ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — The North Carolina Zoo transferred Artie, a 40-year-old African elephant, to The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee on Jan. 31 to provide the aging bull improved care and expanded social opportunities.
Artie, born in the wilds of Zimbabwe, was brought to the United States in 1986 as part of a group of orphaned elephants following Zimbabwe government culling operations. He arrived at the North Carolina Zoo at age 15 and had lived there since 2007.
The 13,900-pound elephant, standing 11 feet tall, was known among Zoo staff for his vocalizations. “He’s the most talkative of the elephants at the zoo — he chortles often, especially for breakfast,” Zoo staff wrote in describing the animal.
Zoo CEO and Director Pat Simmons said the transfer addressed Artie’s needs as he aged.
“Meeting Artie’s needs at this stage of his life as an older bull was a priority,” Simmons said. “The decision for Artie to move to The Elephant Sanctuary, given their large habitat spaces, excellent husbandry facilities, and multiple African elephant residents, provides Artie with the best opportunities for lifetime care and social well-being as he ages.”
The move came through a collaboration between the Zoo and The Elephant Sanctuary, both members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Nancy Kauffman, an Animal Management Supervisor and longtime caregiver, accompanied Artie during the transfer.
Upon arrival, Artie was placed in The Sanctuary’s Elephant Health Care Center, a heated barn with 3.6 acres of habitat. Over the coming weeks, staff will monitor his health and adjustment to the new environment.
The Sanctuary is constructing a new barn and larger habitat for Artie, the facility’s first permanent bull resident, slated for completion later this year.
“Artie transitioned easily into the new Elephant Health Care Center barn and has spent the past few days exploring his new habitat, tossing mud, pushing trees, and meeting his Care Staff,” said Janice Zeitlin, CEO of The Sanctuary.
The North Carolina Zoo now has six African elephants — two males and four females.
###
