With great sadness, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee announces the sudden passing of African elephant Donna at the age of 44. Donna was The Sanctuary’s 32nd resident and a much loved new herd member.
On the morning of December 24, Donna entered her barn and began eating as usual. A short time later, Staff noticed a subtle change in her demeanor. Veterinary and Elephant Care Senior Managers were immediately called to her side. Donna passed away suddenly around 9:30 a.m. while under medical observation and evaluation.
As Staff from across The Sanctuary came together to support Donna’s care team, ensuring that all necessary steps were taken with care and respect, the Oakland Zoo—where Donna previously resided—was contacted to provide updates and share information. A necropsy was conducted on December 25 with assistance from a pathologist at the University of Georgia (UGA), who provided guidance remotely due to the holidays. Samples have been sent to UGA for further testing, and findings will be shared as they become available.
Donna had been in good health, other than age-related arthritis, which was well managed. Two weeks ago, she developed subtle edema. Veterinary Staff performed full bloodwork, which showed a mild change in her white blood cell count; other results were normal. Donna was started on a course of antibiotics, which she tolerated well, the edema was resolving, and she was eating and behaving normally. A recheck of bloodwork was scheduled for the next week.
Donna was born in the wilds of Zimbabwe in 1980. At the age of two, she was captured and brought to the United States. She lived at the Audubon Zoo until 1982, then moved to Oakland Zoo in California on April 24, 1990. At Oakland Zoo, Donna resided with African male elephant Osh and African females M’Dunda and Lisa.
After the loss of her companions—M’Dunda in 2019 and Lisa in 2023— the Oakland Zoo explored all possible options for Donna’s well-being. Understanding that elephants’ social lives are critical, the zoo chose to send Donna to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee in September 2023. The move ensured she would have the companionship of other African elephants of a similar age. Osh, aged 30, was relocated from Oakland Zoo to The Sanctuary a year later, in October of 2024. In November, The Sanctuary began construction on a new 130-acre habitat project to provide Osh and Donna the opportunity to be reunited, but the space was not yet completed.
“Donna was a cherished member of the Oakland Zoo family for 34 years before moving to Tennessee. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to her Oakland animal care team and volunteers for their dedication to her throughout her life in Oakland and to The Sanctuary's team for their support over the past 15 months, particularly during these challenging days,” says Nik Dehejia, CEO of Oakland Zoo.
At The Sanctuary, Donna spent time getting to know African elephants, Flora, Sukari, and Tange. Donna shared a barn and habitats with the African elephants, participated in enrichment activities, and made notable progress in navigating the rolling landscape of her new home. Staff have shared stories of Donna's preference for rolling in the mud, noting that she was often covered in it. She is remembered as mastering the art of digging wallows and joyfully coating herself whenever possible.
“Donna was deeply loved by her Care Staff and by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her,” says Janice Zeitlin, The Sanctuary’s CEO. “Her sudden passing has left us heartbroken. We remain committed to understanding the cause of her passing and to honoring Donna’s memory. Thank you for your compassion and support during this difficult time.”
Osh, who joined us from Oakland Zoo earlier this fall, has been getting to know Artie, a 41-year-old African male elephant, with whom he shares the Bull Barn and Habitat. He has been spending much of his time exploring his new home, knocking down trees and wallowing in the mud. Two of The Sanctuary’s female residents, Nosey and Edie, have introduced themselves over protected fence lines. Osh has been attentive, offering to gently spar in greeting. We will continue to share updates on Osh, who may be spotted on our live EleCams at elephants.com/elecam. We invite you to follow The Sanctuary on social media and sign up for our newsletter, EleNews, on our website to stay connected.