I’ve always wondered what it might be like to meet an elephant. Are they bigger than real life?  What kind of things do they like to eat?  So many questions….. And tomorrow, I’m not only going to get all my questions answered – I’m going to MEET an elephant!  (Can you hear me squealing with excitement?!)

Tomorrow, I have the incredibly opportunity to tour The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation located in central Florida.

image courtesy of the Center for Elephant Conservation

During the visit to the conservation center, I’ll have the opportunity to talk with Janice Aria, Director of Animal Stewardship and Trudy Williams, Manager of Animal Stewardship.  The Center for Elephant Conservation provides a unique opportunity for researchers to study a captive elephant herd.

This Sunday, September 22nd is Elephant Appreciation Day.  I’ve been fascinated with elephants since I was a child, so this is truly a unique experience. Check out these facts —

·         The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation is home to retirees, calves and their mothers, male elephants, and elephants that don’t have the temperament to enjoy the circus life. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey cares for the largest herd of Asian elephants in the Western Hemisphere with 44 elephants.

·         Asian elephants live in the forest in their native lands. At the Center for Elephant Conservation, elephants live on pristine land planted with special treats like willow and elephant grasses.

·         The biggest calf born to the Center for Elephant Conservation is Nate, born in December 2012 weighing in at 352lbs. His half-brother, Mike, is the newest calf and weighed 214 lbs when he was born.  They have welcomed 26 calves.

·         The Asian elephant is an endangered species, with fewer than 35,000 alive in the world today.

image courtesy of the Center for Elephant Conservation

Stay tuned as I share more of my adventures at The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation in the coming weeks.

If you are on Twitter, be sure to follow along on my adventures at @CarrieWChildren and follow the folks at Ringling Bros too – @RinglingBros.  I’ll also be posting some pictures on Instagram too – CarrieWChildren.

Have you ever met an elephant? 

** I am an invited guest of The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation.  My travel and accommodations have been provided.  **