The Tennessee sanctuary announces the sudden death of a beloved elephant

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee announced the sudden death of its African elephant, 44-year-old Donna.

The sanctuary said Donna ate as usual on Christmas, even when staff noticed a sudden change in her behavior.

On Christmas Day, Donna died around 9:30 a.m. under medical observation and examination.

The Elephant Sanctuary said Donna was in good health except for age-related arthritis. They said two weeks ago she developed mild edema. Veterinary staff conducted blood tests that showed a significant change in white blood cell counts. However, the other results were normal.

Staff put Donna on antibiotics, which she said she tolerated well, and another blood test was scheduled for next week.

The Elephant Sanctuary said a necropsy was conducted on December 25 and the samples were sent to a pathologist for further examination. The findings will be shared as soon as they become available, the sanctuary said.

The shelter said Donna is the 32nd resident and a very popular new member of the herd.

Donna was born in the wilderness of Zimbabwe in 1980, captured and brought back to the United States. She lived at the Audubon Zoo until 1982 and then moved to the Oakland Zoo in California on April 24, 1990. At the Oakland Zoo, Donna lived with three other African elephants, M’Dunda, Lisa and Osh.

After Donna lost her companions – M’Dunda in 2019 and Lisa in 2023 – the Oakland Zoo explored all options for Donna’s well-being. In September 2023, the zoo decided to send Donna to the elephant sanctuary.

A year later, in October 2024, the Oakland Zoo moved Osh to the sanctuary. In November 2024, the sanctuary began construction on a 130-acre residential community to provide Osh and Donna the opportunity to reunite. However, the room has not yet been completed.

“Donna was a valued member of the Oakland Zoo family for 34 years before moving to Tennessee. “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to their animal care team and volunteers in Oakland for their dedication throughout their life in Oakland, and to The Sanctuary team for their support over the last 15 months, especially during these challenging days,” says Nik Dehejia, CEO of the Oakland Zoos.

During Donna’s time at the sanctuary, she met fellow African elephants Flora, Sukari and Tange. She even shared a barn, living space and other activities. The shelter said she has made remarkable progress in navigating the landscape of her new home.

“Donna was deeply loved by her nursing staff and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her,” said Janice Zeitlin, CEO of The Sanctuary. “We are heartbroken by her sudden death. We remain committed to understanding the reason for her death and honoring Donna’s memory. Thank you for your compassion and support during this difficult time.”

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