17-04-2025
Somerset conservation center helps repopulate endangered species
FAIRHOPE, Pa. (WTAJ) — Local conservationists are raising awareness about dozens of species with animals at risk of extinction.
The International Conservation Center in Somerset County, a branch of the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, houses four different species of these animals on up to 30 acres of land each. These animals include bison, camels, reindeer and their infamous African elephants.
'You need a lot of space,' the conservation center's director Ayeshah Al-Humaidhi said. 'You need a lot of space. Most zoos are limited by their footprint and can only house so many elephants in a healthy, both mentally and physically, environment. Here we have 1000 acres. We have a lot of space to work with and a lot of opportunity for expansion when necessary.'
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Their goal is to help create climates where the animals can breed and repopulate while not being comfortable around humans. They want to have them stay in touch with their wild side.
'We're looking at certain species that we want to breed for reintroduction, and we don't want them to become human-focused and build relationships with humans because that actually sets them up to fail in the wild,' Al-Humaidhi said.
Some of these animals are not grounds for reintroduction into the wild, like the African elephant. But more are in the works to happen, including plans to bring back the Allegheny Woodrat.
'Unfortunately, their numbers are dwindling due to disease that's being introduced by other wild animals,' Al-Humaidhi added. 'So we will be building habitats there. So these animals are being bred in institutions. However, we're looking at a place where they can learn to be wild animals and ensure that they're successful.'
As time goes on, they want to help the cause that makes the circle of life and each ecosystem continue to run for generations to come.
'Animals are dependent on each other,' Al-Humaidhi said. 'We might not be. It might not be obvious to us, but there is a cycle of life.'
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