Experience elephants up close at Two Tails Ranch in Florida. Learn about conservation, habitat loss, and what makes this tour unforgettable. 

March 18th, 2026

The elephant population has declined at an alarming rate over the past several decades, making their situation one of the most urgent conservation issues in the world today. Since the mid-1960s, an estimated 70% of African elephants have disappeared, while forest elephants have suffered an even more devastating decline of nearly 90%.

In 1979, the African elephant population was estimated at around 1.3 million. Today, that number has dropped to roughly 415,000. These are not just statistics—they represent the rapid loss of one of the most intelligent, social, and ecologically important animals on Earth.

Why Elephants Are Disappearing

Many factors have contributed to this decline. Poaching for ivory is often the most recognized cause, but an even greater long-term threat is habitat fragmentation.

Elephants require vast territories to survive. They need constant access to food and water, often traveling many miles a day. However, human expansion has drastically reduced their natural habitats. Roads, cities, and agricultural development have broken these environments into smaller, disconnected areas.

As a result:

*Elephants struggle to find enough resources

*Human-elephant conflict increases

*Populations continue to decline

If these trends continue, elephants could face extinction within the next few generations (if not sooner!).

A Sanctuary with a Mission

In response to this crisis, Patricia Zerbini, along with her late husband, Theodore H. Svertesky, founded Two Tails Ranch in Florida.

Their goal was simple but powerful:

Create a safe, spacious environment for both African and Asian elephants

Over the years, the ranch has cared for more than 250 elephants. Many came from difficult circumstances, including retirement from circuses or situations where they required specialized care.

Caring for elephants is no small task. These animals require:

* Large quantities of food and water

*Constant veterinary care

*Expansive land to roam

Maintaining the ranch and supporting the elephants requires significant funding and ongoing public support.

The All About Elephants Experience

To support their mission, Patricia created the All About Elephants program, an educational, private tour designed to raise awareness and funds.

This is not your typical zoo visit.

The experience is interactive and personal, offering visitors the chance to:

*Ask questions and learn directly from knowledgeable guides

*Feed the elephants up close

*Take photos with them

*Observe their behavior and personalities

For many visitors, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with elephants in a meaningful way.

Changing Perceptions

Most people know elephants through movies, television, or circuses. These portrayals often fail to capture their true nature.

At Two Tails Ranch, those misconceptions quickly fade.

Visitors gain a deeper understanding that elephants are:

*Highly intelligent

*Emotionally complex

*Strongly social animals

Seeing them up close creates a lasting respect that simply can’t be achieved through a screen.

More Than Just Elephants

While elephants are the main focus, the tour also includes other animals that add to the experience:

*A zebra

*Several tortoises

*A playful group of lemurs (humorously called a conspiracy)

*A photogenic ostrich named Katherine

These encounters make the visit even more engaging while keeping conservation at the center.

Final Thoughts

The All About Elephants tour at Two Tails Ranch is both educational and inspiring. It offers a rare opportunity to connect with elephants while learning about the serious challenges they face in the wild.

More importantly, it highlights the dedication of Patricia Zerbini and her family, whose work continues to make a real difference.

Experiences like this do more than inform, they inspire action, awareness, and a deeper appreciation for one of Earth’s most extraordinary animals.