KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Zoo Knoxville has announced they have placed Tonka under hospice care on Monday. The 46-year-old elephant is the last remaining bull African Elephant in the zoo.
An elephant and veterinary team have been managing chronic conditions that are common in elephants of advanced age for some time, according to Zoo Knoxville. But on Sunday, Tonka developed a sudden acute onset of pain and swelling in his left front leg.
The veterinary team from The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) then administered antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and pain medication.
The zoo said after trying all treatment options on Tonka and reaching the maximum dosages of pain medications that can be safely administered, the decision was made to transition to hospice care.
“This is certainly not the outcome we had hoped and planned for,” Phil Colclough, director of animal care, conservation and education, said. “However, as difficult as this decision was, it is the most compassionate thing we can do for Tonka. As we are faced with end-of-life decisions, we will consider his wellbeing every step of the way to make sure that we are doing what is best for him.”
Right now, his care team is making him as comfortable as possible and closely monitoring his quality of life.
He is resting quietly in his barn and will not be in public view, the zoo said.
The last we heard from Tonka was Zoo Knoxville preparing him to be transported to an Elephant Sanctuary in Middle Tennessee.