Former circus elephants begin to arrive at Florida sanctuary [View all]
Source: AP
YULEE, Fla. (AP) — Former circus elephants are starting to arrive at a new wildlife sanctuary in north Florida.
The White Oak Conservation Center announced Monday that a dozen female Asian elephants have already arrived at the Yulee refuge, located north of Jacksonville. Up to 20 more elephants are expected once more areas are completed at the planned 2,500-acre (1,010-hectare) space.
The pachyderms are coming from the Center for Elephant Conservation in Polk County. Most of the animals previously traveled with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus until they were retired in 2016.
Nick Newby, who leads the team that cares for the elephants, has been getting to know the individual elephants and their habits for the past few years.
In this Sept. 2019, photo provided by the White Oak Conservation, Asian elephants, Kelly Ann, born Jan. 1, 1996, and Mable, born April 6, 2006, are seen at the Center for Elephant Conservation in Polk City, Fla. A Florida wildlife sanctuary is building a new 2,500-acre home for former circus elephants. The White Oak Conservation Center announced Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, that it's expecting to welcome 30 Asian elephants starting next year. (Stephanie Rutan/White Oak Conservation via AP)
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/florida-lifestyle-environment-and-nature-4cb473fcd5cc4d066abee8dfbb5a9c42
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