Giants of the Savanna

Giants of the Savanna is the crown jewel of the Dallas Zoo — an 11-acre African savanna habitat that is unlike anything else in the region and rivals the best zoo exhibits in the country. What makes it extraordinary is the coexistence: giraffes, African elephants, zebras, meerkats, and other savanna species share a single, open landscape designed to mimic the actual geography of sub-Saharan Africa.

Standing at one of the elevated overlook platforms and watching a giraffe walk within 20 feet of a family of elephants, with zebras grazing in the background, produces a visceral reaction in adults and kids alike. It doesn't feel like a zoo. It feels like a window into something real.

For kids especially, the scale of the experience is transformative. Giraffes are casually taller than the viewing platform railings. Elephants are staggeringly large up close. Seeing these animals in a naturalistic, multi-species environment — rather than isolated in small enclosures — makes a lasting impression that children carry for years.

The giraffe feeding station is a must-do add-on. For a few dollars per person, kids get to hand-feed lettuce directly to a giraffe's 18-inch tongue from an elevated platform. It's tactile, funny, and absolutely delightful for kids ages 4 and up. Lines can form on busy weekend days, but they move quickly.

Timing your visit matters. The Texas summer heat drives animals indoors by early afternoon — a 9am arrival guarantees all the animals are out and active. Fall and spring mornings are ideal; even on winter weekdays the savanna is accessible and peaceful.

This section alone justifies the cost of a Dallas Zoo trip. Budget an extra hour beyond what you'd normally plan — it's easy to lose track of time watching the savanna come alive.