March 30, Hohenwald, TN – With great sadness, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee announces the passing of African female elephant Sukari at the age of 41. Sukari had been in the care of The Sanctuary for more than a decade.
Longtime supporters may be aware that Sukari experienced intermittent gastrointestinal sensitivity over the years. In January, she showed signs of increasing abdominal discomfort and stopped eating and drinking, prompting a standing sedation procedure for diagnostics and therapeutic hydration, implemented with support from veterinary specialists at the University of Tennessee.
Sukari initially responded well, resuming normal behaviors, including eating, drinking, and interacting with other elephants. However, despite continued monitoring, recent significant weight loss raised new concerns.
Early on March 26, Care Staff observed Sukari down in an area of the Redbud Habitat in a wooded area near the fence line. The Veterinary Team was immediately notified, and specialized equipment and additional support staff were quickly mobilized in an attempt to assist her to a standing position. Sukari was unable to sustain standing and remained in a significantly weakened state.
After careful assessment of her weakened condition and quality of life, the Veterinary and Elephant Care Teams made the decision to proceed with humane euthanasia. Sukari passed peacefully, surrounded by the Caregivers who knew and cared for her each day.
Sukari’s companions, Tange and Flora, were given the opportunity to be with her. Tange was observed standing nearby throughout the evening, and there were indications she remained close overnight.
“Working with Sukari was a privilege,” said Kristy Eaker, Senior Manager of Elephant Care. “I had the opportunity to watch her transition to Sanctuary—from the day she arrived, to meeting African female Tange, pushing down her first tree, and tackling her first steep hill.”
A necropsy was completed the following day, and samples were submitted to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine Pathology Department. Dr. Stephanie McCain, Senior Veterinarian at The Elephant Sanctuary, noted in preliminary findings that the heart appeared enlarged, and there were changes to the muscles of the heart. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
Born in Zimbabwe in 1984, Sukari was imported to the United States the following year. She spent nearly 15 years at Reston Animal Park in Virginia, followed by another 15 years at Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, where she lived among other elephants, including females Rosie and Hadari. On November 4, 2015, Sukari arrived at The Elephant Sanctuary as the 26th resident.
Sukari was known to Care Staff for her long trunk, often used to roll hay into tight bundles before eating. She frequently engaged in mud wallows, stripped bark from large logs, and foraged on a wide variety of shrubs and other browse. True to the meaning of her name—“sweet as sugar”—Sukari showed preferences for certain food items, including apple-flavored treats and bananas.
“We are honored to have provided Sukari with home and care for over 10 years,” said Janice Zeitlin, The Elephant Sanctuary’s Chief Executive Officer. “Along with the sadness and profound loss, we feel fortunate to have watched Sukari develop over time a special relationship with Tange, discover her autonomy while exploring the wooded hills and valleys of The Sanctuary, and display comfort and signs of joy rolling in mud wallows, emerging clay caked and dust covered.”
Care Staff will continue to monitor and support the herd, ensuring each elephant has the space and autonomy to respond in their own way.
About The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee
Located on 3,060 acres in Hohenwald, Tennessee, The Elephant Sanctuary is the nation’s largest natural-habitat refuge developed specifically for Asian and African elephants. Founded in 1995, The Sanctuary has provided 36 elephants with individualized care, the companionship of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their well-being. The Sanctuary is licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and has been dually recognized through accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. The Elephant Sanctuary is currently home to 12 elephant residents.
To learn more about The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, please visit our website at www.elephants.com. We welcome you to stay engaged and observe the elephants via our live-streaming EleCams at www.elephants.com/elecam, and connect with us via social media.