Shirley 1948 - February 22, 2021, Courtesy of The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee
A former well-known Monroe staple passed away Monday at the age of 72. Shirley was the sole elephant at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo for 22 years after she arrived in 1977. As requirements changed for keeping elephants in captivity, Zoo Director Tom Pearson said they opted to let Shirley retire.
“And then finally we made the decision that this is not in the best interests for her to be here by herself. So, we made arrangements to get her to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee where she lived out the rest of her years,” said Pearson.
Shirley, oldest elephant at The Elephant Sanctuary, dies at age 72
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Asian elephant, Shirley, at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (photo credit: The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee)
The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee announces the passing of Asian Elephant Shirley, age 72. Shirley retired to the sanctuary in 1999 after spending 24 years in the circus and another 22 years as the sole elephant on exhibition at the Louisiana Purchase Zoo and Gardens in Monroe, LA. At 72 years old, Shirley defied all odds as one of the oldest elephants in captivity and lived well beyond the life expectancy for a captive Asian elephant. Shirley was The Sanctuary’s oldest elephant and, at the time of her passing, held the record for the second oldest elephant in North America.
Remembering Shirley
The Elephant Sanctuary announces the passing of Asian elephant, Shirley, age 72.
The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Asian elephant Shirley at age 72. The Sanctuary family celebrates our memories of Shirley’s wisdom, strength, and perseverance. She demonstrated to us all that it is possible to trust, to heal, and to love again after enduring many decades of hardship.
Shirley defied all odds as one of the oldest elephants in captivity and lived well beyond the life expectancy for a captive Asian elephant. Shirley was The Sanctuary’s oldest elephant and, at the time of her passing, held the record for the second oldest elephant in North America.
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