The San Diego Zoo Safari Park opens the doors to its newest and most ambitious exhibit today: Denny Sanford Elephant Valley, a massive immersive habitat that lets guests experience what it feels like to move through an elephant herd.

The expansion is the largest in the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's 109-year history. The exhibit features mud baths, watering holes, and acres of lush habitat where guests walk through — rather than just past — the enclosure. The design allows visitors to view elephants on multiple sides simultaneously, creating a sense of being surrounded by the herd.

The Safari Park is home to a multigenerational elephant family led by matriarch Swazi. Alongside her are daughters and their calves, forming a tight-knit social group that has already settled comfortably into the new space. "They quickly realized this area was actually full of amazing things for them to enjoy, so they spread out and settled in," said San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance editor Sara Maher.

The two-story Mkutano House restaurant offers food and views of the valley for visitors who need a break from exploring. The Safari Park sits on 1,800 acres near Escondido — about a 30-minute drive from Santee — making it an easy day trip for East County families.

The exhibit also serves as a platform for SDZWA's conservation partnerships with Kenyan elephant sanctuaries. Admission to Elephant Valley is included with general Safari Park entry.