As summer continues, African female Mikki and Asian female Punch are beginning to settle into their new routines at The Sanctuary.
Under the guidance of both Louisville Zoo and Sanctuary Staff, the elephants have been actively participating in positive reinforcement training sessions as part of The Sanctuary’s Protected Contact management—an important component of their transition and ongoing healthcare. While the techniques used at Louisville Zoo differ slightly in style and cues, The Sanctuary's Care Staff have found that understanding Mikki and Punch’s past experiences has helped shape a more seamless and respectful approach to communication moving forward.
The pair have had access to a variety of different areas of their new habitat, from wooded hillsides to open fields. Mikki has already proven to be quite an explorer, venturing deeper into the habitat and demonstrating a growing sense of confidence and curiosity. Punch, more measured in her pace, often chooses to stay closer to the barn, but interest in her surroundings—and especially in the other elephants—has been clear.
In a notable development, Punch and Nosey recently shared direct space for the first time. While their time together was brief, the two elephants chose to engage and exhibited natural behaviors—including trunk touching, sparring, and flared ears—consistent with early greetings Care Staff have seen in past introductions. It was a meaningful step forward in their social progression and an encouraging sign for future connection.
Punch continues to show calm, confident behavior and steady interest in her new neighbors. Though known to carry a more dominant presence, she has communicated clearly and respectfully—establishing boundaries when needed while remaining open to interaction.
For Mikki, introductions with fellow Hickory residents, like African females Edie and Nosey, have continued at shared fence lines. Mikki’s early displays of boldness—charging, ear flaring, and head tossing—have gradually softened. More recently, she has been observed lying down near the others and engaging in gentle sparring, a positive sign of growing comfort. These playful exchanges reflect Mikki’s spirited personality and her ongoing adjustment to this new social environment.
As always, Care Staff will continue to observe and support Mikki and Punch as they navigate these new experiences—giving them the time and space needed to build trust, confidence, and connection on their own terms.
Mikki and Punch have officially been added to Adopt an Elephant and Feed an Elephant! By contributing to these programs, you’re helping provide continued care for Punch and Mikki as they settle into their new home at The Sanctuary. To Adopt or Feed either elephant, choose her name in the "Select an Elephant" drop-down menu on that program's donation page. Donors receive a variety of benefits, including a one-year subscription to our printed newsletter, Trunklines. You can also make a gift in honor of a loved one. Visit shop.elephants.com to learn more about each program and explore the full list of donor benefits.
Pictured above: Punch & Nosey