SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Despite rain at the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year’s Day, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s creativity and dedication shone through the conditions and received special recognition.
The nonprofit organization’s “Giant Strides Together” float, which pays homage to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s upcoming Elephant Valley exhibit, won the prestigious Grand Marshal Award, given to the most creative concept and float design.
Adorned with intricate designs and featuring a few familiar faces from the Safari Park’s African savanna elephant herd, the design transported parade attendees to the all-new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley, slated to open on March 5 at the Escondido park.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s “Giant Strides Together” float wins Grand Marshal Award at 137th Rose Parade.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s “Giant Strides Together” float wins Grand Marshal Award at 137th Rose Parade.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s “Giant Strides Together” float wins Grand Marshal Award at 137th Rose Parade.
Construction of the float underway.
Flowers from Safari Park’s Botanical Garden being added to “Giant Strides Together” float.
“This year’s float celebrates the majesty of elephants and the immersive experience guests visiting Denny Sanford Elephant Valley will soon get to experience,” said Shawn Dixon, president and chief executive officer, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “We’re excited to receive this honor as we prepare to welcome the world to walk alongside these magnificent animals like never before.”
The float featured plants and flowers grown at the park’s accredited botanical gardens, which included authentic savanna grasses.
At the upcoming Elephant Valley, the largest and most transformative project in the Alliance’s 109-year history, guests will be immersed in the savaana, surrounded by elephants on multiple sides, creating the feeling of walking with the majestic herd. The exhibit aims to create greater empathy, understanding and appreciation towards elephants, who are also known as the “architects of the earth.”
A sneak peak at the upcoming “Elephant Valley” at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, slated to open in March.
African savanna elephant at the Safari Park.
African savanna elephants at the Safari Park.
The park’s elephant mother-daughter duo, Umngani and Mkhaya, gained international fame in 2025 when the two, along with other members of the herd, formed a protective “alert circle” during an earthquake.
The Safari Park in Escondido is home to over 3,100 animals and spans 1,800 acres. Elephant Valley will be included with Safari Park admission.
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