Rick Barongi, director, Houston Zoo, and director on the board of The National Elephant Center, announced the new Center today at a news conference at the Houston Zoo. The center will be located in Okeechobee, Fla., and will be a new model for elephant conservation and care.

Waste Management CEO David Steiner announces his company’s support of The National Elephant Center to be located on Waste Management property in central Florida.

Satch Krantz, chairman of the board for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), during a news conference announcing The National Elephant Center. The Center is a new collaboration among AZA-accredited zoos in North America, Waste Management, and private donors committed to ensuring the future of elephants.

Shanti, 17, one of Houston Zoo Asian elephants, places her trunk’s “stamp of approval” on the new agreement between Waste Management and The National Elephant Center. The agreement creates a 300-acre center for elephant conservation and care located in central Florida.

David Steiner, CEO of Waste Management, signs the “elephant-sized” agreement creating The National Elephant Center.

Officials on hand for the announcement of The National Elephant Center are, from left, Houston Zoo Director Rick Barongi; Center consultant Rick Biddle; Birmingham Zoo CEO Dr. Bill Foster; Columbus Zoo Executive Zoo Director Jerry Borin; AZA Board Chairman Satch Krantz; Little Rock Zoo Director Mike Blakey; Waste Management CEO David Steiner; Disney’s Animal Kingdom director of animal operations John Lehnhardt.

Officials on hand for Thursday’s announcement of The National Elephant Center are, from left, Houston Zoo Director Rick Barongi; Center consultant Rick Biddle; Birmingham Zoo CEO Dr. Bill Foster; Columbus Zoo Executive Director Jerry Borin; Waste Management Corporate Director Barbara Nussa; Little Rock Zoo Director Mike Blakey; International Elephant Foundation Executive Director Debbie Olson; AZA Board Chairman Satch Krantz; Waste Management CEO David Steiner; and Disney’s Animal Kingdom director of animal operations John Lehnhardt.