Expedition Tanzania
Expedition Tanzania is coming to life!The pool is full, the grass is lush and green, the mud wallow is, well, quite muddy! Get ready to meet Tucson’s newest pachyderm pals, a family of African elephants who will be arriving shortly from San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park.
With construction nearly complete, we’re very excited to open this world-class exhibit for the community who helped it become a reality. Without the generosity of our donors, the hard work of our staff and volunteers, and the tireless efforts of our advocates everywhere, this never would have been possible.
Barring any changes, the grand opening of Expedition Tanzania will be sometime during March 2012. From the interactive educational features, to the gorgeous landscaping and the technological components, the details are far too many to list. Plus, we wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise!
Here are some recent photos from the construction site. Look how huge the yard is!
The seven acre expansion will provide an introduction to the culture of East Africa and the important work being done to protect wildlife. Guests will be able to explore the winding pathways, find clues which will provide insight into the lives of animals, and discover the excitement of seeing elephants in an expansive habitat.
With the completion of Expedition Tanzania San Diego Safari Park will be sending an established breeding herd (most likely 2 females with their offspring and 1 male) to Tucson. Also at that time, Reid Park Zoo will move its African elephant, Shaba, and its Asian elephant, Connie, to the San Diego Zoo. These moves are part of a nationwide breeding plan, one of many programs to which Reid Park Zoo, and other accredited zoos, remain committed. For more information on how these decisions were made, click here.
To learn more about Expedition Tanzania, including the amazing facilities and progressive enrichment features being incorporated, be sure to check in with the Zoo’s website frequently.
