A transformation process at Zoo Atlanta in Georgia, US, is on course to open in Q3 2019, with the expansion offering significantly expanded habitats for African elephants and new ones for giraffes, zebras, ostriches and warthogs.

The project broke ground in 2017 and has progressed well.

The elephant habitat will improve the zoo's capacity to house up to seven individual elephants and will also include a large pool, two waterfalls and an indoor elephant care centre.

The new giraffe habitat, meanwhile, will increase its usable space and will have an unraised visitor walkway, giving guests the opportunity truly appreciate the height of the animals.

The zoo will also welcome a new species, the southern white rhino, following changes to the existing elephant habitat.

Elsewhere, the old Cyclorama Building is being refurbished and renamed Savanna Hall and will be the zoo’s special events destination. This revamp is expected to open by Q2 2020 and will offer more than 25,000sq ft (2,300sq m) of event spaces.

"Our team went to zoos throughout the US to learn what best practices were and develop a wish list. They got just about everything on that wish list. The elephant care team will tell you it’s one of the best facilities in the country." said Raymond B King, president and CEO of Zoo Atlanta.

"Many of us have dreamed of going to Africa but most of us don’t get that chance. This is the chance for everybody in Atlanta to experience the African savanna while not having to go any farther than a few minutes from downtown Atlanta."