Asian elephant Tarra has resided at The Elephant Sanctuary since the very beginning, over 26 years. Tarra was the founding resident, and like so many other elephants, her life began in the wild, accompanied by her mother and other members of her herd. While still a calf, Tarra was captured and thrust into a life of captivity. She spent the next 20 years traveling, performing, and on exhibit. The first to retire to The Elephant Sanctuary upon its founding in 1995, Tarra holds a very special place in their hearts.

The Sanctuary is sad to announce that Tarra's chapter at The Sanctuary has come to a close. After ten years of litigation, the courts decided that possession of Tarra lies with Sanctuary Co-Founder Carol Buckley. Tarra departed The Sanctuary on Thursday, November 18 bound for a new home and a new chapter in her life. Although Tarra is no longer a Lewis County resident, her legacy will always be part of The Elephant Sanctuary and this community.

Since its founding, The Elephant Sanctuary has provided home, herd, rest, refuge and individualized care for 28 elephants retired from performance and exhibition.

For more information regarding The Elephant Sanctuary, please visit http://www.elephants.com or call 931-796-6500.