ATTAPULGUS, Ga. (WTXL) - In as early as six months, a new sanctuary with over 800 acres of land could be welcoming their first residents -- female Asian Elephants -- to South Georgia.
Carol Buckley, founder of Elephant Aid International, said that she has plans to open up an elephant sanctuary right outside of Attapulgus.
Buckley said that she picked the location for various reasons, the main one being the weather. She said that she was looking for a place with the average low being 40 degrees.
The area is also right on par for the right type of soil, vegetation, topography, water features, and privacy, Buckley stressing that privacy is important not only for the elephants, but for surrounding neighbors as well.
Right now, Buckley and others are working with architects and fencers to start the bid process for the facilities. Phase 1 will be to put up the fences and one barn to start with that they can add to as they go.
There will be double fences that will keep the elephants and neighbors from wandering and keep everyone safe. The types of fences Buckley plans on installing are not legally required but are just an extra precaution.
Buckley says that this will be a true sanctuary and will not be open to the public.
The facilities could be ready for their first resident in as early as 6 months and could hold up to 10 female Asian Elephants.
