The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium and its satellite facility, the International Conservation Center, together forming the multi-accredited Zoological Society of Pittsburgh, are embarking on a new chapter of elephant care and conservation. A carefully planned series of elephant moves will enhance herd dynamics while prioritizing the unique needs and well-being of each animal.

Guests attending both the Zoo and the Conservation Center will continue to see and engage with the beloved elephants as these transitions unfold. Currently, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is home to five female African elephants: sisters Victoria and Zuri, mother-daughter pair Savanna and Angeline, and Natasha. At the Conservation Center, the herd includes bull elephant Jackson along with females Seeni, Sukiri, and Bette.

In collaboration with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and leading wildlife experts, Victoria and Zuri will soon transition to the Conservation Center. The goals of the plan are to ensure appropriate companionship for elephants at both facilities and also allow for growth of the herd.

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

Elephants have been a signature species at the Zoo since its inception. The animals in residence at both the Zoo and the Conservation Center contribute to the preservation of their wild counterparts and help tell a story of hope and survival in the future. Today, the elephant breeding herd plays a vital role in preserving African elephants worldwide — with resident bull Jackson tied to nearly half of North America’s African elephant births over the past decade.

Beyond its own facilities, the Zoo maintains active partnerships with international organizations dedicated to the survival of elephants. Through its longstanding alliance with the International Elephant Foundation, the Zoo helps fund and manage projects benefiting elephants in human care and in the wild. In Zimbabwe, its collaboration with the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust supports essential fieldwork such as tracking, research, and snare removal.

Further details about this new phase in elephant care will be announced in the coming months. Guests will continue to enjoy seeing elephants at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. Tours, educational programming, and special events at the International Conservation Center can be booked here.