Tonka elephant placed under hospice care due to declining health
May 6, 2024; 9:34 p.m.

The 46-year-old male is facing increasing pain and difficulty with mobility

Tonka elephant at Zoo Knoxville. Image by Zoo Knoxville

KNOXVILLE - Zoo Knoxville has placed Tonka, a 46-year-old African elephant, under hospice care.

The elephant and veterinary care teams have been managing chronic conditions that are common in elephants of advanced age for some time, but on Sunday, April 29, Tonka developed a sudden acute onset of pain and swelling in his left front leg. The veterinary team from The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) immediately began administering antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and pain medication. When it became clear that all treatment options had been exhausted and he had reached the maximum dosages of pain medications that can be safely administered, the decision was made to transition to hospice care. At present, his care team is making him as comfortable as possible and closely monitoring his quality of life. He is resting quietly in the elephant barn and will not be on public view at this time.

“This is certainly not the outcome we had hoped and planned for,” said Phil Colclough, director of animal care, conservation and education. “However, as difficult as this decision was, it is the most compassionate thing we can do for Tonka. As we are faced with end-of-life decisions, we will consider his wellbeing every step of the way to make sure that we are doing what is best for him.”