Hohenwald, Tenn. — The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee announces that Chief Executive Officer Janice Zeitlin will retire next month following more than a decade of leadership guiding the organization’s growth and impact in elephant welfare and conservation.
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 currently home to 12 elephants.
Zeitlin first became involved with The Sanctuary as a volunteer before joining the Board of Directors and later serving as CEO beginning in 2013. During her tenure, the organization expanded its protected habitats, advanced its capacity to provide care for elephants, launched virtual learning for classrooms, established and grew international partnerships supporting elephant welfare and conservation, and strengthened accreditation - achievingand maintaining accreditation from both Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).
As a leader in elephant welfare, The Sanctuary has developed specialized facilities and habitats for both aging elephants and African bulls, created the Elephant Discovery Center in downtown Hohenwald, and expanded Distance Learning reaching thousands of students around the world. In 2025 The Sanctuary marked its 30th Anniversary with significant recognition, including the Tennessee Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awardfor Sustainable Performance, designation as the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries’ Outstanding Wildlife Sanctuary, and a joint resolution from the Tennessee General Assembly honoring The Sanctuary’s contributions to conservation and education.
“As I reflect on my time with The Sanctuary, I am deeply grateful for the dedicated staff, board members, partners, volunteers, and supporters who make this work possible,” said Zeitlin. “It has been an honor and privilege to work alongside so many wonderful people committed to improving the lives of elephants. Together we have built an organization rooted in respect for elephants, education, conservation, and the world we all share.”
The organization’s Board of Directors has named Steve Shurter as the next Chief Executive Officer. Shurter joined The Sanctuary in 2023 as Chief Operating Officer and brings decades of experience in wildlife management and conservation leadership, including serving as Executive Director and CEO of White Oak Conservation Foundation.
“I step into retirement with great confidence in The Sanctuary’s future. Steve’s collaborative leadership style, operational expertise, and deep respect for The Sanctuary’s mission position the organization for continuedstrength and growing impact.” Zeitlin said.
As the organization reflects on its 30-year history, leadership emphasizes that its founding vision remains unchanged: elephants remain at the center of every decision.
About The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee
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 12 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.