At The Elephant Sanctuary, caring for each elephant means paying close attention to individual habits, needs, and preferences. This fall, that commitment has led to a significant change for one of our beloved residents—Sissy has moved to Willow Barn and Habitat (also known as the Elephant Health Care Center).
Over the past several years, Care Staff observed that Sissy lies down to rest less frequently, particularly in cooler months or when indoors. While elephants can rest standing, they benefit from opportunities to take pressure off their feet. To better support Sissy’s comfort, Willow Barn and Habitat was identified as the ideal new home. The quieter space offers gentle slopes, varied substrates, and updated barn features designed specifically with her in mind—including padded flooring, sand stalls, and a custom waterer she can activate independently. From Willow, Sissy still has access to other elephants. Willow Habitat is located next door to Hickory Habitat, and Sissy can also see, hear, and smell nearby African female residents Tange, Sukari, and Flora.
One special feature that has already made a difference for Sissy is a custom chin rest, developed through a collaboration between the Maintenance Team and Caregivers. Made of soft, durable firehose material and engineered to be height-adjustable, the chin rest provides a safe and supportive place to rest while standing. Sissy had long been observed using gates and fences in this way, so creating a purpose-built option was a natural next step. The chin rest has now been moved to Willow, where staff have already seen Sissy using it.
Sissy’s path to The Sanctuary has been long and extraordinary. Captured in Thailand as a calf in 1968, Sissy spent decades in zoos and even survived being submerged during a historic Texas flood, breathing through only her trunk. Upon arrival at The Sanctuary in 2000, Sissy was cautious at first but soon began exploring habitat spaces and forming companionships with other elephants. Over the years, Sissy has shown remarkable resilience—splashing in ponds despite a past observed fear of water, and adapting to life with a partially paralyzed trunk that is still used with great skill to eat, drink, and play.
Sissy’s move to Willow—and the creative, individualized solutions like the chin rest—are powerful examples of The Sanctuary’s mission in action: providing each elephant with the comfort and care they deserve.
If you would like to contribute to Sissy’s ongoing care, consider “Adopting” Sissy through our Adopt an Elephant program. Adopters receive Trunklines, our tri-annual newsletter, along with a photo and bio card of Sissy—and become valued Members of The Elephant Sanctuary community, helping ensure lifelong care and well-being.