Taronga Western Plains Zoo opened it’s $1.4 million Savannah Safari on Tuesday, which allows visitors to climb aboard a purpose-built truck and see the giraffe, ostrich, eland and buffalo from inside a new, expansive enclosure.

Next year white rhino and zebras will also be introduced onto the savannah.

The safari was the first of a ten year program to enhance visitor experiences, NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman said.

“You see here animals in almost a natural-style habitat, I think that captures people’s imagination, it increases awareness and at the end of the day increases people’s interest in conservation and research,” he said.

The exhibit replicates an African village.

The “wonderful transformation”, like the safari and the upcoming lion Pridelands would keep people coming back to the zoo, Dubbo MP Troy Grant said.

“It had been 20-odd years much the same, Matt (Fuller, zoo director) went on a Churchill Fellowship across the world, looked at what was on offer in Africa, in America, and in England and has brought those experiences back here and implemented it,” Mr Grant said.

The zoo is also in the process of  conducting a similar $9 million lion safari. When completed, up to 15 lions will be on display towards the end of the zoo circuit.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo director Matt Fuller said the aim was to engage and inspire visitors.

“This is the first of a wonderful array of projects that will not only enhance the visitor experience of the zoo but really underpin those very important connections that people will be able to make with the wonderful animals we have here in our care,” he said.

The exhibit would not only increase numbers to the zoo, but also the region, Mr Grant said.

He said he never ceased to be amazed by the number of people who visited the zoo.

The Savannah Safari will be open to the public from Wednesday.