Earlier this month, The Sanctuary welcomed its 11th resident, Asian elephant Nichole. Nichole, also known as Nicky by The Sanctuary's Care Staff, journeyed from San Antonio, Texas, alongside a transport team, the zoo's veterinarian, Elephant Manager, and support staff. She arrived early in the morning of March 9, just as the sun was rising, with a beautiful violet sky to welcome her to her new home in Tennessee.
Nichole's crate was unloaded off the trailer, and she walked out of the crate with ease and remained calm as Sanctuary Staff stood by to greet her with favorite foods like coconut water and wheat bread. Nichole began to explore her surroundings right away, dusting herself with sand and touching everything with her trunk.
It did not take long for Nichole to feel comfortable enough to choose to leave the barn and go into her habitat. Though she did not roam far, she spent her day in the warm spring sunshine, uprooting small saplings and bushes, and giving herself hydrating baths with the hose! We were very fortunate to have zoo staff, who traveled with Nichole, spend several days with us to help with her transition. Their knowledge and experience with her care was a big help in preparing the barn in advance for Nichole's comfort and in helping Care staff learn about meeting her day-to-day needs. These collaborations are essential to ensure everything is in place for her continued care. We learned that due to severe, chronic foot issues and osteomyelitis, Nichole does not lie down, so The Sanctuary's Facilities Team built her a special sand stall in the barn and provided access to the "lean-to" rest aid designed for Sissy. This aid was made with recycled firehose woven together for sturdy bedding hung floor to ceiling, creating a giant "vertical hammock." Nichole utilized this on her first night at The Sanctuary, leaning against it to help take pressure off her feet. Her long-time zoo staff has reported that Nichole enjoys water, and we have been very excited to see her eagerly participate in medicated foot soaks.
With socialization a priority for all, everyone was excited to watch Nichole acknowledge with a perk in her ears and a sniffing trunk in the air that Nosey and Sissy were nearby. Nosey was eager to get a closer look while Sissy took note of the new member from afar. Since arriving, Nichole chooses to spend her time in the sun, mudding, dusting in the sand, and getting to know her new herd mates, Nosey and Sissy. Nichole's "spunkiness" has shined through, and we look forward to continuing to provide her with the care and sanctuary she deserves. Building on the information shared, The Sanctuary's Husbandry and Vet Teams are working closely to monitor her progress, add treatments like cold laser therapy to ease her discomfort and provide many opportunities for her to get to know Sissy and Nosey.
Welcome home, Nichole!