Providence Elephants' Farewell Tour Begins

The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence is preparing for a significant change as its beloved "Golden Girls"—three geriatric African elephants named Alice, Ginny, and Kate—will relocate to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee by late 2027. Each of the trio is approximately 41 years old and has been a resident of the zoo for over 35 years, becoming deeply cherished by visitors and staff alike. This move is motivated by the zoo's desire to ensure the elephants' continued well-being and social opportunities, as they cannot accommodate new elephants to maintain a cohesive social group into the future. While the elephants are currently in good physical condition, the sanctuary offers a more expansive natural habitat and greater elephant companionship.

The "Golden Girls" are known for their distinct personalities and close bond, though they are not related. Kate is described as the fair matriarch who enjoys puzzles, Ginny is the largest and most patient, and Alice is the smallest, described as a confident firecracker. Their daily routines mimic natural foraging behaviors, and they employ strategies like mud baths for cooling and sun protection. Visitors have cherished interactions, such as Ginny playfully deflecting water. Animal welfare concerns regarding adequate space for elephants in captivity have led to fewer such animals in zoos, with some, like Emily at Buttonwood Zoo, being too old to move. The zoo plans to introduce rhinoceroses following the elephants' departure, a transition that, while planned, remains an emotional one for their dedicated caretakers.