It was with great sadness that in December, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee announced the sudden and unexpected passing of African elephant Donna, age 44, on December 24. A necropsy was performed at that time, and samples were sent to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine for testing. A final report from the necropsy and testing has been received.
The report suggests cellular abnormalities and degenerative lesions found in the heart contributed to heart failure. While a definitive cause was not microscopically apparent, pathologists considered the degenerative changes in the heart to be significant. A necropsy is important in identifying the cause of death, and the findings also contribute to developing effective treatments, prevention strategies, and improved care practices for elephants.
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 the 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 passing of M’Dunda and Lisa, and with deep consideration for her social needs, Oakland Zoo made the decision to relocate Donna. She was welcomed to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee in September 2023.
Donna is remembered as spending her days exploring expansive habitats alongside fellow African elephants Flora, Sukari, and Tange, and partaking in natural behaviors—most notably, wallowing in the mud! Whether she was digging with purpose or just coating herself in a fresh layer of mud, Donna’s enthusiasm was uplifting, and her presence was a daily reminder of the wonder elephants bring to the world.
In March, Sanctuary Staff gathered at Donna’s gravesite—now gently blanketed with hay and soon to be covered in grass—to share memories and honor her life. A stone marker has been placed, bearing her name. The site was chosen with care: a spot Donna herself had begun to work on, in true Donna fashion, initiating a new mud hole.
Donna’s legacy lives on—we are honored to have been part of her story and remain dedicated to honoring Donna's memory through the lifelong care we offer to all elephants.