The National Elephant Center Announces New Home in Fellsmere, Florida 

The National Elephant Center Announces
New Home in Fellsmere, Florida

Innovative Center Will Advance Elephant Care

FELLSMERE, Fla. (Sept. 8, 2011) — The National Elephant Center, a new model for excellence in elephant care and conservation, will soon break ground in central Florida.

The National Elephant Center’s board of directors today filed site development permits with the City of Fellsmere to build the facility on a 225-acre site. The land currently supports a citrus grove and is surrounded by farmland.

The Center will be a professional elephant care facility focused on advancing the care of elephants in North America. A collaborative effort with support from 73 zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), The Center will:

• Support population management for North American elephants cared for in AZA-accredited zoos across the country. For example, The Center will provide a flexible habitat for bull elephants, herds and social groupings and help support the elephant programs in the 73 zoos with elephant programs;

• Serve as a centralized training facility for elephant keepers, veterinarians and others;

• Conduct and contribute to husbandry research to determine the best methods of animal care, and;

• Participate in conservation projects in partnership with accredited zoos and elephant conservationists worldwide.

“Fellsmere offers a welcoming community with a strong conservation ethic and great wildlife habitat,” said Rick Barongi, chairman of The National Elephant Center and director of Houson Zoo. “We are very excited about the possibilities Fellsmere offers for elephants and look forward to joining this great community.”

Previously The Center was awarded permits to build in St. Lucie County, but plans were suspended after the board determined the Fellsmere site was better suited for the long term care of elephants. Board officials noted the Fellsmere site offers excellent land conditions including good drainage and excellent habitat for elephants; close proximity to some of the most experienced elephant veterinarians in the country; and easy access in a central location. The Fellsmere area is home to fishing, birding and outdoor recreation opportunities thanks to a joint agricultural and restoration project.

“We’re thrilled to welcome The National Elephant Center to our community,” said Fellsmere Mayor Susan Adams. “Our residents have long admired the natural beauty here, and we know the elephants will too. The Center will be an excellent community partner for our city and our residents.”

A COMMUNITY RESOURCE

Though not open to the public, The National Elephant Center will strive to be a good neighbor and a unique educational resource to the City of Fellsmere and its residents. Local school groups may be able to visit on specific occasions as part of an educational program The Center is developing with local educators.

“In addition to contributing to the local economy, we also want to make an impact as an educational resource,” said Barongi. “As conservationists, we know what an incredible opportunity it is for students to learn about these magnificent animals and then observe them up-close, creating a lasting impact that stays with children for the rest of their lives.”

The Center is initially expected to create four full-time jobs, plus temporary jobs during The Center’s construction. Animal care professionals traveling to Fellsmere for training and professional development opportunities offered at The Center will also contribute to the local economy.

Jeff Bolling, the Center’s Chief Operating Officer and first employee is already a Fellsmere resident. Bolling brings more than 20 years of expertise in elephant care to the position.

AN IMPRESSIVE VISION

The Center will be developed in phases with the initial plan calling for 225 acres in total and Phase One consisting of 25 acres. Dozens of elephants could be cared for in the future, though it will likely be home to less than ten for the initial years of operation.

Phase One will include a large barn with attached paddocks, a keeper work center and four interconnected pastures ranging from four to five acres each. Each pasture will include ponds, mud wallows, dust bathing areas, shade, and other features used by elephants on a regular basis. The approximate cost for Phase One is $2.5 million.

Though an official opening date depends on site preparation and facilities construction, the initial phase could be complete sometime next year. The board and staff will continue to keep the community updated and share their progress.

About The National Elephant Center

A collaborative effort from more than 70 AZA-accredited zoos that care for elephants, The National Elephant Center is a a new model for excellence in elephant care and conservation. The Center’s mission is to improve the elephant population’s long-term viability and welfare by promoting excellence in elephant care and management. To accomplish this The Center collaborates with AZA-accredited zoos and other professional elephant organizations, experts and advocates; brings a scientific approach to husbandry research, professional training, and elephant reproduction; and always provides exceptional care inspired by a deep commitment to the future of elephants. For more information, visit www.TheNationalElephantCenter.org.
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