Kings Dominion

Kings Dominion, located in Doswell, Virginia, acquired six female African elephants around 1976. Three were purchased from Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach, Florida, while another three were imported directly from South Africa.

National Elephant Center & Virginia Zoo

"Norfolk's three resident pachyderms will be among nearly 300 who will benefit from the creation fo the Natioanl Elephant Center in Okeechobee, Florida. The Center is slated to open in 2009 and will provide a wide variety of services aimed at protecting, preserving, and improving the lives of captive elephatns around the United States."

"The National Elephant Center is the result of a unique collaboration among zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums; individuals and organizations that care deeply about elephants; and Waste Management, a corporation committed to the environment and species conservation.

National Elephant Center is located on 300 acres owned by Waste Management in Okeechobee, Florida. It is adjacent to property that Waste Management maintains as a natural area certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council that provides food and nesting areas for threatened Florida sandhill cranes and several other endangered species. These protected areas ensure critical space for species under pressure, not unlike elephant populations that are endangered in Africa and Asia."

For more information regarding the National Elephant Center:
>>http://www.thenationalelephantcenter.org/

The National Elephant Center on YouTube:
>>http://www.youtube.com/user/NationalElephantCent/

Circus Vargas - 1974

The 1974 Circus Vargas herd featured a herd of nine ( including an African and a male ) in its second year of owning, rather than leasing, elephants.

Colonel, Koora and unknown w/ Wally Ross
Courtesy of Buckles Woodcock

Circus Vargas - Dutchess

ShowMe Elephants recently discussed the beginnings of the Circus Vargas-owned elephant herd under owner Cliff Vargas and elephant trainer Wally Ross.

The 1974 Circus Vargas herd featured a herd of nine ( including an African and a male ) in its second year of owning, rather than leasing, elephants.

Colonel, Koora and unknown w/ Wally Ross
Courtesy of Buckles Woodcock

The first five elephants, acquired in 1973, were acquired from Gene Holter of California - Minnie, Colonel Joe, Shirley, Virginia ( renamed Lottie ? ) and Judy. Four more animals were acquired the following year - Hattie, Trixie, Koora and Dutchess.

Eddie Drake - Toka

Originally posted 04/13/2012
Updated 05/29/2012 with news article and image

An interesting ad in a 1977 issue of The Circus Report announces an act and elephant rides available for rent.

Circus Report, 6th year No 17, Page 8, 04/25/1977
Courtesy of CircusHistory.org

Asian Elephant Support

Asian Elephant Support is a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting the care and conservation of elephants in Asian range countries.

"Our logo is meant to symbolize man's long association with the elephant in most range states and our role in their future. The decorations on the elephant head represent a ceremonial head dress or painting. The dark objects that wrap around the head are human hands signifying that the future of the elephant is in our hands."