Welcome to The National Elephant Center, a bold new model for excellence in elephant care and conservation.

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.

Even though elephants are the largest living land animals, their future is in serious jeopardy in Asia and Africa due, in most part, to elephant/human conflict and poaching. Ironically, it is people who care about elephants and those working in accredited zoos that care for elephants who can best address this crisis.

Accredited zoos have long supported elephant conservation and research and now have come together to establish The National Elephant Center. The Center is poised to become a world leader in elephant population management, conservation, scientific research and care for elephant populations in zoos and in the wild. The Center will become the epicenter for AZA elephant population management and excellence in care and conservation. Today nearly 290 elephants are cared for in North American zoos accredited by the AZA. Each one serves as a vital, living link to elephants in the wild, directly inspiring people to care about the future of elephants worldwide.

Please explore our web site to learn more about elephants and the great efforts going into helping ensure a future for elephants in our world.