The Asian and African elephant species are facing endangerment, with fewer than 500,000 left in the wild, a concerning statistic. Thankfully, some have found refuge at The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Situated amidst the serene hills of this small town, the sanctuary spans over 3,060 acres, offering a healing haven for elephants rescued from circuses, zoos, and private ownership. The sanctuary’s mission is centered around meeting the complex physical and psychological needs of these majestic creatures, serving as both a sanctuary and an educational hub for connecting with elephants on a deeper level.
Meet Artie, one of the residents of The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. The sanctuary’s story began in 1995 with Tarra, an Asian elephant who retired from a circus to become the first elephant at the sanctuary. Founders Carol Buckley and Scott Blais created the sanctuary to provide peace and dignity for female Asian elephants like Tarra, leading to the eventual expansion to accommodate both Asian and African elephants as well as male elephants.
The growth of The Elephant Sanctuary reflects the increasing awareness of elephants’ needs, emphasizing the importance of allowing them to roam freely, form social bonds, and receive high-quality care. The sanctuary prioritizes meeting elephants’ physical, social, and emotional needs through protected contact management that respects their wild nature and individual histories. This approach ensures that the elephants have autonomy and security in their sanctuary home.
African elephants are generally larger, stronger, and more robust than their Asian counterparts. Due to these differences, the Sanctuary has had to upgrade its fencing systems and other infrastructure to accommodate the needs of the African elephants. The care staff and veterinary teams conduct regular checkups on the elephants, including dental and weight monitoring, bi-weekly pedicures, and radiographic imaging for chronic conditions like arthritis. Treatments such as laser therapy and pain management are also provided as needed.
The Sanctuary has adapted its fencing over the years to accommodate the increasing size and strength of the elephants. The management approach at the Sanctuary is based on protected contact, using barriers like fences, gates, and walls to separate the elephants from caregivers. This method not only ensures safety but also allows the elephants to interact with humans on their own terms, reducing stress and maintaining their social structures.
Positive reinforcement methods are used to encourage cooperation from the elephants in essential tasks, with no punishments employed. Each elephant receives regular foot care, including pedicures and foot checks at least twice a week per foot.
In addition to providing physical and emotional care for the elephants, the Sanctuary is dedicated to educating the public on elephant welfare and conservation issues. Accredited by both the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Sanctuary is the largest elephant habitat for both African and Asian elephants in North America. They collaborate with international organizations to promote conservation efforts and raise awareness about the challenges faced by elephants worldwide.
The Sanctuary offers distance learning programs to schools and educational institutions globally, free of charge. Visitors can explore the Elephant Sanctuary Discovery Center in Hohenwald, which houses an interpretive museum providing information on elephant care, natural behaviors, and conservation challenges. The center also showcases the stories of individual elephants residing at the Sanctuary, such as Osh, Nosey, Sissy, and Flora.
Visitors find solace at the Sanctuary, connecting with the animals on a deeper level. The Sanctuary’s EleCams are a groundbreaking educational feature, offering live views of the elephants as they freely roam the grounds. These cameras provide an intimate look into the elephants’ lives, aiding in health monitoring without disturbance. The EleCams also enable a global audience to engage with these majestic creatures.
The Sanctuary’s educational reach extends beyond Tennessee, offering tailored distance learning programs for classrooms. Currently home to 13 elephants, each with a unique tale of survival and resilience, the Sanctuary shares their stories to raise awareness. For instance, Nosey, a former circus elephant rescued in 2017, symbolizes the fight to free elephants from captivity. Flora, another resident, found sanctuary after years in the entertainment industry, now thriving in a life of autonomy and companionship.
Individualized care at the Sanctuary caters to each elephant’s needs, from skincare to dietary preferences. The elephants enjoy vast grounds to roam, engaging in natural behaviors and forming vital social connections. As the Sanctuary expands physically and in its global impact on elephant welfare, a bright future awaits these remarkable creatures.
Providing a safe haven and an opportunity for elephants to engage in their natural behaviors essential for their well-being, this organization and its sanctuary have emerged as a beacon of hope. More than just a sanctuary, it stands as a shining example of how elephants should be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Located in Hohenwald, the museum and education center of The Elephant Sanctuary is open to the public from Tuesday through Saturday, operating between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Visitors have the chance to witness firsthand the remarkable work being done to care for and rehabilitate elephants in need.
The mission of The Elephant Sanctuary extends beyond the confines of its physical space. Through educational outreach, advocacy for elephant conservation, and the implementation of innovative care practices, the organization is dedicated to ensuring that elephants, both in captivity and in the wild, have a chance at a brighter future.
To learn more about The Elephant Sanctuary and the impactful work being done there, visitors are encouraged to explore the sanctuary’s website at elephants.com. There, they can discover valuable information about elephants, get acquainted with the current residents of the sanctuary, and even view live EleCams to observe these majestic creatures in real time.
The transformation from a life in the circus to a sanctuary in Middle Tennessee represents a profound shift for the elephants fortunate enough to find refuge at The Elephant Sanctuary. Far from the harsh realities of captivity and exploitation, these elephants are given a new lease on life, surrounded by care, compassion, and the freedom to be themselves.
By supporting The Elephant Sanctuary, individuals can play a crucial role in the preservation and well-being of these magnificent creatures. Every contribution, whether through donations, volunteer work, or spreading awareness, helps to secure a better future for elephants in need.
The work being done at The Elephant Sanctuary serves as a testament to the power of compassion and dedication in making a positive impact on the lives of elephants. Through unwavering commitment and a deep-rooted respect for these animals, the sanctuary stands as a beacon of hope and a safe haven for those in need.
