The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee
2011 Year in Review
2011 Year in Review slideshow
In 2011, The Elephant Sanctuary celebrated the realization of many progressive plans, striding forward into the future with hope and determination. We are laying a foundation that will provide for and secure the future of all our Girls so they can live out the remainder of their lives, healthy and carefree in Sanctuary for decades to come.
Protected Contact training led to the successful removal of Billie's chain; trees were planted to provide a renewable food source for the Girls, the addition of a Director of Veterinary Care and a Director of Elephant Husbandry to the team will build upon our exemplary elephant care program, and the installation of new digital, solar powered Elecams allowed the world the opportunity to watch and learn about the lives of elephants without inhibiting their natural instincts or intruding on their Sanctuary.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey as we remember 2011 and look forward to 2012 at The Elephant Sanctuary.
Winter & Spring
- The Elephant Sanctuary initiates Protected Contact training at each barn to ensure safe effective health care for the Girls.
- Elecam Expansion – our supporters accessed a new window into the world of elephants when our 14 digital, solar powered cameras installed throughout the habitat went live in February.
- The Sanctuary sends representatives to visit Performing Animal Welfare Society in California: See Summer Trunklines
- Sissy continues to gain self-confidence and explores her habitat far and wide without the need of “Tire” for security
Summer
- Billie’s Last Chain – Billie overcomes her fears and allows her Caregiver to remove the final chain from her circus days. See May 11 Asian Diary
- Liz completes her first round of TB treatments but still has a long road ahead of her. See July 31 Asian Diary
- Dulary, Sissy and Misty getting over their summertime stomach illness. See July 25 Ele-Notes
- Minnie’s summer sleepovers with Ronnie and Debbie are a great success. See October 12 Asian Diary
- Flora and Tange enjoy their summer fun with their new elephant-size fire-hose sprinkler. See August 8 Ele-Notes
Co-Founder, Scott Blais announces departure – The Sanctuary celebrates 16 years of his dedication. Read the Tribute to Scott Blais
Autumn
- The Sanctuary welcomes New Management Team Members: Director of Veterinary Care, Dr. Susan Mikota; Director of Elephant Husbandry, Steve Smith and Director of Facilities Development, Joe Rizzo. See Fall Trunklines
- The Sanctuary launches a campaign to establish a leading Elephant Veterinary Care Center named in honor of Lota. See Fall Trunklines
- Tarra, The Sanctuary Staff and thousands of supporters mourn the loss of Bella.
- CBS’s Steve Hartman visits The Sanctuary to follow-up on his 2009 story of Tarra & Bella which opened the world’s eyes to what friendship can mean.
- After the loss of Bella, Tarra receives comfort and continues to heal thanks to the support of Shirley, Winkie, Sissy and her entire herd. See November 7 Ele-Notes
- Winkie’s expressions of compassion toward Tarra during her time of grief and her eagerness to have calm, friendly and enjoyable interactions with Caregivers during winter morning routines warm her Caregiver's hearts. See November 5 Ele-Notes
- Misty and Dulary are proving to be quick, eager learners of Protected Contact training and have been presenting their feet for pedicures and their ears for veterinary check-ups. Winkie and Sissy started later in the year and are also doing great!
- Thanks to donors, volunteers and our nonprofit partner, SoundForest.org, The Sanctuary continues to go green and plants a fruit tree orchard, a grapevine garden and a bamboo forest (well, mini-forest) to help feed the Girls for decades to come. See Fall Trunklines
Winter
- Flora gains worldwide fame with the international film release of her personal journey to sanctuary in One Lucky Elephant.
- Frieda’s easy going personality helps to usher in the holiday season as she adorns herself with her Christmas tree in the 2011 Year in Review slideshow and all the Girls at the Q-barn share their holiday treats and gifts with their Caregivers. See December 22 & December 28 Ele-Notes
- The Elephant Sanctuary reaches record-breaking support in 2011 with over 1,000 guests at The Sanctuary’s Welcome Center; 15,000 Facebook Fans; and over 90,000 lifetime members.
On behalf of the Staff, the Board, and all of our Girls at The Elephant Sanctuary, we cannot thank you, our members, enough for the past 16 years of unwavering support. We look forward to 2012 and our 17th year with the great hope that all elephants may someday find their way to Sanctuary.
Happy New Year!
P. S. If you haven’t seen it yet – here is a sneak peak at The Elephant Sanctuary’s 2012 Calendar Girls:
2012 Calendar Slideshow
For news between Trunklines issues:
Visit Our Channel on YouTube!
Be sure to check out our YouTube Channel and some of our twenty-one wonderful videos!
Bookmark this link and be sure to share the URL with all your friends!
