In preparation for the grand opening of the Giants of the Savanna, new animals are arriving daily and moving into their new homes. In addition to the new giraffes, elephants, lions, cheetahs, warthogs, red river hogs, and ostriches that have arrived in recent weeks, the Zoo has now moved Jenny and Gypsy elephants and Kibo, Jesse, and Jade giraffes (formerly residing in the Large Mammal Building in ZooNorth) to the new facilities.
All the animals are adjusting well to their new environments. As they become accustomed to their new buildings, the Zoo staff begins to introduce them to their outside exhibit areas. The keepers take great care in watching over their animal charges as the new inhabitants explore their new habitats.
It is a very exciting time for the Dallas Zoo as we prepare for the opening of the Giants of the Savanna! We hope to see you here for the grand opening over Memorial Day Weekend.
Celebrate the Opening of the Giants of the Savanna!
On May 28, 2010, the Dallas Zoo will introduce Giants of the Savanna, the biggest new exhibit to open at the Zoo in 20 years! The 11-acre Giants of the Savanna will take Zoo guests on safari as they experience and learn about giraffes, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and many other African species. As part of its education and conservation mission, the Zoo is partnering with some of the leading elephant researchers in Africa to work on the conservation of endangered elephants and other African wildlife species.
Development of the Giants of the Savanna exhibit combined the knowledge and resources of some of the top zoological architects, horticulturists, animal specialists, and wildlife researchers in the world. The new exhibit features a large savanna with grasses, trees, and multiple water holes, mud pits, and sand piles. The expansive area is planted with a special soil mixture that will keep the habitat lush, soft, and green year-round. The Zoo’s elephants, giraffes, impalas, zebras, and ostriches will be featured in the savanna areas. In addition, there is a separate predator area, which will be home to the Zoo’s five new lions and three cheetahs.
It’s the Biggest Party in Town! Public Grand Opening Celebration Saturday, May 29, 2010 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Join in the fun and help welcome the animals to their new homes
in the Giants of the Savanna!
Event Activities
(All activities will take place in the Wilds of Africa Plaza and
are free with regular Zoo admission.)
Performances by the Dallas Black Dance Theater (11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1:30 p.m.)
Temporary Tattoos (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
African Paper Bead Making Craft (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
African Drummer Performances (throughout the day)
Ostrich Costumed Character (12:00 to 5:00 p.m.)
African Stilt-walkers (12:00 to 5:00 p.m.)
Radio Disney Appearance (2:00 to 4:00 p.m.)
Experiance a Virtual Tour of the New Giants of the Savanna
Click here to watch an animated, virtual tour of the new Giants of the Savanna exhibit. It will take your breath away!
Wildlife Conservation in Zoos
The Dallas Zoo and other zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) contribute to many wildlife conservation programs, including several of the 85 elephant conservation programs worldwide. In the wild, African elephant numbers are declining rapidly due to poaching and habitat loss. In 1970 there were nearly 1.4 million African elephants. Today their numbers have been reduced to 400,000.
Firsthand Experience
Jack Hanna, world-renowned wildlife expert and host of the television series Into the Wild, agrees. Jack has made countless trips to see African animals in their natural habitats and helped raise awareness of the efforts to conserve the world’s largest land mammals. Click here to find out about the importance of zoological parks and the impact they have on elephant education and conservation.
Jack Hanna Discusses the Importance of Zoos
The Dallas Zoo’s Community Impact
Since 2008, the Dallas Zoo has welcomed more than 1.5 million guests through its gates. In today’s economy, the Zoo continues to be one of the most affordable family attractions in the region. It is one of the largest cultural resources in the area, providing educational opportunities to more than 200,000 children annually.
The Dallas Zoo is a cornerstone for current and future development in the southern sector of Dallas. In addition to providing exceptional experiences for both guests and wildlife, the new Giants of the Savanna will generate much-needed jobs and at the same time, enhance the Zoo’s multi-million dollar economic impact to the City of Dallas.
