Bead by Bead 🐘🌈

Conservation stories are at the heart of Elephant Valley NOTES FROM THE FIELD | 2026 | No. 4

Under the shade of a tree, a group of women gathers. Their hands expertly weave brightly colored glass beads into beautiful patterns as they talk and laugh together. In the not-so-far distance, herds of iconic—and endangered—wildlife roam the vast savanna. Our partner, BeadWORKS Kenya, helps women artisans transform a tradition passed down through generations into an empowering opportunity. With the income they earn from sharing their craft with people across the globe, they’re making a difference for their families and the wildlife they live alongside. This is just one incredible story of community-led conservation strategies that protect wildlife and improve local livelihoods through our Savanna Conservation Hub. When you visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s all-new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley, discover more inspiring ways we’re creating a brighter future for all who share these grasslands. Plus, keep an eye out for BeadWORKS Kenya’s handcrafted details throughout the experience.

ONE BEAD AT A TIME

FROM THE GROUND UP The seeds were planted long before construction started on Elephant Valley—literally. Yet to cultivate the thriving, lush ecosystem, it took extensive collaboration across the Alliance. Get to the root of the teamwork behind this transformative project.

ARBOREAL ALLIES

CHARTING THE PATH Currently, there’s more genomic data for woolly mammoths than elephants. The more we learn about elephants’ genes, the better we can save and protect them. Take a step by step look at what it took to create a groundbreaking genomic atlas and how it could change elephant conservation.

CHAIN REACTION

LARGER THAN LIFE A trunk raises, an ear flares. An elephant backs up into her sister. These movements may seem small, but each one tells us something different. Read on for Elephant Behavior 101, and then use it as a guide to observe the herd on your next visit to Elephant Valley.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Your monthly gift will make a world of difference for wildlife. Wildlife Ally, your ongoing support makes a lifesaving difference for endangered African elephants and the communities that live alongside them. As a Wildlife Hero, your monthly gift will take us further as we shape conservation strategies for the extraordinary wildlife relying on us to thrive—and survive—each and every day. You make it all possible, and we’re forever grateful for you. WILDLIFE HEROES CHANGE THE WORLD.

BE A HERO

DONATE

Your support saves wildlife. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international conservation nonprofit and a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Tax ID# 95-1648219. With more than 100 years of wildlife care expertise and partnerships around the globe, we are saving, protecting, and caring for species worldwide. Follow along on our mission to save wildlife

You are receiving this email because you have opted into communications from
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112    |     (619) 231-1515    |     Email Us © 2026 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. All rights reserved.

NFTFMM0326