LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Two elephants that were longtime residents of the Louisville Zoo have arrived at their permanent retirement home in Tennessee.
In a news release, the Zoo said African elephant Mikki (age 39) and Asian elephant Punch (age 55) were reunited at The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, after being transported separately. The longtime companions will make their new home at The Sanctuary's Hickory Barn and Habitat.Â
"At The Sanctuary, introductions are approached gradually and thoughtfully, with the elephants' comfort and safety as the top priority," said The Elephant Sanctuary CEO Janice Zeitlin in a statement. "Our approach supports the elephants' ability to form lasting, meaningful relationships — if and when they choose — on their own terms."
The plan is to have Mikki and Punch live with three female elephants at the sanctuary that are about the same ages. The staff will determine when the new arrivals will be ready to join Asian female Sissy (age 57), African female Nosey (age 43) and African female Edie (age 42). Until then, the elephants will be able to interact through fences until they join the herd in a 3,000-acre habitat.
Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney in a statement that it has been a tough transition for the guests and staff, since last year's announcement about Mikki and Punch's retirement. "Although seeing such iconic, longtime members of our Zoo family leave is hard, we know that this is the best decision for them at this stage of their lives. We will be eagerly viewing the elephant cams alongside our community watching Mikki and Punch explore the vast grounds of The Sanctuary and making new friends along the way."
Punch arrived at the Louisville Zoo in 1973. African elephant Mikki followed in 1987. She gave birth to two male calves at the Zoo: Scotty and Fitz.
Elephant live cams
The Elephant Sanctuary is not open to visitors. Live-streaming EleCams are available at elephants.com/elecam to observe Mikki, Punch and other residents of The Sanctuary.The Zoo plans to share updates on Mikki and Punch through The Sanctuary and will remain engaged in global elephant conservation efforts.Â
The Louisville Zoo had repurposed the elephant yard into a bigger habitat for the Zoo’s southern white rhinoceroses. The Zoo then hopes to welcome a new species — okapi, also known as forest giraffe — into the current rhino yard. Future planning includes the potential to bringing elephants back to the Zoo.
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