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/