THE RANCH
ALL ABOUT ELEPHANTS, INC. TWO TAILS RANCH, FLORIDA’S HOME TO THESE AMAZING GIANTS
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Written by: Ava Grace
ome 200 African and Asian elephants since 1984 have stayed at Two Tails Ranch in Williston, Florida, a place most of these amazing giants will call a permanent home. The ranch south of Gainesville has nearly 70 acres, several barns, nine different exercise yards and more to help them survive and thrive. Some ranch elephants have been retired, some need medical attention or training, and still others are temporary boarders—there’s a jungle of reasons why elephants need a place to stay. Patricia Zerbini joined Two Tails Ranch in 1985, a year after Theodore Svertesky, a circus trainer, founded it. Zerbini is now the chief executive officer. She’s also a ninth-generation family member to work with exotic creatures. She opened the ranch in 2009 to help educate and to give us a closeup experience with these beloved animals. “We offer daily guided educational tours that last 1.5-2 hours,” says Zerbini, adding that the ranch closes on Thursdays.
While walking is minimal, the experience is massive. Park visitors learn through talks, question-and-answer sessions, touching and demonstrations. “For example, Luke, our 17,000-pound male Asian, may produce one of his brightly colored trunk-made paintings,” says Zerbini. Afterward, there’s a museum, a gift shop and snack shack. Plus, there’s a picnic area (inquire when making a reservation). You can also hand feed ($5), snap photos ($25), and elephant ride ($40, weather dependent). There are “Extreme Encounter” opportunities for those 12 and older, where the elephant experience takes a big step up ($200) —100% of tour proceeds help support the ranch. Admission is $10 for kids 9 and under, free for 2 and under, $20 for adults. Group tours/rates, memberships and gift certificates are also available. Two Tails Ranch visitors also see giant zebras, tortoises, an ostrich and an emu.
PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE COURTESY OF ALL ABOUT ELEPHANTS, INC.
An impressive line-up of Asian elephants lives on the ranch that was built especially for them. Photo on left shows Luke, their 17,000-pound male Asian who loves to make trunk-made paintings.
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