They loaded up their trunks.... and they moved to Tennessee!
The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, is the nation's largest natural-habitat refuge developed specifically to meet the needs of endangered elephants. It is a non-profit organization, licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and accredited by the Association of Sanctuaries, designed specifically for old, sick or needy elephants who have been retired from zoos and circuses. Utilizing more than 2700 acres, it provides three separate and protected, natural-habitat environments for Asian and African elephants. Our residents are not required to perform or entertain for the public; instead, they are encouraged to live like elephants.
The Discovery Channel, PBS, 20/20, CNN, and many others have made people aware that elephants are majestic creatures who are highly intelligent, complex, social, and sensitive individuals. In the wild, elephants are migratory, walking 30 to 50 miles each day, and form intricate family structures. They grieve for their dead in a more-than-instinctive way. They show humor and express compassion for one another with intense interactions. The reality of their lives in captivity is that many are in chains up to 18 hours a day. They are enclosed in steel pens—often alone—broken and controlled by fear and intimidation.
As a true Sanctuary we are not open to the public. The public's affection and fascination for elephants is shared by many. This fascination to see elephants up-close and personal has resulted in disastrous consequences for captive elephants. Facilities exhibiting elephants have put the needs of the public before that of the elephants in their care. As a direct result of the public's desire to get closer, elephants live a miserable life; confined to small places, forced to submit to human keepers and fed only processed food due to restricted living space. We strive to raise public awareness about the needs of elephants that includes their right to privacy from a curious public.
Get Involved:
Donate to The Elephant Sanctuary.
The Elephant Sanctuary's Wish List.
Sponsor an Elephant.
Feed An Elephant for A Day. Searching for the perfect gift for the person who has everything (or want a certificate to show your friends)? For $30 you can feed Lottie, Minnie, Ronnie, Debbie, Frieda, Liz, Billie, Tarra, Shirley, Sissy, Winkie, Dulary, Misty, Tange or Flora for a day. The recipient will receive a picture and biography of the elephant(s) chosen, along with a certificate and a full year's membership, making this gift a great way to educate friends and family about everyone's role in helping needy elephants.
Other ways you can help.
Source: The Elephant Sanctuary
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