Did you know that there is an elephant sanctuary in Tennessee? The DeKalb Animal Coalition’s new shelter will soon take in animals of the smaller size, of course, but these magnificent animals should not be excluded from needing our awareness, support and protection. The Elephant Sanctuary is located in Hohenwald, about 80 miles from Nashville. Their mission, in part, is as follows:

"The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee exists to provide captive elephants with individualized care, the companionship of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their well-being, and to raise public awareness of the complex needs of elephants in captivity, and the crisis facing elephants in the wild."

In March 2016 The Elephant Sanctuary provided a $5,000 grant to assist the startup of a new sanctuary, Elephant Haven for elephants in Europe. There are 141 elephants in circuses and 540 elephants living in zoos in Europe. Many countries in Europe are beginning to ban wild animals from circuses.

In December 2015 The Elephant Sanctuary provided funds in the amount of $2,500.00 to Elephant Voices, a 501(c)(3) working in Africa, to support their efforts in Amboseli Trust for Elephants to stop the ivory trade and end the poaching of elephants.

According to the National Geographic, 100,000 elephants were killed during a three year period in Africa, with the poachers using grenades, AK-47’s and poison arrows, cutting off the faces of the elephants for the tusks (ivory). Central Africa has lost 64% of its elephants in one decade and the birth rates of the babies are unable to keep up with the massacres. The Sanctuary has worked in many other countries to promote the welfare and preservation of the elephants both in the wild and captivity.

The Sanctuary began in 1995 on 200 acres, has been home to 27 since then, and is now home to 13 elephants on 2,700 acres with room for more.There are spring fed lakes, pastures, woodlands and miles of roads for them to travel. Elephants in captivity typically are chained for 18 hours a day, standing on unforgiving concrete for their flooring. These imprisoned animals experience major health problems such as tuberculosis, arthritis, captivity associated stress caused by training with fear, pain and intimidation. The Sanctuary provides Veterinary care 24/7 in a natural habitat. If an owner or circus does not comply with the Animal Welfare Act, the US Dept. of Agriculture may confiscate the animal and bring them to a safe haven. There are live video cams solar powered that can be viewed by the public at any time of the day. Type in Elecams on the internet to view them when you see The Elephant Sanctuary heading.There is the Asian barn and habitat, the African and the Q barn and habitat. Although the areas where the elephants are is closed to the public to avoid stressing them, there is an Elephant Discovery Center (Main St. in Hohenwald) with outdoor classrooms and learning centers enabling the public to view the creatures on live streaming.

All of us that are promoters of animal welfare should be aware of the inhumane plight of all creatures, great and small. Elephants are only one of many species that have been plundered for too long. The DeKalb Animal Coalition is doing its share of providing a shelter for the smaller creatures that need a voice: your voice. If you see animal abuse or neglect, call the sheriff’s office at 615-597-4935 or the non emergency police number at 615-215-3000.

The Coalition Benefit Place will be open Friday 10-4 and Saturday 10-2. Located at 110 W. Walnut St. in Smithville, the re-sale place has rooms of donated items such as toasters, shelving, new beauty products, casserole dishes, hardware, leashes and bedding. Proceeds go to the fund for the shelter.