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.
Activities & Facilities
Museum or Visitor Center
Zoo/animal displays