Overview

• Construction began in November 2022 and the build has reached roughly 80% completion.
• Financing includes a lead gift from philanthropist Sanford and contributions from more than 4,100 donors, with total costs undisclosed.
• The exhibit will house eight African savanna elephants—seven females and one male—including three individuals rescued from Eswatini in 2003.
• Visitor amenities feature a two-story Mkutano House restaurant beside a watering hole and an open-air Mkutano Park gathering space for educational programs.
• Botanical displays include over 350 rare or endangered African plants and the project is tied to global conservation partnerships with organizations such as Save the Elephants and Kenya Wildlife Service.