Ride the all-new Safari Express aboard the Norfolk Southern Zoo Train

Beloved Zoo experience has been reimagined with new sights, facts about animal superpowers, and more  

ATLANTA – August 28, 2025 – Just in time for Labor Day Weekend, Zoo Atlanta Members and guests can now hit the tracks on the all-new Safari Express aboard the Norfolk Southern Zoo Train at Zoo Atlanta.  

The beloved train experience has been redesigned and reimagined to feature narration by guest conductor Skylar on a journey through the world of animal superpowers, with new sights and fascinating facts connecting kids to wildlife. The ride will pass engaging and vibrant animal scenes featuring illustrated giraffes, lemurs, lions, and more as Skylar shares information on their adaptations, helping to instill appreciation for the intrinsic value of all living things.  

“A ride on the train has been a must-do at the Zoo for our youngest guests for decades. We are excited to have an opportunity to unveil an all-new experience that connects children to animals in a whole new way and provides a source of joy and wonder for both the young and young at heart,” said Jennifer Smith, Chief Operating Officer.  

The Safari Express runs on an electric engine for an eco-friendly ride and includes spacious seats and covered passenger coaches. The interpretive experience is designed for Members and guests of all ages.  

The train is open daily, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends, weather and maintenance dependent. All-Day Rides Wristbands, which offer unlimited single-day rides on the train and its popular classic neighbor, the Endangered Species Carousel, are available for purchase online in advance or in person at the Zoo. All-Day Rides Wristbands are discounted for Members.  

Plan a visit at zooatlanta.org.  

MEDIA CONTACT:  
Rachel Davis
Director of Communications
rdavis@zooatlanta.org  
404.624.2812 

Gavin Johnson
Public Relations Manager
404.624.5980
gjohnson@zooatlanta.org  

ABOUT: About Zoo Atlanta 
A proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the gold standard for animal care and welfare, Zoo Atlanta has a mission to save wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, education, and engaging experiences. The Zoo is home to hundreds of animals representing more than 200 species from around the world, many of them endangered or critically endangered. Highlights include a transformed African Savanna featuring expanded habitats for African elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostrich, warthogs, meerkats, and rhinos; one of North America’s largest populations of great apes; and a global center of excellence for the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Recent transformations include a newly updated African lion complex, opened in April 2025, and the state-of-the-art Rollins Animal Health Center, completed in 2024. For more information, visit zooatlanta.org.