LEWIS COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee recently announced the death of Asian elephant Sissy at age 58. She was the sanctuary’s longest-time resident.
According to a release, Sissy’s mobility had been declining after years of carefully managed advanced osteoarthritis. In the past few weeks, she reportedly experienced compounding health issues and showed clear signs of pain. The sanctuary said due to clinical findings and the advanced nature of her musculoskeletal disease, Sissy was “peacefully” euthanized on Monday, July 6.
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“It was an incredible honor to provide sanctuary for Sissy for nearly 27 years,” said Kristy Eaker, Senior Manager of Elephant Care. “The life Sissy lived before arriving here was one of hardship, yet she never stopped showing us her resilience.”
(Courtesy: The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee)
(Courtesy: The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee)
(Courtesy: The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee)
Sissy was born in Thailand and brought to the U.S. as a calf in 1969. She famously survived being submerged in a historic flood at a zoo in Texas by using the tip of her trunk to breathe. Thanks to the persistent action of advocates responding to suspected abuse, Sissy was transferred to The Elephant Sanctuary in 2000. At the time, the sanctuary said she displayed an “insecurity and fear of humans.” Dedicated care eventually transformed that fear into a deep trust.
“She was an affectionate elephant, and I’ll always miss her offering her hind leg for scratches, hearing her rumbles, and watching her gentle ear flaps,” said Eaker. “She was deeply loved by our team, and we will forever cherish the years we were fortunate enough to care for her.”
As Sissy aged, the sanctuary’s veterinary team made adjustments to care for her. She even learned to tap on her waterer to summon a caregiver with a hose after encountering mobility challenges with her trunk.
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The sanctuary said they will remember Sissy for her unmistakable trunk pops, her quiet affection for Caregivers, and the resilience that defined every chapter of her life.
“Sissy’s story has been woven into the history of The Elephant Sanctuary for more than two decades,” said Steve Shurter, Chief Executive Officer of The Elephant Sanctuary. “Her strength, perseverance, and remarkable journey helped define what sanctuary means. As we honor her life, we also honor the responsibility to continue advancing our mission so that more elephants can experience the opportunity for lifelong care and freedom of choice.”
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