WILDLIFE CONSERVATION TAKE FLIGHT AT THE NATIONAL ELEPHANT CENTER 

See photo album of release here.

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (July 18, 2008) — Representatives from the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center, Waste Management and The National Elephant Center are releasing four barn owls rescued from a construction site. The owls' new home includes open woodlands and prairie habitat suitable for their survival. The property includes the future home of The National Elephant Center, a new model for excellence in elephant care and conservation, which plans to welcome its first elephants in late 2009.

The owls were rescued as chicks by Treasure Coast Wildlife Center staff members, who not only kept them alive but prepared them for life in the wild. Now fully grown, they are being released into natural habitat owned by Waste Management and certified by the Wildlife Habitat Council. The protected space, along with the addition of owl boxes built by Okeechobee Boy Scout Troup 964, will ensure the barn owls thrive in their new home.

The release is one of many wildlife conservation collaborations anticipated for the Waste Management site, already home to several endangered species along with the addition of elephants next year.

"Today's barn owl release illustrates how The National Elephant Center and Waste Management are strongly committed to wildlife conservation," said Jeff Bolling, a nationally recognized elephant expert representing The National Elephant Center at the event. "As The National Elephant Center prepares to embark on its work on behalf of elephants, we're excited to work with the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center and others who share our passion and dedication for conserving all wildlife."

Three-and-a-half months ago the barn owls were discovered on a construction site in Western St. Lucie County where they would not survive. The owls were rescued by Treasure Coast Wildlife Center staff, who raised the chicks and began flight training to prepare them for life in the wild. In February, Treasure Coast Executive Director Dan Martinelli was a guest at the unveiling of The National Elephant Center's partnership with Waste Management. When Martinelli saw the property and heard about the two groups' conservation efforts, he realized how suitable it would be for owls as well.

"The Elephant Center site is perfect for owls; it has a mixture of open woodlands and prairie areas," said Martinelli. "The Elephant Center's support for wildlife along with Waste Management's belief in conserving natural habitats provides a wonderful opportunity to relocate the birds to a place where they can thrive and live full lives."

Though relatively common in Florida, the barn owl population is changing as a result of increasing development throughout Florida. Waste Management property provides crucial habitat to support this species in Okeechobee.

"From elephants to owls, Waste Management is committed to thinking green, " said Jeff Sabin, Waste Management's government affairs manager. "Our Okeechobee site is already home to a number of endangered species including sandhill cranes. The barn owls, like the elephants, will be a welcome addition to our natural surroundings."

About The National Elephant Center
 The National Elephant Center is a nonprofit organization that envisions becoming the global leader in elephant population management. It is committed to ensuring the future of elephants in zoos and in the wild by advancing science in artificial insemination and breeding; promoting elephant research and conservation programs; providing specialized training for elephant caregivers; and becoming a voice for elephants nationally and internationally through advocacy and collaboration. For more information about the Center, visit www.TheNationalElephantCenter.org.

About Treasure Coast Wildlife Center
A non-profit organization helping south Florida's wildlife and natural environments since 1974, Treasure Coast Wildlife Center is a community institution. Today the Center offers help for sick, injured and orphaned wild animal patients, plus information and education for human residents and visitors. Founded by Jean Henry and Ruth Stanwood in 1974, the Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital is the only facility of its kind serving Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, and Palm Beach counties in Florida. For more information, visit www.tcwh.org.