A Legacy of Giants – Little Rock Zoo

A Legacy of Giants: The Elephants of the Little Rock Zoo

*Elephant Barn 1960s – 1970s – Zoo Archives*

The Little Rock Zoo has built a proud legacy of compassion and expertise in caring for geriatric elephants, earning recognition as a leader in the field. Over the decades, the Zoo has been home to a remarkable group of Asian elephants, each with their own unique story.

Ruth

Ruth was the first elephant to call the Little Rock Zoo home, arriving in 1937 after being purchased from the Engesser Circus. At the time, few zoos were equipped to care for such a large animal, making her arrival a major milestone in the Zoo’s history. Over the next four decades, Ruth became a fixture of the Zoo and a favorite among visitors. She lived to be approximately 64 years old, passing away in late August 1977, leaving a legacy that established the foundation of the Zoo’s ongoing commitment to elephant care.

Ruth 1937 – UALR Archives

Ruth 1939 – J Garner Reynolds

Ruth 1970s – Zoo Archives

Ellen just before she arrived at the Zoo in 1954 – AR Gazette

Ellen

Ellen arrived in 1954 as a companion for Ruth. At just 2 years old, Ellen was the only juvenile elephant ever brought to the Zoo. Ellen grew up at the Little Rock Zoo and became one of its most iconic residents. Known for her gentle demeanor and deep bond with her keepers, Ellen lived an extraordinary life, eventually reaching about 60 years of age before passing in 2011. Her story is one of longevity, trust, and deep connection—both with her caretakers and the thousands of Arkansans who grew up visiting her.

Ellen 1998 – Karen Caster

Ellen 2000 – Karen Caster

Ellen 2011 – Karen Caster

Mary

Mary joined the Little Rock Zoo in 2001 as a companion for Ellen after retiring from a career in performance. Donated by Ringling Bros. Circus following her time at their conservation center, Mary brought with her a rich and colorful past. Born in Myanmar, she performed for years under legendary trainer Gunter Gebel-Williams with Germany’s Circus Williams-Althoff and later with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Despite her background, Mary quickly adapted to a quieter life at the Zoo, where she and Ellen formed a close and lasting bond. The two were often seen side by side, a testament to the deep social connections so vital to elephant well-being. Mary passed away in 2011 at approximately 60 years old.

Mary – Karen Caster

Mary & Ellen Birthday Celebration 2005 – Karen Caster

Mary & Ellen meeting for the first time in 2001 – Karen Caster

Mary & Ellen together 2001 – Karen Caster

Mary & Ellen together 2006 – Karen Caster

In 2011, Jewell and Zina arrived together at the Little Rock Zoo, bringing with them rich histories as retired circus elephants.

Jewell – Karen Caster

Jewell & Zina – Karen Caster

Jewell

Jewell arrived at the Little Rock Zoo in her sixties after years of performing, bringing with her the natural challenges of advanced age. Despite these age-related issues, she adapted quickly to her new home and enjoyed a peaceful, comfortable retirement with attentive care. Though her time with us was relatively short, Jewell left a lasting impression on staff and visitors alike with her calm and gentle presence. She passed away in 2013 at the approximate age of 63; her journey at the Zoo highlights our commitment to compassionate, specialized care—providing pain management, monitoring, and support to ensure every elephant lives with dignity and comfort throughout their golden years.

Jewell was known to use sticks to scratch her belly and ears. – Karen Caster

Zina

Zina, originally from England’s Billy Smart Circus, she was imported to the United States in 1972. Like Jewell, she spent many years performing with Ringling Bros. before her retirement in 2005. Zina is easily recognized, with a long, narrow trunk that is partially paralyzed and uniquely sunken cheeks caused by crooked teeth. Although she’s the smallest in stature, she’s known for her big personality—often the first to trumpet a greeting or show excitement. Zina joined the Zoo’s elephant family as a companion for Ellen, and after Ellen’s passing, she welcomed new herd members Babe and Sophie in 2013.

Zina – Karen Caster

Zina – Kristin Grove

Zina – Karen Caster

Zina – Kristin Grove

Babe – Karen Caster

Babe

Babe was born in Myanmar and began life in a logging camp before being sold into the circus trade. Around 1980, she and three other elephants were purchased by circus performer Alex Gautier, who later toured under the Ringling Bros. label. After two decades in performance, Babe retired from circus life in 2000. She arrived at the Little Rock Zoo in 2013, where she has thrived under specialized care. She is easily recognized by the distinctive star-shaped brands on each of her hips—markings applied during her time in Burma (now Myanmar) to reflect the country’s flag and identify her as a working elephant.

Babe’s star markings – Misty Waddle

Babe & Sophie – Karen Caster

Babe – Misty Waddle

Sophie

Sophie, also born in Myanmar, shared a similar background of logging and circus performance before her arrival at the Little Rock Zoo. She was known for her striking blue eyes and distinct long tusk. Despite facing several health challenges—including a long battle with a serious uterine infection called pyometra—Sophie remained a beloved member of the herd until her passing in October 2024 after more than a decade of dedicated care.

Sophie – Karen Caster

Sophie – Karen Caster

Sophie’s Blue Eyes – Kristin Grove

Sophie & Babe – Karen Caster

Today, Zina and Babe are the elephants who currently reside at the Little Rock Zoo. Their stories, along with those of the elephants who came before them, underscore the Zoo’s long-standing dedication to providing a safe, compassionate, and enriching home for aging elephants in need of specialized care.

Babe & Zina exploring a snowy yard – Karen Caster

Babe & Zina – Karen Caster

Babe & Zina – Misty Waddle

An Elephant Retirement Home

Unlike many zoos that house elephants, the Little Rock Zoo focuses exclusively on geriatric female elephants as part of a specialized care program designed to support the unique needs of aging elephants. This program includes a flexible habitat with three separate yards, allowing the elephants space, choice, and individualized care in a safe, enriching environment. According to Kristin Grove, the Zoo’s Hoofstock Curator and Elephant Manager, “We consider ourselves like a nursing home for older female elephants. We’re not really set up for males. Not many facilities do take in older elephants strictly.” Male elephants require heavily reinforced pens, and younger female elephants need space for breeding and herd dynamics. By focusing on older females, the Little Rock Zoo has carved out a niche in geriatric elephant care.

“We consider ourselves like a nursing home for older female elephants. “

Elephant Keeper bathing an elephant – Karen Caster

The Evolution of Elephant Care

The history of elephants in captivity, including those at the Little Rock Zoo, reflects a broader evolution in how humans care for elephants. While elephants like Ruth, Ellen, Mary, and others arrived at the Zoo from circuses and performing careers, it’s important to recognize that such circumstances are no longer the norm. In earlier decades, many elephants were taken from the wild or bred in captivity for performance purposes. However, modern zoos and accredited wildlife facilities, such as the Little Rock Zoo, have shifted toward ensuring that elephants born in captivity are provided with environments that promote their health, well-being, and natural behaviors.

Today, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) oversees rigorous standards for elephant care, ensuring that elephants live in enriched, spacious environments, where they are not only safe but also able to engage in natural behaviors such as foraging, socializing, and bathing. Captive breeding is now a significant focus, with elephants being born in accredited facilities rather than being captured from the wild. This shift reflects a growing commitment to elephant conservation and the protection of wild populations.

Elephant Keepers bathing one of the elephants – Karen Caster

We take great pride in our work to ensure that our geriatric elephants live out their years in comfort. This focus on elephant welfare, particularly for older females, reflects a broader shift across the zoo and aquarium community, where modern facilities focus on providing sanctuary and providing the best possible welfare for animals in human care.

Elephant keepers performing regular foot care on one of the elephants – Karen Caster

Through these advancements, the Little Rock Zoo remains dedicated to ensuring that elephants like ours are cared for with the utmost respect, ensuring that their legacy as ambassadors of their species will inspire future generations to protect and appreciate them in their natural habitats.

Inspiring Conservation through Education and Connection

While many Arkansans may never have the opportunity to see an elephant in the wild, the Little Rock Zoo provides a unique opportunity to connect with these magnificent creatures. Our elephants serve as ambassadors for their species, helping to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of elephants and their wild counterparts. By witnessing their care, observing their behaviors, and learning their stories, visitors are inspired to care about elephant conservation, even from thousands of miles away.

Elephant Keepers chatting with Zoo guests – Karen Caster

Zoos like the Little Rock Zoo play an essential role in inspiring compassion and awareness, providing a gateway to wildlife conservation efforts across the globe. Our work with elephants goes beyond just care—it’s about education, stewardship, and inspiring future generations to advocate for the protection of elephants in the wild. As visitors engage with these remarkable creatures, they become part of the larger movement to safeguard elephants’ future, both in zoos and their native habitats.

Support Elephant Care and Conservation at the Little Rock Zoo

Your support makes a meaningful impact in the lives of our elephants and beyond. Donations help fund specialized care, enrichment, and veterinary treatment for the elephants that call our zoo home. Your gift also supports broader conservation efforts through our partnerships with Asian Elephant Support and the Asian Elephant SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program. Together, we’re working to ensure a better future for elephants both in human care and in the wild.

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