Punch was born in the wilds of Thailand, likely around 1970. That same year, she was captured and transported to Southwick’s Zoo in Massachusetts. In 1973, at approximately three years old, she was transferred to the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky. Fourteen years later in July 1987, African female Mikki arrived at the zoo as a two-year-old calf, and from that time on, Punch and Mikki shared a habitat.

In a move to support Punch and Mikki’s continued well-being by providing increased space and enhanced social opportunities as they age, the Louisville Zoo made the decision to transfer both elephants to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. Punch arrived at The Elephant Sanctuary on June 3, 2025, becoming the 35th resident.

Standing at 9 feet tall, Punch is most recognizable by her large size—especially noticeable when next to her African companion Mikki—and by the frequent presence of browse or dirt tossed onto her back.

Though considered geriatric, Punch is active and engaged, often seen interacting with enrichment items such as Boomer balls. Punch has been observed kicking with her back legs or pushing the balls into nearby mud wallows on warm days. Punch often chooses to forage close to the barn alongside habitat companions. Her preferred foods include hay, apples, and seasonal squash.