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Fabric of Africa

Elephants, giraffes, wildebeests…oh my! It’s an unforgettable experience in Africa with new and unique viewing opportunities that bring you closer to wildlife than ever before.

Significant upgrades and renovations to the Plains of Africa have been completed and include major improvements to the giraffe and elephant habitats, as well as the addition of two new species to the area, wildebeests and African wild dogs.

  • The first major master plan project to be completed, The Fabric of Africa features two new species, wild dogs and wildebeests. In addition, we have improved the housing and yard for the zebra and wildebeest, significantly expanded the pavilion and yards for giraffes and elephants and made major enhancements to the elephant yard which is now double the size it was before.
  • The entire Africa exhibit features new interpretive signage to enhance our guests’ experience. All signage for the exhibit, named “The Fabric of Africa,” focuses on the delicate interconnection of animals, land and people. The aim is to lay the foundation for zoo guests to have a deeper appreciation of their entire zoo visit. In addition, signage inside the Textron Elephant Giraffe Pavilion answers questions guests ask frequently about how keepers care for the animals.

 

Major improvements for our elephants include:

  • Outdoors, a full immersion pool for bathing.
  • Expansion of the elephants’ building including a sand room, the first of its kind in the country!
  • Expansion of the outside exhibit area to more than one full acre with a new raised viewing deck that spans a central area between the giraffe and elephant exhibits, giving visitors exciting vantage points and a chance to get even more up close and personal with these gentle giants.

  • Installation of a rubberized floor in another section of the building, and the addition of a 900 square foot hay storage space.

 

What it Looks Like

Textron Elephant & Giraffe Pavilion
The elephant and giraffe exhibit areas provide a dramatic facelift to the visitor pavilion.

Robert F. Stoico / FIRSTFED Charitable Foundation "Jambo Junction"
(middle left rendering)
As part of the Plains of Africa upgrades, the entire area has receive a face lift and new theme that will explore how the people, animals, and the land they live in are woven together to create the unique ‘Fabric of Africa’.

Elephant/Giraffe Viewing Deck
(bottom left rendering)
A new expansive, raised viewing deck spans a central area between the giraffe and elephant exhibits, providing visitors with improved vantage points and a chance to get even more up close and personal with these gentle giants. Along with spectacular views will be multiple opportunities for visitors to get an insider’s glimpse into the world of animal care.

 

Timeframe and budget: $11.06 million; construction completed in October 2008