Message from Carol and Scott
2006, the year of WATER, seemed to flood over us with a torrent of events and emotions—until we felt we might drown. But our survival instincts were strong, leaving us with many memories both sweet and sad to reflect on as we prepare to burst into the new year. Recognizing our ability to meet such challenges makes us confident that we can handle anything that may lie ahead. We wish you a very Happy New Year and greater peace for our earth.

A New Year for the Elephants...
If you could do one thing next year to help improve the life of elephants world-wide, what would it be?

Read Comments | Post Your Comment

Elephant Trivia
Facts you may not know about the Sanctuary or elephants in general.

• Where do 15 stray dogs, 21 stray cats, and 18 pachyderms, all from diverse backgrounds, live peacefully alongside white tail deer, wild turkeys, migrating armadillos, shy skunks, squirrels, soaring turkey vultures, screeching red tail hawks, snapping turtles, and a precocious river otter? (The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee!)
• No wonder they are so smart! Elephants have twelve times the memory capacity of humans!
• Yes—Minnie, Lottie, and Queenie prefer to hang out in one stall on very cold nights. Just imagine! It's true; the three friends must love the extra body heat!
• Pink elephants may be found in some regions of India. Because of the red soil, elephants take on a permanent pink color because they spray dust over their bodies to protect themselves from insects.
• African elephants sport wider teeth than their cousins; thus, they are called Loxodonta—Lozenge-tooth.
• What unique animal was recently spotted in the lower pond wondering where his house went after the Divas splashed about? (The resident wild river otter!)
• Elephants can predict weather changes hours in advance.
• Have you heard about the "Misty Workout?" She wears out a path moving back and forth between her best friend Delhi, and seeing what the rest of the herd is up to.
• Contrary to what you might think, some elephants prefer to swim in cold weather—especially if it is raining heavily.
• Minnie is developing a serious taste for sliced bananas.
• When walking, an elephant's back feet step directly on top of the prints made by their front feet.
• Billie has been known to go for solo visits to the big pond.
• Ever wonder why you don't hear an elephant when they walk up behind you? (They walk on their tip toes.)
• What has over 300,000 muscles and can be as gentle as a feather? (An elephant's trunk.)
• What is so important about the number 66,352? (It represents ALL OF YOU - Our Wonderful Members!!) Happy New Year!!