The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is pleased to announce the safe arrival of Asian female elephant Punch and African female elephant Mikki, long-time companions from the Louisville Zoo.
Punch arrived on June 3, 2025, followed by Mikki on June 4. Their transport from Kentucky to The Sanctuary was carried out with thoughtful planning and care, each accompanied by familiar keepers to support a calm and positive transition. Punch was the first to arrive and took her time entering her new barn, stopping to smell and snack on fresh grass before stepping inside. Care Staff from both The Sanctuary and Louisville Zoo welcomed Punch with favored special treats like cinnamon raisin toast, peanut butter oatmeal balls, and fresh banana leaves.
Mikki arrived just 24 hours later and confidently entered the barn without hesitation, where Punch was already inside to greet her. The two elephants were observed dusting and smelling side by side—early signs of a familiar bond reestablishing in a new home. Sanctuary Care Staff will continue to monitor their acclimation and will keep supporters updated as Punch and Mikki settle in and begin to explore the space and routines at their own pace.
Punch and Mikki have joined The Sanctuary’s Hickory Barn and Habitat, where they now reside alongside other female elephants, including African elephants Nosey (age 43) and Edie (age 42), and Asian elephant Sissy (age 57). As they acclimate, Care Staff will offer opportunities for gradual introductions with other elephants through protected fence lines. At The Sanctuary, introductions are guided by each elephant’s behavior and comfort to support positive and safe social experiences.
Born in the wilds of Thailand in 1970, Punch was captured as a calf and brought to the U.S., living first at Southwick’s Zoo before transferring to the Louisville Zoo in 1973. Mikki, born in Zimbabwe in 1985, was brought to the U.S. following government-led culling operations and joined Punch in 1987. The pair have spent nearly 40 years together, sharing space and companionship at the zoo.
Mikki has had two pregnancies through artificial insemination, resulting in the birth of two calves. The first calf, Scotty, passed away in 2010 due to a bacterial infection. The second, Fitz, was born in 2019 and sadly passed away in 2023 from elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV)—a fast-acting illness that can affect both wild and captive elephants, especially the young. This loss marked a turning point in determining the best future for Mikki and Punch.
“Although seeing such iconic, longtime members of our Zoo family leave is hard, we know that this is the best decision for them at this stage of their lives,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “We will be eagerly viewing the elephant cams alongside our community, watching Mikki and Punch explore the vast grounds of The Sanctuary and making new friends along the way.”
To prepare for the move, staff at Louisville Zoo installed a specialized transport crate in the elephant habitat and incorporated it into daily training sessions. Using positive reinforcement, both elephants became familiar with entering and exiting the crate voluntarily—ensuring a calm and cooperative experience on transport day. Teams from both Louisville Zoo and The Elephant Sanctuary worked closely together to support a smooth transition, sharing knowledge and expertise. Louisville Zoo staff will remain on-site at The Sanctuary throughout the week, helping the elephants acclimate to their new home.
At The Elephant Sanctuary, Punch and Mikki will now have access to expansive natural habitats within The Sanctuary's 3,060 acres and continued individualized care. Their arrival marks Punch as The Sanctuary’s 35th resident and Mikki as the 36th since its founding 30 years ago.
“We’re honored to welcome Punch and Mikki to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee,” said Janice Zeitlin, CEO of The Elephant Sanctuary. “As we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year, their arrival marks a meaningful milestone. We look forward to introducing them to Sanctuary, to providing them with lifetime care and new social opportunities with other elephants.”
We invite you to follow Punch and Mikki’s journey through our live-streaming EleCams!