Last elephant at Zoo Knoxville euthanized after being placed on hospice care
Tonka had previously been placed on hospice care because of declining health and an injury to his left front leg.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Tonka, the last elephant at Zoo Knoxville, was euthanized Wednesday, zoo representatives announced Thursday morning.
Tonka had previously been placed on hospice care because of declining health and an injury to his left front leg. Zoo Knoxville said that the injury worsened, causing pain and discomfort, leading to the decision.
Previous Coverage: Zoo Knoxville places Tonka the Elephant under hospice care
“We are heartbroken and grieving,” said Drew Rowan, interim president and CEO. “Tonka was beloved by our staff and our community and we are grateful for the compassion they have shown us. We were very committed to making sure Tonka left this world with all the dignity and love we could surround him with, and I hope that offers some comfort to everyone he touched.”
Tonka was 46 years old and weighed 15,000 pounds, making him one of the largest and the oldest African elephants in North America. The zoo had been planning on sending him to a sanctuary in Middle Tennessee.
Copyright 2024 WVLT. All rights reserved.