As a permanent, high-quality facility, The National Elephant Center will take a leadership role in providing:
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Population management support for AZA-accredited zoos, including short- and long-term holding for bull elephants; residency for elephants when their home facilities are being renovated; and residency when herd dynamics change (births, deaths), to test compatibility and new social groupings.
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Centralized training facility and programs for keepers, veterinarians and others to answer an increasing need for a practical, hands-on training in the latest developments in management, nutrition, preventative health care, enrichment, training and research, as well as expertise and facilities for artificial insemination (AI) and breeding.
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Elephant research opportunities, including areas of reproduction, memory, communication, visual acuity, nutritional requirements, pathology of disease and its treatment to aid Asian and African elephant populations.
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Support to advance elephant conservation programs by serving as a resource for elephant experts and facilitating collaborations among the AZA Elephant Taxon Advisory Group/Species Survival Plan, field scientists and researchers, government organizations, and NGOs, such as the International Elephant Foundation.
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Supporting public education about, and support for, elephants. Studies show that accredited zoo education programs and opportunities for people to see elephants up close and inspire wildlife conservation awareness and action. The Center will become an elephant resource and learning center and develop programs that can help reach the public with important education messages about elephants.
Elephants in the care of accredited zoos provide an opportunity to help increase knowledge, change attitudes, make emotional connections and change behaviors in visitors that can positively improve elephant conservation.
