African Savanna

Explore the African Savanna

BEHIND THE SCENES    |   ANIMALS    |    GALLERY

It’s a new day on the African Savanna, one of Earth’s most iconic wild places. Here in this legendary landscape, all life is connected – with surprising connections to us here at home. Join the journey to a historic transformation of Zoo Atlanta!

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A new home for elephants

The new elephant environment more than triples the size of the elephants’ former habitat and is a dynamic living space featuring elements specifically designed for elephant well-being and enrichment.

African elephants Kelly and Tara moved to their new environment in June 2019. Zoo Atlanta welcomed Msholo, an adult male African elephant from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, in July 2019.

More Features of the Elephants’ new Habitat

Elements include Abana Pond, the largest of the complex’s three water features, a pond with 360-degree access and a gentle slope for ease of use by multiple elephants. Other elements include Chishimba Falls and Kalambo Falls, waterfalls named for falls in Africa, and a feeder enrichment activity wall.

The state-of-the-art indoor Zambezi Elephant Center also features elements incorporated with elephant well-being in mind, including sand under their feet. The guest experience at the Zambezi Elephant Center offers visitors an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the elephants’ care.

A new habitat for giraffes

A mixed-species habitat, adjacent to the elephant environment, will be shared by giraffes, zebras and ostriches. This new, flatter habitat provides the giraffe herd with more usable space than ever before and gives guests an opportunity to explore pathways at ground level, looking up to appreciate the true height of Earth’s tallest living mammals. 

New habitats for zebra, ostriches, warthogs and meerkats

The elephant and giraffe/zebra/ostrich/bontebok habitats are bordered by new habitats for meerkats and warthogs. Explore new environments for two of the species that make this ecosystem one of the planet’s best-known wild landscapes.

Meet Mumbles and Kiazi!

Mumbles and Kiaza the southern white rhinos can be seen in the redesigned rhino complex at the African Savanna. Male Mumbles arrived at Zoo Atlanta in 2020 and was joined by female Kiazi in 2022. The rhinos were recommended to pair by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) White Rhino Species Survival Plan® (SSP).

Meet Casper!

The newest member of the African Savanna, Casper the bontebok arrived in 2022. Look for him in the mixed-species habitat with the giraffes, zebra, and ostriches.  

More Ways to Explore

Be the Animal, Be the Care Specialist and Be the Conservationist

All-new interactives allow you to explore these themes with up-close and hands-on opportunities. Visit the Zambezi Elephant Center and utilize technology to see how our animal care specialists provide the elephants with superior care. Finally, don’t miss the chance to get up close with an elephant – statue that is! Flap the elephant’s ears to cool off, see how you measure up to their great height, and more with this fantastic interactive and life-sized photo op.

A new commitment

Conservation South Luangwa

The messages of the African Savanna focus on the conservation connections between Atlanta and the wild savannas of Africa and the everyday actions we can all take to affect positive change for wildlife and wild places.

Learn more about Zoo Atlanta’s new partnership with Conservation South Luangwa as we commit to protecting African elephants and other species impacted by wildlife trafficking and human-wildlife conflict.

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A Zoo Atlanta Membership pays for itself in 2 visits!

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Getting to know Mumbles

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Gearing up for World Elephant Day

It’s almost August! So that means the Elephant Care Team is gearing up for World Elephant Day, which is on...

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Browsing with the giraffes

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Zoo Atlanta welcomes southern white rhino

Zoo Atlanta received a 4,300-pound special delivery on May 20, 2020, with the arrival of the first southern white rhinoceros...

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What a year!

Hi-ya everyone! Elephant Keeper Caleb again! It’s hard to believe that next month is my one-year anniversary as a part...

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Animals

African Elephant

Loxodonta africana
Herbivore At Risk Eastern Africa, Middle Africa, Western Africa Read More

Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis
Herbivore At Risk Eastern Africa Read More

Plains Zebra

Equus quagga
Herbivore At Risk Africa Read More

Southern White Rhinoceros

Ceratotherium simum simum
Herbivore At Risk Middle Africa, Southern Africa Read More

African Lion

Panthera leo
Carnivore At Risk Eastern Africa, Middle Africa, Southern Africa, Western Africa Read More

Common Warthog

Phacochoerus africanus
Omnivore Not Threatened Eastern Africa, Middle Africa, Southern Africa, Western Africa Read More

Ostrich

Struthio camelus
Omnivore Not Threatened Africa Read More

Kori Bustard

Ardeotis kori
Omnivore At Risk Eastern Africa, Southern Africa Read More

Slender-tailed Meerkat

Suricata suricatta
Omnivore Not Threatened Southern Africa Read More