Zoo Contact:  Kyle Shepherd
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
(O) 502-238-5331 (C) 502-744-5639  

The Louisville Zoo’s two elephants — African elephant Mikki (age 39) and Asian elephant Punch (age 55) have safely arrived at The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Transported 24 hours apart from each other, the longtime companions have been reunited in The Sanctuary’s Hickory Barn and Habitat which will be their new home.

Once Mikki and Punch indicate their readiness to forge new relationships, and The Sanctuary staff determines it is appropriate, they will be able to interact with other elephants. Initially, these interactions will occur through fence lines; later they will be able to explore a designated open area within the 3,000-acre Sanctuary. These careful steps provide the duo with the opportunity to build familiarity and trust in a safe, low-pressure environment.

This timeline and process is up to Punch and Mikki. If they do choose to create new bonds, their potential herd mates and companions are three other female elephants that are similar in age: Asian female Sissy (age 57), African female Nosey (age 43) and African female Edie (age 42).

The Elephant Sanctuary is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is the largest natural habitat refuge for Asian and African elephants in the United States.

“Since last year’s announcement of Mikki and Punch’s departure, I have been reminding guests and staff that it’s OK to feel some sadness and profound joy at the same time,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “Although seeing such iconic, longtime members of our Zoo family leave is hard, we know that this is the best decision for them at this stage of their lives. We will be eagerly viewing the elephant cams alongside our community watching Mikki and Punch explore the vast grounds of The Sanctuary and making new friends along the way.”

Maloney added, “We are so grateful to The Elephant Sanctuary team for their professionalism, expertise, and empathy! They have made the entire transition process a wonderful and rewarding experience.”

“At The Sanctuary, introductions are approached gradually and thoughtfully, with the elephants’ comfort and safety as the top priority,” said Janice Zeitlin, CEO at The Elephant Sanctuary. “Our approach supports the elephants’ ability to form lasting, meaningful relationships — if and when they choose — on their own terms.”

The move reflects the Zoo’s commitment to long-term welfare planning and quality of life for its animals. The Zoo will continue sharing updates on Mikki and Punch through The Sanctuary and will remain engaged in global elephant conservation efforts.

Next Steps for the Habitat

The elephant yard will be repurposed into a bigger habitat for the Zoo’s southern white rhinoceroses. The Zoo then hopes to welcome a new species — okapi, also known as forest giraffe — into the current rhino yard.

In future master planning exercises, the Zoo will consider the potential of having elephants back at the Zoo.

Stay Up to Date

The Elephant Sanctuary is not open to visitors. Live-streaming EleCams are available at elephants.com/elecam to observe Mikki, Punch and other residents of The Sanctuary.

Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through September 21, 2025, Zoo hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (enjoy until 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information.

About Mikki and Punch

Asian elephant Punch arrived at the Zoo in 1973. African elephant Mikki followed in 1987. Mikki gave birth to two male calves while at the Louisville Zoo: Scotty and Fitz.

About The Elephant Sanctuary

Located on 3,060 acres in Hohenwald, Tennessee, The Elephant Sanctuary is the nation’s largest natural-habitat refuge developed specifically for Asian and African elephants. Founded in 1995, The Sanctuary has provided 32 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. The Sanctuary is licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and has been dually recognized through accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. The Elephant Sanctuary is currently home to 11 elephant residents. To learn more about The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, please visit their website at www.elephants.com. Observe the elephants via live-streaming EleCams at www.elephants.com/elecam.

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The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance of zoos and aquariums.

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