Published: October 03, 2007 10:23 pm      

Elephant-center groundbreaking set

The elephants are getting closer.

The Pittsburgh Zoo is planning a groundbreaking ceremony for the zoo’s International Conservation Center near Fairhope to unveil a site plan for the facility, which is to be home to three African elephants by year’s end.

“From the big picture, it is all about breeding endangered animals and conservation,” said Ron Aldom, executive director for the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce. Aldom has met with zoo administrators to talk about their plans.

“It is conservation at its best,” he added. “That alone has value to the county.”

The zoo plans to turn the 724-acre Glen Savage Ranch off Route 31 in southern Somerset County into the first breeding grounds for endangered African elephants in North America.

Site details for a $1.5 million elephant building are to be an-nounced at the ceremony Oct. 19.

The ranch is equipped with 20 secluded paddocks from 5 to 20 acres each, a 10-foot perimeter fence, staff and student housing, a restaurant and meeting areas.

Other endangered animals, such as Grevy’s zebras and African wild dogs, may be moved to the site in the future.

In August, zoo officials announced that Dayton Baker will be farm manager at the center, responsible for overseeing daily operations and hay production on about 300 acres. That yield should be enough for the elephants and other animals, with surplus going to the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Some of the center’s immediate goals include researching trends and developments in wildlife conservation, agriculture, land conservation and alternative-energy sources.