Former circus elephants begin to arrive at Florida sanctuary

This April 2021 photo provided by White Oak Conservation shows former circus elephants in a group hug at a new wildlife sanctuary in Yulee, Fla., north of Jacksonville. The White Oak Conservation Center announced Monday, May 3 that a dozen female Asian elephants have already arrived at the Yulee refuge. Most of the animals previously traveled with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus until they were retired in 2016. (Stephanie Rutan/White Oak Conservation via AP) (Stephanie Rutan, White Oak Conservation)

YULEE, Fla. – Former circus elephants are starting to arrive at a new wildlife sanctuary in north Florida.

The White Oak Conservation Center announced Monday that a dozen female Asian elephants have already arrived at the Yulee refuge.

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It’s located north of Jacksonville.

Up to 20 more elephants are expected once more areas are completed at the planned 2,500-acre space.

The pachyderms are coming from the Center for Elephant Conservation in Polk County.

Most of the animals previously traveled with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus until they were retired in 2016.