Last elephant at zoo euthanized shortly after entering hospice care

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) - A Tennessee zoo says its team is grieving after they had to put down a beloved elephant this week.

According to Zoo Knoxville, an elephant named Tonka was euthanized Wednesday due to her deteriorating health.

Tonka was the last elephant at the zoo, and the team had just placed him in hospice care because of his declining health and an injury to his left front leg.

Zoo Knoxville representatives said that unfortunately the injury worsened, causing pain and discomfort, leading to their decision this week.

“We are heartbroken and grieving,” Drew Rowan, interim president and CEO at the zoo, said. “Tonka was beloved by our staff and our community.”

Tonka was 46 years old and weighed about 15,000 pounds. He was also one of the largest and oldest African elephants in North America.

Zoo Knoxville staff said they had been planning on sending Tonka to an animal sanctuary in Tennessee.

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