Nov. 25, Hohenwald, TN – With great sadness, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee announces the passing of Asian elephant Minnie at the age of 59. Minnie was one of the oldest Asian elephants living at The Sanctuary and a beloved member of the herd for nearly 20 years.
Earlier this month, routine bloodwork indicated possible kidney disease with concern for progression toward kidney failure. In the days that followed, Care Staff began observing signs of weakness and a decline in normal eating and drinking behaviors. Veterinary and Elephant Care teams monitored Minnie closely and provided supportive comfort and care.
During her final days, Staff frequently observed Minnie and long-time companion Ronnie side by side, resting together, leaning into one another, and dusting in a shared dirt pile. Late Friday afternoon, Staff noted that Billie ventured down from the hillside, and observers described a moment in which Billie and Minnie raised their trunks in what appeared to be a gentle greeting.
On the morning of Sunday, November 23, Minnie exhibited signs of increased weakness and little to no appetite, consistent with progressive kidney failure. After assessing her comfort and quality of life, humane euthanasia was recommended as the most compassionate decision. Minnie passed peacefully in an area known as Pond Yard within Sycamore Habitat under the care of the Veterinary Team and surrounded by her daily Care Staff.
A necropsy was performed, with preliminary findings supporting kidney failure. Samples have been submitted to the University of Georgia for additional testing, and more information will be shared once results are finalized.
Born in Asia in 1966, Minnie was captured from the wild and exported to North America later that year. She spent 17 years as the only elephant at a private wild animal farm in Alberta, Canada—then known as Talli. In 1980, she was purchased by Circus Vargas, where her name was changed to Minnie, and was later sold to the Hawthorn Corporation for use in traveling circuses and performing exhibitions.
As a result of USDA prosecutions against the Hawthorn Corporation for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, Minnie, along with ten other elephants, was transferred to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. On January 31, 2006, she became the 15th resident of The Sanctuary and the first of eight elephants to arrive that year.
During nearly two decades at The Sanctuary, Minnie formed a close and enduring bond with Asian female Ronnie. Ronnie is the same age as Minnie and was also transferred to The Sanctuary from the Hawthorn Corporation. The companionship between Minnie and Ronnie became a defining aspect of life at The Sanctuary, exploring and foraging side by side and resting in close proximity.
Minnie will be remembered for a playful spirit and remarkable strength. Minnie was often observed rolling or carrying a preferred enrichment item—a 200-pound culvert—and was known for boldly venturing into ponds and creeks in every season. Possibly influenced by years spent in Canada, cold weather appeared to have little effect on Minnie, often inspiring companions to venture out on brisk days, even breaking pond ice to take a winter swim.
“Minnie was deeply loved by her Care Staff and by all who followed her journey,” says Janice Zeitlin, CEO of The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. “It has been a profound privilege to care for Minnie over the last 19 years, observe such resilience, and provide the space and autonomy to fully express a bold and powerful personality. Minnie’s strength was remarkable, and her story has inspired empathy in everyone who learned it. Our hearts are with all who cared for and supported Minnie throughout her life.”
Following established Sanctuary practices, Minnie’s companions were given the opportunity to visit her. End-of-life behaviors have been documented among elephants as they process social change and loss. Elephants have been observed expressing grief in individual ways, and Care Staff will continue to monitor and support the herd in the days ahead.
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 13 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.