Lone Elephant at Oakland Zoo to Be Moved to Sanctuary to Reunite with Old Friend

One African elephant is reuniting with an old friend this fall.

On Tuesday, July 9, the Oakland Zoo announced that the only remaining African elephant, Osh, 30, will be moving and headed to The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tenn. this fall to join former friend Donna, the last female African elephant who lived at the Zoo

Donna, the last female African elephant to live at the zoo, was moved from Oakland to the Tennessee sanctuary in September 2023. The Elephant Sanctuary is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is the nation's largest natural habitat elephant refuge, with over 3,000 acres, per the organization’s site.

The Oakland Zoo decided to move Osh after a consultation with the AZA's African Elephant Taxon Advisory Group (TAG). Both the Zoo and TAG agreed “this was the best decision for his wellbeing,” per the Oakland Zoo’s site.

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“The availability of other possible social companions, and the decades-long relationship with Oakland Zoo, the Sanctuary provides the most suitable home for Osh for the rest of his life.”

“Although it's difficult to say farewell to Osh, we're filled with joy knowing he's found a new home at The Sanctuary," Colleen Kinzley, VP of Animal Care, Conservation and Research at the zoo, said.

She added, “He will have the opportunity to socialize and develop relationships with many other elephants over his lifetime. Something that we coul -

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d not offer him here. Those of us who know and love him, including our Oakland Zoo community, will miss him terribly.”

The zoo also revealed that Osh’s departure means they will be without any elephants for the first time on the premises in 75 years. Their “more than thirty-five-year commitment to elephant conservation and welfare remains steadfast," the zoo said.

Oakland Zoo explained on Facebook this move will provide the “opportunity to strengthen our commitment to elephant conservation through ongoing research, championing anti-poaching initiatives, supporting habitat preservation, and educating the public on animal welfare, wildlife trade, and coexistence.”

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Although Oakland Zoo is sad to say goodbye, The Sanctuary is looking forward to welcoming Osh to the facility and meeting and cohabitating with fellow African elephants, including current residents Donna and Artie. 

“Osh’s arrival marks a significant moment for us, as our second African male elephant,” The Sanctuary CEO Janice Zeitlin said in a Facebook post. “Our elephant care team is working closely with the Oakland Zoo team in preparation for Osh's arrival this fall, and we look forward to welcoming him to Tennessee and supporting him as he adjusts to his new home.”

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