Visitors to The Discovery Center will not see or interact with elephants. > Learn More, Flora was born in 1982 in the wilds of Zimbabwe, Africa. At over 2,700 acres (11km2), the sanctuary consists of three separate and protected, natural habitat environments for Asian and African elephants; a 2,200-acre (9km2) Asian facility, a 200-acre (0.81km2) quarantine area and a 300-acre (1.2km2) African habitat. The Elephant Sanctuary exists to. Sanctuary says handler killed by elephant would oppose euthanasia Tusks are modified, elongated incisors, and are therefore essentially no different from other teeth, continuously growing throughout an elephants life. It is important for the public to be educated about the welfare of all species of elephants in captivity as well as in the wild, the proclamation reads. I would want people to know that our elephants and all elephants are highly intelligent animals with complex physical and emotional needs that we strive to meet at The Sanctuary. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. The day-to-day operation of The Sanctuary takes a full-time staff who contribute to our mission of providing excellence, individualized care to elephants and educating the public on the crisis facing elephants, both captive and wild. And because this is completely voluntary, the elephant can choose to walk away at any point. The town of Erwin was the site of the now famous hanging of Mary the elephant in 1916. The Elephant Sanctuary takes a stand against breeding in captivity, use of the bullhook and using elephants as entertainment. However in the winter months, when the elephants are spending more time inside the barns, the Caregivers are proactive about providing enrichment to stimulate the elephants minds and bodies. Therefore, the inherited genetics for large tusks is becoming increasingly rare. Asian elephants have one small finger-like projection at the end of the trunk. ". Elephant lovers will love The Elephant Discovery Center! You can be in and out in less than a half hour or spend a couple hours here depending on your interest. Tarra the elephant leaves Hohenwald sanctuary - NewsChannel 5 Nashville Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The Elephant Discovery Center is located in downtown Hohenwald. The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee - Facebook The Sanctuary is equipped to house both female and male elephant residents! It had been Carol's long-standing dream to create a way for Tarra to live as natural a life as is possible in captivity. [5], The Elephant Sanctuary's Elephant Discovery Center, opened in 2019, hosts drop-in visitors Saturdays 9 AM to 4 PM. For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee Discovery Center directly. Elephants are hypsodonts, with continually growing teeth. The elephants at The Sanctuary all have free-choice year round access to expansive habitats and heated barns. hide caption. Click the X to close. If you have lost an item, you may check with the Guest Services desk to see if it has been returned. Male elephants often stay independent, but sometimes band together in bachelor pods. " When Tarra was 21, it was clear she had outgrown traveling and performing, which was then the only life afforded a captive-held elephant. Other species rely on the keystone species for survival. We ask that you enjoy any food and drink outside of the exhibit space. Delhi was the first elephant confiscated in America. The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, founded in 1995, is the nation's largest natural-habitat refuge developed specifically for African and Asian elephants. We have a full-time team of professional elephant Caregivers who take care of the day-to-day needs of the elephants as well as full-time veterinarian staff who oversee their healthcare. The guide and manager, Todd, explained the basics of the center and took our questions. 501c3 Nonprofit Corporation | EIN: 62-1587327 Licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) ". The Elephant Sanctuary does not condone free contact management or dominance training of elephants and takes a stand against the use of the ankus (bullhook). No fee required, but a donation is appreciated. The crane slowly hoisted her a few feet off the ground. The climate of Middle TN is mild for most of the year. 501c3 Nonprofit Corporation | EIN: 62-1587327 Licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (located in Hohenwald), is a true refuge where elephants rescued from circuses, ride operators, roadside zoos, and other abusive outfits can spend the rest of their lives in a spacious green habitat doing only what they choose to do. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. The Elephant Discovery Center - Tripadvisor class=" The Discovery Center is KultureCity Certified. "I called them up, just their 1-800 number, and I said, 'My name is Jamie Rice. For more info on The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee Discovery Center or things to do in the area, check out these articles. Something Good: The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee The Center enables visitors and particularly children, to learn about these sensitive and fascinating beings.