Two Tails Ranch was founded in 1984 by Theodore Svertesky, a circus animal trainer. It began as a modest 10 acre operation with one barn and a fenced yard. From its inception, the ranch was designed as a sanctuary and boarding facility for elephants that needed a place to stay due to zoo renovations, circus retirements, medical needs or other emergency situations. In 1985, Patricia Zerbini joined the venture. She is a ninth-generation exotic animal professional. Following Svertesky's death in 1994, she took over as the primary owner and operator. Since it was founded, the facility has grown to almost 70 acres, and now includes three main barns, multiple yards and a workshop.

For much of its history, Two Tails Ranch was a private facility. However financial demands and a desire for advocacy led to a change. In 2009, Zerbini founded "All About Elephants" to provide educational programs for the public. The ranch is home to several long-term residents, including eight elephants (in 2026). African and Asian elephants are represented, and live in a natural environment similar to their native habitats.

It operates primarily through scheduled educational programs. All tours and elephant experiences are by advanced reservation only. Guided 1.5 to 2 hour walking tours include talks about elephant biology, a visit to an on-site museum with artifacts like mammoth tusks, and demonstrations. For additional fees, visitors can participate in hand-feeding the elephants or take photos. The ranch also offers "Extreme Encounters" which involve more intensive one-on-one time, including bathing the animals. In addition to elephants, the ranch houses zebras, tortoises, lemurs, ostriches, and emus.