The Death of Tina - a Zoo Elephant

[Submariner]

I was crushed to no end when I got home from an extended business trip last night and checked in with my 2nd favorite weblink (The Elephant Sanctuary) to find one of my favorite elephant's had passed away, way way way before her time (only 34 years old). I was trying to catch some of the 'girls' on the Elecam before dark, but was shocked to see a new weblink titled "In Memory of Tina" smack me in the face like an anvil.

The Elephant Sanctuary (TES) in Tennessee is where all those beaten, abused, blind, and crippled female elephants go that you see in circuses and zoos after their lives are almost all used up. TES tried their best, but lo and behold they weren't able to get her away from the zoo soon enough. Too many zoo visitors still wanted to ride on Tina's back, so the zoo wanted to squeeze a few more bucks out of her spirit. Men my age aren't supposed to sob, but I lost it when I started reading all the links attached to the following weblink.

I am hurting and so **cking pissed right now I can hardly see straight. It is probably a very good thing that I don't live in Vancouver, BC right now, because this DUer would probably be in the clink for going to the zoo to beat the puss out of the executive staff the way I feel today.

Tina was crippled up by the Vancouver Zoo's inadequate care and facilities for over 30 years. Not so much by Tina's personal caretakers who can only do so much with resources allowed and truly cared, but by the scum-sucking zoo management focused on the almighty dollar.

Tina had NEVER laid down in the past year. Slept standing up, leaning on a wall. The zoo never gave her an enclosure large or comfortable enough to lay down, so even at the sanctuary it was an alien thought to her to lay down and take a load off her infected pustulated feet.

All I ask is that you, your family, and friends not lend your financial support by going to zoos and circuses (or Seaquariums). They need to be put out of business ASAP and the animals returned to the wild or to refuges if release to their home lands and waters is not feasible. Thanks for taking the time to read this. If your an animal lover, support the sanctuary. Thanks again.

http://www.elephants.com/tina/tina_inmemory.htm

http://www.tappedintoelephants.com/asp/index.php

[Mara Steele]

1. God, that's so sad...

Thank you for your post...

Hey, by the way, there's no rule saying ANY man, of ANY age isn't supposed to sob...

This is really heartbreaking stuff.

:hug: :hug:

[Mikimouse]

2. Be at ease, friend...

She is already in that wonderful, magical place where all of our friends go. She is probably surrounded by all of her favorite foods, others of her herd whom she probably hasn't seen since her capture, and her home 'feelings'. I have always been convinced that our friends know our hearts (sometimes better than we do ourselves), and in this case, I suspect that Tina knows how you feel, even though she never met you.

" Men my age aren't supposed to sob, but I lost it when I started reading all the links attached to the following weblink"
Whoever made us believe that was very sadly mistaken. Let the tears flow without shame, for there is nothing to be ashamed of. Compassion and love of others is something to be embraced and lauded. I commend you on your humanity, wish we could all be that way. I weep with you. :hug:

[Mara Steele]

3. Damn it, Mikimouse...

Those are such beautiful and hopeful words...

You just made ME cry, damn it. :hug:

[Mikimouse]

5. Hugs to you, too!

:hug:

[Submariner]

7. Thanks Mara Steele and Mikimouse

Who would have thunk one could get attached to elephants on a web page. The live cams of them dunking themselves in their pond is hilarious. Watching them enjoy life so much after a tough 30 to 50 years of zoo or circus HELL is a bright spot in the day.

Tina was just measured for hi-tech Gel-sandals, so all the ele-fans were waiting anxiously to see Tina be shown the pond by Sis & Winks and join the fun. The disappointment that that will not happen now is tough to bear. Thanks for your words.

[Mikimouse]

8. Submariner...hugs to you and remember...

Where Tina has gone, her feet are healed and healthy,and there's a big pool with lots of other elephants around for her to cavort with. My very warmest good thoughts to you. Nick

[Mara Steele]

15. Thank you for your love of animals, Submariner

The world needs more people like you.

:hug: :yourock:

[Submariner]

9. Tina was the ONLY "born in captivity" elephant of the TES herd

Interestingly, all the others were born in the wilds of Thailand, Burma, Sumatra, Sri Lanka, India, etc., and adjusted somewhat quickly to the sanctuary meadow and forest environment.

As an marine biologist I deal a bit with animal behavioral imprinting, and since reading Tina's life story I can't help but have a haunting feeling that she did not get far out of the barn and roam the hundred's of acres of sanctuary with the rest of the herd because she never learned how.

She had no mother the first year or two of life in the forest or jungle to imprint her to the "natural environment." Instead she fell out onto a concrete zoo stall floor and got weaned in a closed barn.

Yes, she is in a pain-free place. Thanks.

[Mikimouse]

10. I am always amazed at how we humans perceive...

the rest of the residents of this planet. I am so sad to think that she never really knew 'who' she was and where she belonged. Such a waste of life and love. I am a sociologist with interests in biosocial relationships (only became a sociologist later in life, studied biology and had a fascination for marine life earlier), and tend to study the extreme social Darwinistic approach we take not just toward each other, but toward to the non-human species that are just as much a part of the environment. I do understand your position on Tina, and am very sorry to hear that she was indeed born in captivity. Perhaps she will find Mom in the place that she now occupies and learn the ropes, so to speak. That probably sounds quite childish, but I embrace that belief, if for no other reason, that I believe that there has to be some justice and validation for all creatures somewhere, sometime.
BTW, since you are a marine biologist, perhaps I will give my younger daughter a push your way, as that is what she aspires to. Godspeed.

[dolo amber]

4. I *never* cry....ever

To the extent that when my beloved father had to have emergency quadruple bypass surgery 4 years ago and was literally at death's door, I couldn't/didn't shed a single tear.

However...

When I saw the PBS "Nature" episode dealing with Shirley and other mistreated elephants, and Carol's Tennessee's sanctuary, I cried my soul out. I too was very upset by the news. Something about elephants...dunno what, but I think maybe I used to be one or something. :)

I hate that they're the Repuke's symbol too. :grr:

:hug: for you, Submariner.

[supernova]

6. Poor Tina

It's ok to cry Submariner. :cry:

Tina sounds like a wonderful elephant friend. And I'm glad she had that sanctuary for as long as she did with wonderful friends and caregivers.

The necropsy I guess didn't conclude that she had a heart attack or stroke.

The thing about the tire made me :cry:

[Flaxbee]

11. Oh Submariner, it breaks my heart too...

I understand exactly how you feel and grieve, too. It is sometimes just too unbearable to be confronted with the cruelty humans inflict on other creatures for profit and for god knows what other abominable reasons. The elephant is such a noble, intelligent creature who also weeps for the loss of loved ones. It's all right to cry (even Rosey Grier says so ;-) ) ; you're a sensitive, kind soul. And I also hope (believe) that Tina's in a better place now, and in her last days knew human kindness and love from good people like you.

Doesn't take the immediate sting out of her death, I know. So cry for her, grieve and then do just what you're doing -- educate people. And maybe plant some flowers in her name.

[Mara Steele]

12. Kick...

For Tina. :cry:

[bigwillq]

13. That's so sad

Elephants are my fave animal. I'm going to go check out those sites.

[Mara Steele]

14. Try the "Tina Talks" link on the first link Submariner lists

You can hear her talking & see a bit of her, it is beautiful & sad.

:cry: :cry: :cry:

[Submariner]

16. Kick for the day crowd