FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 17, Hohenwald, Tenn. — Following the recent ice storm that impacted communities across Middle Tennessee — leaving many without power and water for several days — neighbors showed up for one another in remarkable ways. At The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, that spirit of cooperation turned storm debris into meaningful enrichment for the elephants.
In the days immediately after the storm, what might otherwise have been hauled off or discarded became valuable browse for the elephants.
Browse refers to fresh-cut branches, twigs, and leafy vegetation that elephants naturally eat in the wild. It provides essential fiber, nutrients, and variety in their diet, while also encouraging natural foraging behaviors. During cooler months, when elephants may choose to spend more time inside the barns to stay warm, browse becomes especially important. It keeps them mentally stimulated, physically engaged, and allows them to express instinctive behaviors.
“We have a long list of contacts in the community that we have worked with for years,” said Kristy Eaker, Senior Manager of Elephant Care at The Sanctuary. “After the storm, we reached out to everyone that might be clearing brush.”
Community members responded generously. Residents delivered trailer loads of limbs to the Sanctuary or granted permission for staff to haul debris from their properties.
Local businesses and partners also stepped in, including the golf course, the Lewis County Public Library and courthouse, the local airport, and Ross’s Family Tree Service. The largest cleanup effort took place at the library, where multiple Bradford Pear trees — a favorite of the elephants — lost significant limbs.
In just one day, staff collected nine trailers and truck loads of limbs. Additional community members contributed multiple trailer and dumpster loads, and staff made multiple daily runs throughout the week. The work continues, with teams expecting donated browse for several more weeks.
“It was a great feeling,” said Seth, a member of the Facilities team. “Knowing all the downed trees would be put to good use rather than just tossed out meant a lot. We enjoyed answering the community’s questions about our elephants and sharing our favorite stories with them as we worked.”
For the elephants, the impact is immediate and meaningful. Fresh browse is scattered throughout habitats and barns, encouraging exploration and choice. Elephants carefully select preferred branches, snap larger limbs, peel bark, and carry pieces to favorite resting spots — behaviors that mirror how they would forage across vast landscapes in the wild.
“We are incredibly grateful to our neighbors,” Eaker added. “This was truly a community effort. What began as storm cleanup became enrichment that benefits the elephants every single day.”
Community members who have downed limbs from untreated trees and would like to contribute browse can contact The Sanctuary through elephants.com for guidance on appropriate species and drop-off procedures. Visit https://www.elephants.com/browse to learn more.
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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 13 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.