San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Elephant Valley

Introduction

San Diego Zoo Safari Park set out to create a habitat experience that would feel authentic, expansive, and deeply engaging for both elephants and visitors. As part of Elephant Valley, a landmark project for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Hyphn supported the visitor-facing environment with furniture, specification, custom solutions, installation, and design choices made to complement the exhibit’s African-inspired architecture and conservation story.

Objectives & Scope

Support a 40,000 SF habitat upgrade with furniture for visitor-facing spaces
Source products that aligned with the client’s goal of a true African feel
Specify custom tables, chairs, teak furnishings, and Palecek pieces for durability and atmosphere
Coordinate design, specification, installation, and value engineering to stay on schedule and reduce costs
Help create an authentic, comfortable setting for guests to experience elephants up close

Approach

Hyphn worked with the project team to identify manufacturers that could deliver the right aesthetic while meeting the demands of a high-traffic public environment. The team leaned into natural textures, teak furnishings, and custom products to support the habitat’s immersive story while coordinating closely with Pacific Building Group, Satchell Engineering, and HGW from design through installation. Hyphn’s continuous budget modeling process identified opportunities to reduce costs while preserving the client’s goals and design intent.

Outcomes & Impact

Completed in March 2026, Elephant Valley became a transformative habitat upgrade for the elephants and an inspiring destination for visitors. Hyphn’s furniture and design helped reinforce the curated, authentic experience while supporting the Safari Park’s broader goal of bringing guests closer to the animals and the conservation story behind the exhibit.

“The project turned out to be transformative for the elephants and makes for a very authentic and inspiring space for visitors to see them in a curated habitat.”

Project Team

Key Takeaways

Custom sourcing helped Hyphn deliver a distinctive environment that felt specific to the habitat experience.
Furniture reinforced the larger exhibit story without distracting from the elephants.
Early inspection of custom products is essential for protecting schedule, quality, and closeout on complex projects.