Donna the elephant, moved from Oakland Zoo in 2023, dies on Christmas Eve – NBC Bay Area

Donna, the elephant who moved from the Oakland Zoo to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee in 2023, died on Christmas Eve.

The Oakland Zoo shared on social media Friday morning that after eating normally that morning, staff noticed a subtle change in Donna’s behavior. Veterinarians and elephant keepers were immediately called to their side. Donna died around 9:30 a.m. under medical observation and examination.

The Oakland Zoo said Donna was a beloved member of the Oakland Zoo family. After the deaths of her companions M’Dunda and Lisa, Donna moved to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee in 2023, where three female African elephants of the same age (Flora, Tange and Sukari) provided company.

The Oakland Zoo’s last elephant, Osh, was brought to the Tennessee sanctuary just a few months ago.

While Donna and Osh were unable to see each other again at the sanctuary (the construction project to connect their habitats is ongoing), the Oakland Zoo said Osh continues to thrive and is getting to know his new friend Artie and two female residents. Nosy and Edie, over a shared fence line.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who cared about Donna, who knew Donna or whose lives Donna touched in any way,” the Oakland Zoo said. “She was a beautiful soul and although we miss her greatly, her spirit will live on with all of us.”

The Elephant Sanctuary said on social media: “Donna was in good health apart from age-related arthritis, which was well treated. An autopsy was performed on December 25; “The results will be communicated as soon as they are available.”

The shelter said staff told stories about Donna’s love of rolling in mud, noting that she was often covered in it. She is remembered as a master of the art of digging wallows and dressing up in joy whenever possible.

“Donna was deeply loved by her care staff and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her,” said Janice Zeitlin, the shelter’s executive director. “We are heartbroken by her sudden death. We remain committed to understanding the reason for her death and honoring Donna’s memory.”