For decades, an African elephant named Curious languished in chains as she was driven around the country and used for entertainment. She was denied communication with other elephants, which was undoubtedly destructive for her. But thankfully, her life changed for the better after Lawrence County, Alabama officials, as well as PETA and tens of thousands of compassionate people took action. Nosy was freed from a longtime abuser and sent to rest and recover in her new permanent home. Elephant sanctuary in Tennessee (TES)… And now for the good news! TES announced that Nosy has been introduced to two new Asian elephant friends, Sissy and Tarre.
In their homes, elephants live surrounded by family and friends. By this time, Nosy would have already been an aunt and, perhaps, even a mother. But people took advantage of this opportunity. When she was just a calf, her family was shot. She was captured and sold to the circus. Since she was alone for most of her life, she never had the opportunity to learn social skills or important life lessons from other elephants.
Because Nosy – like many of the elephants used in traveling circus performances – has a history of contracting tuberculosis, she cannot live in the sanctuary with other African elephants who have no history of infection.
Nosy meets new friends
In the early days after Nozie arrived at TES, she began talking to her Asian elephant neighbors at a safe distance. But recently Nosy met Tarra and then Sissy over the fence. This allowed the elephants to get used to each other on their own terms, with the added safety that the barrier provides. Slowly getting to know each other, the three elephants even met all together – under the close supervision of the TES staff – in the barn.
The introduction of elephants in reputable accredited sanctuaries like TES is cautious and slow. This gives each elephant the freedom to learn to be close to others and to leave the place.
TES has detailed some of the touching first interactions between Nosy and her new friend Tarra:
When Nosy and Tarra were finally introduced, both were very relaxed and spent a few minutes sniffing each other’s torso, face, mouth, ears, eyes and legs. Tarra took a special interest in Nosy’s tusks and mouth, while Nosy absorbed everything she could about Tarra! They looked at each other quietly. The two were allowed controlled access to each other for three hours, and were seen four times meeting for several minutes each time expressing the same relaxed, exploratory behavior.
We can’t wait to see Nozie’s relationship with Tarra and Sissy Bloom!
Act to protect the elephants
While Nosy now makes friends in a reputable sanctuary where she receives the treatment, enrichment and respect she deserves, other elephants used for fun are still suffering. PETA makes it easy to take action for them, and it only takes a minute with your phone or computer. What are you waiting for?
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