THE RANCH ALL ABOUT ELEPHANTS, INC.

TWO TAILS RANCH, FLORIDA’S HOME TO THESE AMAZING GIANTS

Written by: Ava Grace

Some 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

100% OF TOUR PROCEEDS HELP SUPPORT THE RANCH.

Elephant Facts

• Are vegetarians

• Can weigh more than 8 tons

• Have more trunk muscles than a human body

• Are NOT scared of mice

• Are social and have aunts help care for infants

• Do not sweat

Source: Two Tails Ranch

Elephant-lovers can help also help the ranch by adopting Marie, for instance, a 10,000-pound Asian elephant who loves watermelon. Or 18,000-pound Smokey, Luke’s half-brother, who enjoys playing with a colossal tire and dining on sugarcane.

You can also donate to help purchase fencing and gates. And volunteer opportunities open shortly. You can also write letters of support and sign up for a Two Tails Ranch newsletter. Details are online. “We look forward to having you visit, and thank you for your support,” says Zerbini. FCM

Roundup

All About Elephants, Inc. Two Tails Ranch, 18655 NE 81st Street, Williston, Florida 352-528-6585, allaboutelephants.com