ensuring optimal health outcomes for humans and wildlife globally.

Guests can visit the gorilla troop at their home in the Safari Park’s Gorilla Forest. The Safari Park is currently open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, visit SDZSafariPark.org

As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes on-site wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The work of these entities is made accessible to over 1 billion people annually, reaching 150 countries via news media, social media, our websites and the San Diego Zoo Kids network in children’s hospitals in 13 countries. The work of San Diego Zoo Global is made possible with support from our incredible donors committed to saving wildlife around the globe.

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San Diego Zoo Safari Park adds new water tank for wildfire aid

SAN DIEGO — A newly installed water tank at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is aiming to help first responders during wildfires to Escondido and surrounding areas, animal officials said.

An 8,500 gallon helicopter water tank, located in a secluded section of the safari park, will provide an additional accessible water reserve to existing water sources like Lake Wohlford to the north and Lake Poway to the south, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said last week in a press release.

“During my time in public office, I have witnessed the destructive impact wildfires can have on our region, such as the Cedar Fire that devastated East County and the community of Scripps Ranch 20 years ago,” said California Assemblymember Maienschein, who is funding the strategic tank. “I am proud to continue to upgrade our resources to keep our communities safe. This Heli-Hydrant is an important asset that will help our first responders extinguish fires quickly.”

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The tank is equipped with a hardwired control cabinet, multiple solar-powered backup batteries, an automatic fill valve and a reliable supply of clean water, according to officials.

Lisa Peterson, an executive director for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, emphasized the importance of conservation.

“Conservation is a collective journey that starts with people, grows through community action, and culminates into meaningful change. United by a swift and singular vision, our community made an important change that will shield both our neighborhoods and the local wildlife from the threat of wildfires for decades to come. I am immensely proud of this collaborative triumph,” Peterson said.

The addition of the water tank will also serve areas west of Lake Sutherland, which has had limited access to water resources for fire emergencies.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.

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American tourist, 80, killed by charging elephant during safari tour at Kafue National Park in Zambia

A terrifying video captured the moment a bull elephant chased down and attacked a safari group, tipping over their vehicle.

Wednesday 3 April 2024 21:03, UK

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​​​​​​​An 80-year-old American tourist was killed by a bull elephant when the safari tour group she was part of was charged at by the animal.

Another female guest was also injured in the incident that took place in the Kafue National Park, Zambia .

The group of six guests and a guide had been on a safari from Lufupa Camp, when around 9.30am local time on Saturday 30 March, their vehicle was "unexpectedly charged" by the animal.

A video captured the terrifying moment the elephant chased down the tour group.

The group's vehicle was driving through the national park as the elephant could be seen closing in on them.

The vehicle came to a stop and in the moments before the elephant knocked it over, the guide could be heard shouting "hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey!"

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People were heard screaming during the attack.

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The second guest who suffered an injury was rushed to a private medical facility, while the other four guests received treatment for minor injuries.

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Keith Vincent, Wilderness chief executive officer, said: "This is a tragic event and we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the guest who died. We are also, naturally, supporting those guests and the guide involved in this distressing incident."

Mr Vincent added the vehicle had stopped because "sadly in this instance the terrain and vegetation was such that the guide's route became blocked and he could not move the vehicle out of harm's way quickly enough".

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Elephant attack leaves American woman dead in Zambia's Kafue National Park

By Sarah Carter , Adam Duxter

Updated on: April 4, 2024 / 6:13 PM EDT / CBS News

Johannesburg — An elephant attack that left an American woman dead in Zambia was captured in harrowing cellphone video over the weekend. The clip, shot by tourists in Zambia's Kafue National Park, begins inside an open safari vehicle during a game drive.

In the distance, a large bull elephant can be seen coming toward the vehicle. The occupants of the vehicle cannot be seen in the video clip, but someone is heard, saying: "Oh my goodness," before a man says, "it's coming fast."

The vehicle stops and then another voice, presumably the game ranger, tries to ward off the elephant verbally as the large pachyderm hooks its tusks onto the vehicle and rolls it several times.

Family members  confirmed that Gail Mattson, a 79-year-old Minnesotan, was killed in the attack. In the post on Facebook, Rona Wells said her mother had died in "a tragic accident while on her dream adventure."

Mattson, a retired loan officer, was 11 days into a month-long vacation overseas, her family told WCCO, describing her as "adventurous" and "loved by everybody."

Wilderness Safaris, which operates the tour in the Zambian park, said in a statement that it was cooperating with national authorities to investigate the incident and it offered condolences to Mattson's family.

Wilderness said the other tourists traveling with Mattson were also Americans, four of whom sustained minor injuries in the attack.

"Our guides are extremely well trained, but sadly the terrain and vegetation was such that the route became blocked," the company said, explaining that the ranger "could not move the vehicle out of harm's way quickly enough."

Mattson was evacuated to a hospital in South Africa after the incident but succumbed to her injuries.

Kafue National Park is Zambia's largest national park at 8,650 square miles. It's a popular tourist destination as it's home to five of sub-Saharan Africa's iconic big animal species, lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceros and buffalo.

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US tourist killed after bull elephant toppled safari vehicle in Zambia

Four others were wounded in the attack at Kafue national park, in which the animal barreled into the side of a truck

An elderly US tourist was killed and four others hurt when an aggressive bull elephant charged and toppled their safari vehicle during a game drive in Zambia .

The attack at Kafue national park, in which the large pachyderm ran from a wooded area and barreled into the side of the truck, was captured on video and posted to social media by ABC News. It identified the tourist as 79-year-old Gail Mattson of Minnesota.

Keith Vincent, executive director of the safari operator Wilderness, told the network in a statement that the elephant’s charge was unexpected, and the driver had no opportunity to escape.

“Our guides are all extremely well trained and experienced, but sadly in this instance the terrain and vegetation was such that the guide’s route became blocked and he could not move the vehicle out of harm’s way quickly enough,” he said .

“This is a tragic event and we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the guest who died. We are also, naturally, supporting those guests and the guide involved in this distressing incident.”

Wildlife officials and local police say they are investigating Saturday’s incident, which took place in the national park about 220 miles north-west of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. Covering almost 8,700 square miles, Kafue is the country’s oldest and largest national park, and is popular with tourists for its abundance and variety of birds and animals.

Wilderness said four other guests in the vehicle were treated for minor injuries.

Family members of Mattson, who also had a home in Arizona, told Minnesota’s KSTP News that she was “living life” on the game-watching holiday. Photographs of her in a safari truck clutching a flower, taken on the day of her death, accompanied the network’s report.

John Longabauth, a friend from Arizona, told the outlet he would miss her adventurous spirit. “She had told us that this safari was going to be her last big adventure,” he said. “Because her birthday is in the summer, she was going to be 80, she felt like she would start slowing down.”

Zambia’s neighbor Zimbabwe has expressed recent concern at a growing conflict between humans and elephants from a rising elephant population, especially one that is migrating more as the climate crisis disrupts animals’ access to food, water and cover, in Africa and around the world.

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Harrowing video shows elephant charging truck during African safari, killing American tourist

Shocking footage has captured the moment a 5-ton bull elephant charged at a safari vehicle, flipping it over and killing a tourist.

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Shocking footage has captured the moment a 5-ton bull elephant in Zambia charged at a safari vehicle — flipping it over several times and killing an 80-year-old American woman during an expedition.

The unidentified woman was among six tourists with the group Wilderness Zambia who were out on a photography tour Saturday when they came under attack by the elephant, the Telegraph reported.

“At around 9.30am on Saturday morning the six guests were on the game drive when the vehicle was unexpectedly charged by the bull elephant,” Wilderness Zambia CEO Keith Vincent said in a statement.

Distressing footage captured by a passenger shows the elephant barrelling toward the vehicle as it cruises along a bush-lined road before suddenly stopping when its path was blocked.

The passenger continues to record as the animal lunges at the vehicle and flips it over.

The elderly woman later died of her injuries while another woman remains hospitalised.

The other four guests were treated for minor injuries after the violent attack.

“Our guides are all extremely well-trained and experienced, but sadly in this instance the terrain and vegetation was such that the guide’s route became blocked and he could not move the vehicle out of harm’s way quickly enough,” Vincent said.

Kafue National Park’s management sent a helicopter to the scene to evacuate the victims.

“This is a tragic event and we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the guest who died. We are also, naturally, supporting those guests and the guide involved in this distressing incident,” Vincent added.

The group was reportedly staying at the luxurious Lufupa Camp in the Kafue National Park, the largest game reserve in Africa.

African Parks, which manages the park, also controls 22 other wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.

The tour group was making arrangements to return the woman’s body to the US, the Nigerian Bulletin reported.

More Coverage

Last month, another elephant was captured charging at a safari vehicle and trying to flip it.

The open-air truck, which had passengers seated in the back half of the vehicle, was lifted off the ground as the elephant pushed again and again in an attempt to flip the truck off its wheels.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission

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Celebrate good fortune this Lunar New Year, a holiday recognized throughout many East and Southeast Asian countries. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, and those born during this zodiac year are known for being charismatic, confident, and ambitious.

Join us for Lunar New Year and Wild Weekend: Asia at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18, 2024. Discover fun activities for the whole family—where we hope you’ll leave feeling inspired by the conservation work you make possible and filled with good wishes for the future!

Lunar New Year Wishes and Good Fortune

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Multiple people rescued after airboat flips in Everglades; driver arrested

Samiar Nefzi , Reporter

Chris Gothner , Digital Journalist

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Multiple people were rescued from the waters of the Everglades in far western Miami-Dade County Friday afternoon after an airboat flipped over.

It happened south of the Tamiami Trail, about five miles west of Krome Avenue.

Video from Sky 10 showed multiple people being taken away from the boat on other airboats.

Sky 10 video showed Miami-Dade police and fire rescue crews, along with U.S. park rangers and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, converging at Coopertown Airboats, located at 22700 SW Eighth St., which owns the airboat.

Several passengers told Local 10 News that the captain was trying to maneuver the airboat to get a better look at an alligator in the water and possibly turned too fast, flipping on its side.

“(The) boat just flipped on its side and we’re all in the water,” a passenger said. “I was screaming, because the alligator’s right there. Luckily, no one was hurt badly. A couple of scratches here and there — an accident. Things happen.”

Ten people were believed to be aboard the vessel.

According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, one person was assessed for injuries but was not taken to the hospital.

There were no reports of additional injuries.

“My first thought was panic, I was afraid for my wife and family members, and then I thought about the alligator,” said passenger Jose Maldonado.

Passengers said they were left stranded for between 10 and 15 minutes.

“We tried to flip the boat over but it was just too heavy,” said Maldonado.

After the crash, FWC officers and U.S. park rangers were seen leading a man, wearing a shirt similar to those worn by Coopertown employees, into a pickup truck in handcuffs, then taken away.

Officials later confirmed that man was the operator of the airboat, and that he was subsequently arrested “for having neither proof of completion of a boating safety course nor a captain’s license issued by the United States Coast Guard.”

That man’s identity has not been released.

It’s believed between 20 and 40 gallons of fuel spilled into the water after the airboat tipped over.

Sky 10 feed:

Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

About the Authors

Samiar nefzi.

Samiar Nefzi joined the Local 10 News team in August of 2023.

Chris Gothner

Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist.

Local 10 News Saturday @ 9AM : Apr 06, 2024

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San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

See video credits below.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

Our Mission

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is committed to saving species worldwide by uniting our expertise in animal care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature.

A World Where All Life Thrives

With our new name comes a new logo, which represents a history of achievement and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's future as a force for conservation.

Represents our founding of our “World Famous” zoo, more than a century ago.

Represents the icon of our “No Place Like It on Earth” Safari Park.

Not only highlights our groundbreaking work to save the California condor, and the start of our commitment to conservation, but also our continuing efforts to save other threatened birds such as the ’Alalā and African penguin.

Our organization, formerly named San Diego Zoo Global, is moving in a new direction and evolving into an alliance: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Moving forward, we will amplify our impact by prioritizing partnerships, transdisciplinary solutions, and the interconnectedness of people and nature, in order to be the most effective wildlife conservation organization for the world.

The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park make our mission, conservation work, and partnerships possible. In turn, our conservation work around the world demonstrates the importance and impact of saving wildlife, and provides powerful stories to share with our audiences at the Zoo and Safari Park. The synergy between our work at home and in the field will create new alliances and empower action on behalf of wildlife in unparalleled ways.

Collaborate

Building alliances to thrive.

• Working collaboratively with our committed partners, we contribute to larger, global initiatives that aim to restore biodiversity and amplify our impact.  
• We develop strategies that further the equitable and sustainable management of the biodiversity upon which so many lives depend.  
• We seek to inspire our members, visitors, and donors to join us in cultivating a world where all life thrives. Through respecting and valuing our interconnectedness, together we can make lasting change.

Implementing Full-spectrum Conservation Solutions

Today's most pressing drivers of biodiversity loss include climate change, invasive species, habitat degradation, human-wildlife conflict, wildlife trafficking, and emerging diseases. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance seeks to address and provide solutions for these challenges through our approach to conservation. 


• We implement full-spectrum conservation strategies that are collaborative, innovative, and multidisciplinary. We want to enhance the skills and capacity of our local community partners, so that in the long term they remain independent, and are much stronger due to our partnership. Our intent is to partner with the local community, share learnings, and further develop skills and expertise—so that communities, and wildlife that shares the ecosystems, thrive.  
• We apply a "One Health" approach to our conservation work, recognizing that the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment are inextricably linked and dependent on biodiversity and functional ecosystems.  
• We protect and restore wildlife populations by implementing evidence-based solutions to address the issues leading to the loss of biodiversity around the world.  
• We have an expert team of conservation scientists, nutritionists, veterinarians, wildlife care specialists, and educators who innovate to solve even the toughest conservation challenges.

Strengthening Connections Between People and Nature

• Conservation is first about people. Since 1916, we have created enduring connections between people and wildlife, and our commitment to that mission is stronger than ever.  
• We believe that a strong connection to nature is fundamental to saving the world's wildlife.  
• We seek to promote empathy and inspire people in ways that will cultivate a shared appreciation for nature and urge individual action on behalf of wildlife.  
• We empower members and guests to advocate for policies and initiatives that support responsible collective action to protect the environment for wildlife and people.

Our Worldwide Conservation Hubs

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance spent more than a year analyzing our strengths and identifying where and how best to focus our efforts. We landed on eight conservation hubs located around the globe that will anchor our conservation work, driving more strategic outcomes for wildlife in these regions. These hubs represent areas where we are currently most invested, and therefore hope to have the greatest return on mission and vision. The hubs promote synergy and collaboration among internal and external partners and stakeholders. Our hubs will help us build on existing partnerships and collaborations, and have greater impact in a region.

Our Partners

We work with several hundred organizations around the world that share our conservation goals and philosophy. They represent a broad range of government, nonprofit, corporate, private, and academic organizations as well as local communities to accomplish our shared mission of saving wildlife. Nurturing these alliances deepens our impact within our eight conservation hubs. These hubs help us build on existing partnerships and collaborations, and enable us to have greater impact in a region. As we look toward the future, conservation of wildlife depends on working in close collaboration with partners with different backgrounds and ethnicities from around the world, as well as right here at home. That diversity is what makes our conservation work so impactful.

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Above all, our most important ally is YOU. Each time you visit the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, donate to a project, purchase an item from us, or share what you know about wildlife and conservation, you have a positive impact on wildlife and help us achieve our mission. Your participation in conservation advocacy and community science programs makes a difference for wildlife and helps build a world where all can thrive. Stay connected to us by joining the Alliance, visiting us online, and following us on social media. Thank you for being our partner in building a better future!

Video Credits: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance would like to thank the partners whose participation made this video possible including Arizona Game and Fish Department, CONANP, OVIS - Organización Vida Silvestre, A.C., Cesar Australia, Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Mexican government in cooperation with ENDESU, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, Robbie Labanowski, Sacramento Zoo, SANCCOB, Kelli Porterfield, Science for Wildlife, Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Northern Rangelands Trust, Kenya Wildlife Services, and USFWS.

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American Tourist, 80, Dead After 'Aggressive' Bull Elephant Charges at Safari Vehicle in Zambia

The incident occurred 10 days after another elephant attacked a separate safari vehicle in South Africa

• An 80-year-old American tourist died after an elephant attack in Zambia on March 30
• The woman and five other guests were on a game drive through Kafue National Park around 9:30 a.m. local time when the “aggressive” bull elephant charged at their vehicle, according to a statement obtained by PEOPLE
• The woman's body will be returned to the United States with support from local authorities and the U.S. Embassy

An 80-year-old American woman died after an elephant attacked a safari group in Zambia over the weekend.

The woman and five other guests were on a game drive through Kafue National Park around 9:30 a.m. local time on March 30 when the “aggressive” bull elephant charged at their vehicle, according to a media statement from hospitality and conservation company Wilderness obtained by PEOPLE.

The group, which was staying at the Lufupa Camp inside the largest game reserve in Africa, had gone out for a photography tour when the attack occurred, according to The Telegraph .

The woman killed in the incident will be returned to her family in the United States “with the support of local Zambian authorities and the US Embassy in Lusaka,” the company said.

Related: American Boy, 15, and 2 Others Killed in an Avalanche Near Swiss Resort of Zermatt

“This is a devastating incident for everyone involved and we are doing our best to support the family and all affected and to respect their wishes for privacy,” a spokesperson tells PEOPLE.

Footage of the incident viewed by PEOPLE, showed the elephant running behind the vehicle before heading toward them. The vehicle then stopped, and the elephant charged. 

One individual can be heard yelling at the animal before it made contact with the vehicle and flipped it.

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In Wilderness’ statement, chief executive officer Keith Vincent said the vehicle’s route was “blocked” due to vegetation and the terrain, making it so the “experienced” guide could not move the car out of harm’s way “quickly enough.”

“This is a tragic event,” Vincent aded, “and we offer our deepest condolences to the family of the guest who died.”

The five other guests were injured, including a woman who was transported to a private medical facility in South Africa, according to the company. The remaining four guests were treated for minor injuries.

Related: Pennsylvania Man Bitten on the Head During Bear Attack Inside His Garage: 'I Got Pummeled'

Vincent said Wilderness is supporting the guests and guide “involved in this distressing incident.”

The deadly incident in Zambia occurred just 10 days after another safari truck had a run-in with an elephant in South Africa.

A group of tourists were on a safari trip through Pilanesberg National Park on March 20 when the seemingly unhappy animal charged toward the vehicle and tossed it several times, according to the Associated Press. Luckily, no one was injured.

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Read the original article on People .