A New Home for All Explorers

With much fanfare, and set to the joyous sounds of a brass band, we celebrated the opening of the brand-new Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp on March 11. A large crowd of guests and team members, plus President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Baribault, youth from across San Diego, and Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax were in attendance as we shared with the world the remarkable transformation of the previous Children’s Zoo.

This 3.2-acre, state-of-the-art, multi-ecosystem experience is designed to provide guests of all ages with an up-close look at nature and offer fresh, high-tech interactive opportunities that nurture empathy for wildlife and encourage future caretakers of the planet.

Guests visit with a variety of fascinating species and engage on a deeper level by using full sensory and multifaceted elements, including “parallel play” opportunities from climbing and crawling around a massive tree house, to exploring through water play elements and interactive touch screen games, using microscopes to reveal natural wonders, and specialized animation that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI), dynamic lighting, and whole-room scented environments—all built with sustainable materials and practices. We are endlessly grateful for the many donors who made this one-of-a-kind place possible.

As the rope dropped on opening morning, young guests ran toward this new experience, excitement and joy brimming on their faces. In the months since, that enthusiasm hasn’t waned. All year long, Wildlife Explorers Basecamp has drawn guests from around the world, helping make for record attendance at the Zoo. Together, as we spark empathy and offer new perspectives, we’re inspiring the next generation of wildlife allies to join us in creating a world where all life thrives. Wildlife Explorers Basecamp has exceeded our wildest dreams.

In the weeks leading up to the opening, donors and team members enjoyed special festive events to reflect, celebrate, and spread the word.

Donors to the project, along with members of our President’s Clubs, Heritage Guild, and other groups, enjoyed exclusive preview events and programs ahead of the opening. For more information on joining these groups, see page 92.

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Educating guests in Basecamp is off the charts for me. To see the excitement in the guests’ eyes as I share about certain animals is the cherry on top! To leave them with conservation knowledge, and how they themselves can help, is just the best.”

To unveil the entrance sign and thank him for his foundational naming gift, which led the way on this project, Denny Sanford and friends enjoyed a special preview evening.