About this episode

This episode explores the horticulture efforts at Elephant Valley in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, focusing on creating immersive habitats for elephants.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park doesn’t just have animals—it also has incredible plants! Last episode, we learned about elephants, and this week, we’re learning about their zoo habitat. Host Marco is speaking with Director of Horticulture Raj Brown about Elephant Valley and how his team creates a sense of immersion and place. Tune in to learn more about hot composting, force fields, and the meaning of “zookie.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Marco

Guest: Raj Brown

Topics covered

• horticulture
• elephants
• zoo habitat
• immersion
• composting

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: San Diego Zoo Safari Park

More episodes of Amazing Wildlife: A San Diego Zoo Podcast

• A Special Conversation with Joan Embery · April 29, 2026 · 39 min
• Cheetahs: The Purring Polka-Dotted Predator · December 26, 2025 · 23 min
• The Social Dynamics of Elephants · November 28, 2025 · 23 min
• Learning All About Gorillas — and Breaking Misconceptions · November 14, 2025 · 29 min
• The Camouflaged Okapi · October 24, 2025 · 33 min
• World Cassowary Day · October 10, 2025 · 32 min

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