Why the Pittsburgh Zoo is planning to send two more elephants to the ICC in Somerset

Two African elephants from the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium are packing their trunks and moving to Somerset County.

Sisters Victoria and Zuri are currently living at the zoo with three other female elephants (Natasha, Savanna and her daughter Angeline), but soon will be joining the herd at the International Conservation Center in Fairhope, according to an Oct. 15 announcement on the zoo’s website.

Victoria and Zuri will live at the ICC with Jackson, a bull (male) elephant, and females Seeni, Sukiri and Bette.

This is the start of a “new chapter of elephant care and conservation” for the zoo and the ICC, which includes a “carefully planned series of elephant moves (that) will enhance herd dynamics while prioritizing the unique needs and well-being of each animal,” according to the announcement.

The elephants at the zoo and the ICC help to promote the vital work of preserving African elephant populations across the world, and Jackson has been involved in nearly half of the African elephant births in North America in the past 10 years, according to the zoo.

“Every decision at the zoo is centered around the well-being of our resident animals,” said Dr. Jeremy Goodman, president and CEO of the zoo and aquarium, in the announcement.

“The plan for our elephants strengthens our ability to continue to provide world-class care while advancing our conservation mission.”