Captured in Thailand as a calf, Sissy first appeared in the United States on exhibit at Six Flags Over Texas amusement park in 1969. By year’s end, Sissy was sold to the Frank Buck Zoo in Gainesville, TX to replace the zoo’s recently deceased elephant, Gerry. Renamed “Gerry II,” Sissy spent the next three decades as the focal point of the zoo. She famously survived being submerged underwater during a record flood, with only her trunk above water allowing her to breathe.

Sissy was eventually moved to the Houston Zoo and later the El Paso Zoo. The El Paso community spoke out, and the decision was made for Sissy to be retired to The Elephant Sanctuary.

Sissy arrived on January 26, 2000. Reserved and cautious at first, Sissy soon began to venture farther out into the habitat, socializing with the other elephants in Asia Habitat (now known as Hickory Habitat). After several weeks, Sissy was observed lying down in the habitat – incredible news, given that Sissy’s previous keepers had not seen her lying down on her own in years.

A few months later, Winkie arrived, and the two became fast friends. Both elephants came to The Sanctuary with a reputation of being anti-social and unable to get along well with other elephants, but they seemed to be a perfect fit for one another—spending nearly all their time together exploring the Asia Habitat. Winkie passed away in May 2017, and in July 2017, Sissy moved to what was then known as Q Habitat. After a year of treatment for tuberculosis (M tb), and another year of follow up, The Sanctuary’s Vet and Husbandry Teams made the decision that Sissy would return to her long-time companions and social group. In October 2019, Sissy returned to Asia Habitat to be reunited with Shirley and Tarra!

In stark contrast to the elephant who was reported to show signs of anxiety and fear around water following her flood experience in Texas, Care Staff frequently observed Sissy splashing and swimming in the ponds, even in the rain. Sissy did not have full use and range of motion of her trunk, which records indicate may be due to a dental procedure earlier in her life. Even with her partially paralyzed trunk, Sissy was able to feed and water herself. She used the tip of her trunk to throw a hose up to her mouth and to crimp the hose to stop water flow if she was not quite ready to drink.

Sissy had the unique communication style of flipping the end of her trunk back and forth to make a “popping” sound. These “pops” are commonly heard when she was socializing or when there was some new enrichment device to interact with. Sissy was recognizable by her long body, the rippling flap across the top of her ears, and the “freckled” effect on her face and ears. She was most often found exploring the “2nd Pipeline” area of the habitat or napping in the direct sun in South Yard.

Following years of carefully managed advanced osteoarthritis, Sissy's mobility declined in 2026 despite extensive veterinary care and thoughtful habitat modifications designed to support her comfort and quality of life. The Veterinary and Elephant Care Teams observed significant swelling in Sissy's right carpus (wrist), and after a comprehensive evaluation, the compassionate decision was made to proceed with humane euthanasia. Sissy passed peacefully on Monday, July 6, at 4:45 p.m., surrounded by the Caregivers who knew and loved her. A preliminary necropsy confirmed severe, advanced osteoarthritis, consistent with years of diagnostic monitoring.

Sissy will be remembered for her unmistakable trunk pops, her long, graceful frame, the freckles across her face and ears, her quiet affection for Caregivers, and the resilience that defined every chapter of life.