Two Elephants at Tennessee Sanctuary pass away

[Submariner]

On Saturday, November 8, an emaciated Asian male elephant named Ned was confiscated from Florida based circus trainer Lance Ramos by the USDA for failure to comply with the Animal Welfare Act and was placed by USDA authority with The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. On Sunday, November 9th, at about 12:30 p.m., Ned arrived at The Elephant Sanctuary.
NED




May 15th: Ned was with us such a short time and now he is gone. When he crossed over there can be no doubt that he was in the company of his sister-elephant Bunny who passed away only 12 hours before him. Although these two deaths were unrelated on a physical level, on a deeper level they could not be more related. Ned passed away at 3:47am CT in the company of a caregiver. He passed without a struggle, just two deep breaths and a sigh and then he was gone. We feel cheated by the little time we had with Ned but cherish every single moment we were allowed to care for and get to know this most amazing boy/man elephant known as Ned. We love you Ned, Namaste sweet boy.

BUNNY

May 14th: Bunny was a wild elephant caught in Burma, Asia almost 50 years ago. She is short and stout, standing less than 8 feet tall and weighing 7500 pounds. She has a short tail that appears to have been broken in several places when she was younger. As result of sleeping on concrete for nearly 5 decades Bunny developed pressure wounds all over her body. All but one of the wounds have completely healed but the scars remain.



Bunny is the first resident of the Sanctuary to die of natural causes; old age (57 years), a gift and a phenomenon for any elephant living in captivity. Bunny’s passing is not made easier on her family because she has lived a full life, but we are overjoyed that she spent her golden years in a place that she adored, surrounded, cherished by loving individuals; elephants and humans alike.

http://www.elephants.com/elediary.htm

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Sad day. The sanctuary is a favorite charity that makes the last days of old and abused elephants as free an experience as feasible.

[Robeson]

1. Sad news and an extremely worthy cause...

...RIP Ned and Bunny.

[Forkboy]

2. The people who do this are good souls.

R.I.P. Ned and Bunny.

[Shell Beau]

3. Elephants mourn almost like no other.

:cry:

[Pool Hall Ace]

4. What a wonderful organization.

:cry: RIP Ned and Bunny :cry:

[blaze]

5. RIP Ned and Bunny

How fortunate they both eventually found their way to this sanctuary.

The first time I heard about the Elephant Sanctuary was the story of Shirley and Jenny. I'm not sure why it made such an impact on me, but I've told the story many times: http://www.elephants.com/shirley/shirleypic3.htm

[faithnotgreed]

6. this breaks my heart but thank you for posting

we gladly and consistently give to the elephant sanctuary so we know of ned and bunny

a donation of ours to them prompted a call from their local sheriffs dept
an innocent situation which turned into a great conversation with the kind deputy from this rural community

the elephant sanctuary is a special place so were grateful for all the elephants who are surrounded by such love and care

[sammythecat]

7. Motherfuckers

What the fuck is wrong with people. Honest to God.

Sorry for the language but that's the only word that came to mind when I saw that first photo.

I've read about that sanctuary. It sounds like a wonderful place and I'm glad it was the last stop for Ned. At least he had some comfort and attention at the end. What a shame. I feel murderous when I see stuff like this.

[Robeson]

8. It's tough, sammythecat...

...I think we all feel that way. Honestly, it boggles the mind.

[WildEyedLiberal]

9. Shit like this makes me cry

I LOVE elephants. They are one of the most empathetic, gentle, and loving animals in the world. People who abuse them should be shot.

What a wonderful place this sanctuary is. I am glad these elephants at least got to die in peace, surrounded by people (and other elephants) who care.

[bettyellen]

10. i love this place

[Are_grits_groceries]

11. Remember Bella and Tarra:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdzassDm7eM

[nuxvomica]

12. It must be very hard to say goodbye to an elephant

They are such wonderful, whimsical and engaging creatures. Rest in peace, Ned and Bunny.

[Vidar]

13. Applauding the Elephant Sanctuary.