SAN ANTONIO — Have you ever wanted to spend the night in the heart of the wild?
The San Antonio Zoo is introducing a brand new private, rentable lodge called Spekboom Lodge, nestled inside the new Savanna habitat, granting guests the unparalleled opportunity to reserve an overnight stay in the heart of the savanna.
The lodge has incredible views, a primary suite, a kitchenette, a living area, kid bunk beds and a private outdoor patio, and is the only one of its kind with giraffes at an AZA-accredited zoo in Texas.
The newly expanded savanna combines the former elephant habitat with the existing giraffe savanna, giving the animals a 126% increase in habitat space. Tons of animals will live there, including reticulated giraffes, plains zebras, sitatungas, dama gazelles, ostriches, white storks, marabou storks and East African crowned cranes.
There will also be a large new two-story barn for giraffes that will allow guests to view giraffes, even when they are inside. This expanded barn also provides the needed space for the zoo to add more giraffes and begin a breeding program for the species in their care, the reticulated giraffe.
There's even a new elevated walkway to take you through the savanna directly alongside the historic quarry walls, giving you amazing views.
Thre will also be a crossing that allows animals to roam between the giraffe savanna and rhino savanna.
This expansion into the giraffe yard will allow rhinos to move from their current habitat and explore a portion of the giraffe yard. Other animals including zebra, gazelles, sitatungas and birds, will also be able to move between both savanna habitats.
"The celebration of the grand opening of our new entrance hasn't even ended! However, the zoo's growth, pace and improvements continue with this next incredible expansion, " exclaimed Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. "Guests will be able to view and explore the savanna in entirely new ways, offering first-time-ever views and even more animals to observe and learn about."
The construction of the savanna takes advantage of the preexisting rock walls, which were a byproduct of the quarry for the San Antonio Portland Cement Company in the early 1900s.
The expanded savanna at San Antonio Zoo is set to open in 2024.
For more information, visit the zoo's website.
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