“We are hoping this becomes a pachyderm’s paradise” said Rick Barongi, outgoing chairman of the National Elephant Center, speaking to a group of approximately 50 people who turned out Wednesday for the unveiling of the center’s first phase.

“We are on time and under budget” said executive director John Lehnhardt, referring to the 30-acre, $2.5 million project.  When complete, the center, a collaborative effort of 73 zoos from across the country, will span 225 acres on the Fellsmere Grade, about 3 miles northwest of downtown Fellsmere.

The center will be home to aging elephants, young male elephants, transitioning herds, and others being moved between zoos.

Phase one includes a 13,000-square-foot open air receiving area, a keeper’s station and four paddocks.  Up to nine elephants will be housed in the initial phase.  The elephants will begin arriving in the late spring, Lehnhardt said.  Eventually the center will accommodate up to 37 elephants.

Though the center will not be open to the general public, visiting schoolchildren and adult groups will be invited out, and will be able to see the elephants from a viewing area next to the keeper’s station.

Lehnhardt explained that the initial funding for the purchase of the land and construction of phase one came from the participating zoos.  He said the group plans to expand fundraising to appeal to private donors.