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Two female elephants from the Pittsburgh Zoo will move to the International Conservation Center in Somerset County, Penn.Sister Victoria and Zuri will join bull elephant Jackson, and females Seeni, Sukiri, and Bette at the centerGuests can still visit female ele,phants Savanna, Angelin,e and Natasha at the Pittsburgh Zoo

The International Conservation Center in Somerset, Pennsylvania, is preparing to welcome two new elephants. 

Female elephants Victoria and Zuri are set to move to the International Conservation Center from the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium in hopes of enhancing herd dynamics at Pennslyvania park. The center is an extension of the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium and is a 1,000-acre preserve designed for conservation science and wildlife management.

“Every decision at the zoo is centered around the well-being of our resident animals,” Dr. Jeremy Goodman, president & CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, shared in a statement. “The plan for our elephants strengthens our ability to continue to provide world-class care while advancing our conservation mission.”

The International Conservation Center in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh Zoo

The sisters will join bull elephant Jackson and the rest of the breeding herd at the center, females Seeni, Sukiri, and Bette. The zoo noted in an October 15 release that the transfer is occurring to “ensure appropriate companionship for elephants at both facilities and also allow for growth of the herd.”

Jackson is doing his part to help support elephant conservation at the Pittsburgh Zoo and beyond. The bull elephant is tied to nearly half of African elephant births over the past decade in North America. The elephants at both the zoo and the conservation center play a vital role in preserving African elephants worldwide.

The Pittsburgh Zoo stated in its release that it is dedicated to the survival of all elephants, not just those in its herd. It also maintains active partnerships with international organizations to help fund and manage projects benefiting elephants in human care and in the wild. 

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Though Victoria and Zuri will soon move to the conservation center, the Pittsburgh Zoo won’t be without elephants. Guests can still visit the mother-daughter duo, Savanna and Angeline, along with Natasha, at the Pittsburgh Zoo. 

According to CBS News, the Pittsburgh Zoo is expected to reveal more about its plans to expand the park’s elephant herd in the coming months.