FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2025
HOHENWALD, Tenn. — The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is proud to announce that House Joint Resolution 508, introduced by State Representative Jody Barrett (District 69), has been officially passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed by Governor Bill Lee, recognizing The Sanctuary’s 30th anniversary and ongoing impact in animal welfare, conservation, and education.
Representative Barrett, joined by co-sponsor Senator Joey Hensley (District 28), recently visited The Elephant Discovery Center in downtown Hohenwald to present the resolution in person to Sanctuary Staff. During their visit, they toured the Discovery Center’s educational exhibits and met with team members to learn more about The Sanctuary’s mission and its reach—both locally and globally.
The resolution commends The Elephant Sanctuary for providing “refuge and care for elephants in need” since its founding in 1995, growing to become the largest natural-habitat refuge for African and Asian elephants in North America. Located in Hohenwald, Tennessee, the 3,060-acre Sanctuary is currently home to fourteen elephants retired from performance and exhibition, with room for future residents.
“This recognition by the State of Tennessee is a great honor,” said Janice Zeitlin, CEO of The Elephant Sanctuary. “For 30 years, we’ve been committed to providing elephants with home, herd, rest, refuge, and care for life. This resolution not only celebrates that milestone, but also acknowledges the contributions of our dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters who have made The Sanctuary possible.”
The resolution specifically honors long-time supporters to The Sanctuary’s mission, including Lois C. Knight and Dr. William Schaffner, whose leadership and dedication have played a pivotal role in community outreach, fundraising, and elephant health and safety protocols.
The Sanctuary is grateful to the resolution’s co-sponsors for their support and recognition of its mission. Special thanks to Representative Jay Reedy (HD 74), Representative John Clemmons (HD 55), Senator Joey Hensley (District 28), Senator Heidi Campbell (District 20), and Senator Jeff Yarbro (District 12), for their advocacy and commitment to honoring the important work taking place in Tennessee on behalf of elephants.
In addition to providing lifelong care for elephants, The Sanctuary also serves as a resource for education through its public Discovery Center and free Distance Learning programs, reaching thousands of students annually. With a team of over 50 staff in Lewis County, The Sanctuary contributes to local employment, volunteerism, and eco-tourism, all while remaining closed to the public in order to prioritize the elephants’ well-being.
To learn more about The Elephant Sanctuary’s mission, residents, or educational offerings, visit www.elephants.com.
To view the full resolution, visit: www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/114/Bill/HJR0508.pdf
Pictured: Representative Jody Barrett and Senator Joey Hensley present the resolution at The Elephant Discovery Center along with Dr. Steven Scott (Director of Veterinary Care), Steve Shurter (COO) and Janice Zeitlin (CEO).
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 14 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.
Media Contact:
Ashley Dehnke
Public Relations & Communications Manager
615.975.6226