KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Zoo Knoxville announced on Friday that Edie had arrived at her new home at the Elephant Sanctuary.
She was moved to the sanctuary as part of the care plan to ensure companionship for the remainder of her life. Tonka, a 45-year-old male, will be following her there in Spring 2024.
According to the zoo, their elephants are senior citizens by elephant standards. Realizing that Knoxville’s herd would be facing inevitable losses in the near future, Zoo Knoxville considered what was needed to ensure their well-being.
“We have a plan for every animal in our care from birth to death,” Lisa New, Zoo Knoxville president and CEO, said. “The decision to move our elephants is part of our commitment to ensure their wellbeing and care through every stage of their lives. It was a bittersweet moment watching Edie leave, but the decision was made out of our deep love and respect for her. We know she will continue to thrive under the care of our colleagues at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.”
Edie is the second of Zoo Knoxville’s elephants to move to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.
Jana, a 43-year-old female, was the first of their herd to move in May 2023. According to the zoo, Jana enjoyed several months exploring the hills and forests, swimming in the water holes and making a new friend before suffering a health decline that resulted in her death in October.
“We are excited to work with Zoo Knoxville's dedicated staff once again as we welcome Edie to our growing herd," The Elephant Sanctuary’s CEO Janice Zeitlin said. "With enough time and space provided for Edie’s comfort, we are confident that she will be welcomed by Nosey and Sissy, quickly acclimating to her new home. We look forward to updating our followers on Edie in the coming weeks as we get to know her.”
Zoo Knoxville is preparing a travel crate large enough to accommodate Tonka, a 15,500-pound bull. Zoo Knoxville’s elephant caretakers will begin training him to voluntarily enter and stand in it for his trip to Hohenwald.
