SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Zoo officially opened its Naylor Savanna which features the largest habitat in the zoo’s history. The habitat features three male giraffes, zebras, ostriches and rhinos.
The most unique feature of the new habitat is its space right in the middle of the giraffe area, and it is available for people to rent. The rental space fits four people.
The Spekboom Lodge includes a primary bedroom, kitchenette, living area, bathroom and patio — all with views of giraffes, ostriches and zebras right out your window.
The rental space’s price per night has not yet been listed.
Veronica Sanchez brought her two children to the grand opening on Friday because she said they were excited to be part of the historical event.
“Letting them be part of history with the San Antonio Zoo, I think that’s really cool and important,” Sanchez said. “My daughter, Mila, loves zebras and giraffes. That’s why we are here.”
Cyle Perez with the San Antonio Zoo said the expansion also means growth for its conservation program.
“We doubled the space for giraffes and tripled the space for zebras, ostriches and other small animals like that,” Cycle said. “We also opened up a giraffe barn that will allow us to bring female giraffes and. eventually, baby giraffes.”
San Antonio Zoo guest John Huffman brought his 6-year-old and 2-year-old children out to the opening. Huffman said his kids want to stay in the new rental space.
“It’s exciting to see all the growth, to see all the different things developing,” Huffman said. “The first question from them was, ‘When do we get to stay there?’”
Another feature of the new habitat includes a “safari” experience in the city with the Consefari Tours, where guests can book a safari truck ride in the Naylor Savanna.
For anyone who would like to learn how to book the Spekboom Lodge or Consefari Tours, check out San Antonio Zoo’s website.