San Antonio, TX — Hundreds of enthusiastic guests gathered at San Antonio Zoo on Friday to witness the grand opening of the Naylor Savanna, marking the opening of the largest habitat in the zoo's 110-year history. Naylor Savanna doubles the space for giraffes and rhinos and triples the space for zebras, ostriches, sitatunga, and more.

A significant highlight of this expansion is the all-new giraffe barn, meticulously crafted to provide optimal viewing even when these gentle giants choose indoors. The barn features multiple individual giraffe rooms, a large family room, a VIP encounter space, and floor to ceiling viewing windows, enhancing the visitor experience and supporting the future expansion of the zoo's giraffe herd.

During the grand opening, San Antonio Zoo announced a brand-new experience, Conserfari Tours, an adventurous new attraction made possible by the generous support of North Park Toyota and South Texas Outfitters. These tours will transport guests into the heart of the savanna aboard safari-style Toyota Tundras, providing an immersive journey through the expansive landscape and habitat later this month. This up-close exploration will allow guests to engage and feed wildlife from the vehicle, a space that no guests have ever explored. The Conserfari Tours promise to captivate and inspire, making each visit a memorable expedition. Conserfari Tours will soon be available via reservations at www.sazoo.org.

In addition to the tours, San Antonio Zoo unveiled the extraordinary Spekboom Lodge, a luxurious retreat offering a once-in-a-lifetime overnight experience inside the Naylor Savanna. Imagine waking up to the sight of giraffes and other savanna animals right outside your window! Perched within this vibrant landscape, the lodge provides guests with breathtaking views and intimate wildlife encounters, including exclusive interactions with the majestic giraffes. With accommodations for four and exceptional amenities, Spekboom Lodge invites guests to immerse themselves in the wonders of the wild, combining comfort and adventure in
a truly unique setting. Spekboom Lodge will soon be available via reservations at www.sazoo.org. In the meantime, join the waitlist!

Since 2014, San Antonio Zoo has reinvested $120 million into the 110-year-old non-profit. Naylor Savanna is the latest reinvestment on that list. Naylor Savanna is brought to life through the visionary support of Susan Naylor, whose extraordinary $3 million contribution was instrumental in its development. Her gift enriches the zoo's capacity to offer unparalleled educational and conservation opportunities for the next generation of guests.

"The opening of Naylor Savanna is a historic moment for San Antonio Zoo, introducing unique experiences like Conserfari Tours and Spekboom Lodge—firsts for our city," said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. "We're deeply thankful to Susan Naylor, North Park Toyota, and South Texas Outfitters for making these exciting attractions possible. I invite everyone to visit often, as each trip promises new and exciting wildlife encounters."

San Antonio Zoo invites everyone to explore the Naylor Savanna and discover the wonders it has to offer. Naylor Savanna is included with Standard Admission and is FREE for San Antonio Zoo Members, making it an ideal family outing this fall. Not a Member? For just $38, the cost of an Adult Any Day Admission Ticket, you can enjoy a year of thrilling adventures at the zoo when you Pay for a Day and Get a Year Free. This includes unlimited visits and exciting events like Zoo Boo!, Zoo Lights, and 2025's Spring and Summer Attractions.

About San Antonio Zoological Society
San Antonio Zoological Society was established in 1929 and is a nonprofit organization committed to securing a future for wildlife. The society operates San Antonio Zoo, Will Smith Zoo School, Edutainment, Center for Conservation and Research at San Antonio Zoo, and Kiddie Park.

Website www.sazoo.org

About San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo®, operating since 1914, is a nonprofit zoological facility committed to securing a future for wildlife. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the zoo's mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The zoo welcomes more than a million visitors each year and is open year-round. San Antonio Zoo operates the largest nature based preschool in the country, Will Smith Zoo School, the Center for Conservation and Research, and Kiddie Park. San Antonio Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoological Association of America, and Humane Certified by American Humane.

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