Jana’s early years were spent at the Louisville Zoo in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1998, she moved to Zoo Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee, to be part of their herd that included Tonka (African male) and Edie (African female). In 2022, Zoo Knoxville decided to transfer Jana, Edie, and Tonka as part of their commitment to lifetime care and to ensure their health and social needs would be met through the later stages of their lives.
With great sadness, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee announces
the passing of African elephant Jana at the age of 43. Jana was The
Sanctuary’s 31st resident.
Jana arrived at The Sanctuary on May 1, 2023. Zoo Knoxville medical
records indicated that in 2010, Jana suffered an injury to her right
forelimb during an altercation with another elephant. Subsequent
radiographs confirmed a suspected avulsion fracture in her elbow and
showed noticeable muscle atrophy in the lateral muscles of her right
forelimb. For the past 12 years, Jana exhibited an abnormal gait,
along with reported stiffness and discomfort. Additionally,
radiographs taken this year showed advanced degenerative joint
disease with partial carpal joint collapse.
In recent weeks, Jana's declining health and reduced mobility led to
multiple falls, severely impacting her quality of life. Due to the
irreversible progression of these health issues, her inability to
stand on her own, and the escalating pain she experienced, the
difficult decision was made, and Jana was humanely euthanized on
October 20, 2023.
Jana’s early years were spent at the Louisville Zoo in Louisville,
Kentucky. In 1998, she moved to Zoo Knoxville in Knoxville,
Tennessee, to be part of their herd that included Tonka (African
male) and Edie (African female). In 2022, Zoo Knoxville decided to
transfer Jana, Edie, and Tonka as part of their commitment to
lifetime care and to ensure their health and social needs would be
met through the later stages of their lives.
In preparation for Jana’s move, Zoo Knoxville and The Sanctuary’s
Care and Veterinary Teams worked closely together to ensure the
seamless continuation of Jana’s care. Both teams engaged in ongoing
discussions regarding her health, diagnostic results, and healthcare
plans. These collaborative efforts extended from her time at the zoo
to her transition to The Sanctuary. Notably, throughout the past
week of her acute health decline, the veterinary teams maintained
constant communication, ensuring a consistent provision of care for
both her long-standing chronic conditions and her recent acute
medical issues.
Many modifications at The Sanctuary were implemented upon her
arrival to enhance Jana's habitat and barn for her comfort and
well-being. These changes included modifying the habitat with sand
piles for resting and providing standing mats during treatments and
footwork. Adjustable foot presentation bars were added for her
convenience, and treatments were conducted near supportive
structures that she could lean on. To facilitate her movement, Staff
ensured that the access points to her habitat had gentle topography.
In her final days, a specialized "elephant mattress," was placed in
her stall for extra comfort. Medical care included pain medications,
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, and additional oral
supplements.
On Monday, October 16, Jana experienced a fall and was unable to get
up. Jana received immediate care and assistance to stand from The
Sanctuary's emergency response team. Over the following days, she
displayed significant weakness and a lack of interest in essential
life-sustaining activities. Despite ongoing efforts, multiple
liftings, and treatments, her condition worsened. On Friday, October
20, Jana’s health rapidly declined. After careful consideration and
quality-of-life assessment, The Sanctuary, in consultation with Zoo
Knoxville and other professionals, made the difficult decision to
humanely euthanize. Jana passed away peacefully at 2:51 AM,
surrounded by her Caregivers.
“Jana was intelligent, spirited, and confident and we feel very
fortunate to have the privilege of knowing her during her years at
Zoo Knoxville. She spent her last months just as we hoped, exploring
the hills and forests in Hohenwald, swimming in the water holes, and
making a new friend with Nosey. While we are heartbroken at her
loss, we are comforted that she left this world surrounded by people
who loved and cared for her as we did,” said Zoo Knoxville President
and CEO Lisa New.
As the Facilities Team prepared the burial site, two pathologists
from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and
two veterinarians from the University of Tennessee College of
Veterinary Medicine joined Staff to perform the required necropsy.
Complete findings will not be available for several weeks.
During her time at The Sanctuary, Jana explored her habitat space
and interacted with herd mate, Nosey. Jana and Nosey often seized
the opportunity to share direct space with one another, and on a
recent beautiful fall day, they spent time alternating between
independent exploration and moments of grazing together. After a day
of foraging, Jana decided to journey back, returning to rest beside
the barn. Nosey chose to follow along, joining her companion. The
two spent over an hour peacefully napping and dusting side by side.
Sarah Fischel, Lead Caregiver at Asia Barn, shared her sentiments,
saying, “Watching Jana’s relationship with Nosey grow from one of
uncertainty to acceptance and even a budding friendship, where they
sought out interactions with each other, was truly rewarding. We are
honored to have known, cared for, and loved Jana.”
Nosey was observed being “supportive” toward Jana during her final
days, standing quietly by her side and offering gentle touches. When
Jana passed away, Nosey remained close and was provided access to
Jana until her burial.
“We are devastated by the loss of Jana,” says Janice Zeitlin, The
Sanctuary’s CEO. “At The Sanctuary, we are committed to providing
individualized care for aging elephants — their comfort and
well-being is always of primary importance. End of life care comes
with challenges, loss, and heart break. We extend our heartfelt
gratitude to Sanctuary Staff, Zoo Knoxville, and all those who have
tirelessly dedicated themselves to providing Jana compassion and
care.”