FAIRHOPE, Pa. -- Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium officials broke ground on Friday on construction of a new 10,000 square-foot building at the International Conservation Center in Somerset County.

The building is the first of several that will be the cornerstone of elephant breeding and other conservation management programs. The first building will provide housing for at least four elephants and will be ready in time for the arrival of the Philadelphia Zoo's three elephants: Petal, 51; Kallie, 24; and Bette, 24, in the spring.

"We are thrilled to take this first step in the development of our Conservation Center," said Dr. Barbara Baker, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

Future construction plans include a one-acre indoor facility to provide housing for up to 20 elephants, as well as a large indoor arena for exercise in winter months. Space to accommodate staff training and education programs also are part of the plan.

Other endangered animals like Grevys zebras and African wild dogs may also be kept there in the future.

Elephant paddocks, a 10-foot tall perimeter fence, staff and student housing and other facilities are already in place.

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