ZooTennessee, US

The Elephant Sanctuary

About

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is a sprawling, natural-habitat refuge dedicated to providing retired elephants from zoos and circuses with individualized care, the companionship of a herd, and the freedom to live out their lives undisturbed. Spanning over 3,060 acres of rolling hills, dense forests, and diverse landscapes in Hohenwald, it is the largest facility of its kind in North America. The Sanctuary itself, home to Asian and African elephants, is not open to the public to ensure the elephants' well-being and minimize human contact, allowing them to truly "just be elephants."While the elephant habitats are private, the public can connect with the Sanctuary's mission and its magnificent residents through The Elephant Discovery Center, located in downtown Hohenwald. This interactive educational facility serves as a gateway to understanding the complex lives of elephants and the vital work of the Sanctuary. Visitors can explore hands-on exhibits that delve into elephant behavior, communication, biology, and the challenges they face in the wild and in captivity.The Discovery Center offers a unique opportunity to virtually "meet" the elephants through live-streaming EleCams, positioned throughout the Sanctuary's vast habitats. These solar-powered cameras provide frequent, non-invasive glimpses of the elephants as they graze, forage, swim, and interact, offering a respectful way for supporters to observe their natural behaviors without intrusion. Educational programs, an Outdoor Classroom, and engaging staff make the Discovery Center a captivating experience for all ages, fostering a deeper appreciation for these intelligent creatures and inspiring conservation efforts. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee was founded in 1995 by Carol Buckley, who purchased 113 acres of land in Lewis County with the initial goal of providing a retirement home for her elephant, Tarra. Shortly thereafter, it gained non-profit status, driven by a mission to offer a haven for elephants retired from exhibition and performance. The Sanctuary has since undergone significant expansion, acquiring additional land in phases, including a 700-acre section in 2001 and another 1,840 acres in 2003, bringing its total acreage to over 3,060 acres. This growth allowed for the creation of separate, protected habitats for both Asian and African elephants. Over its 30-year history, the Sanctuary has provided lifetime care for 36 elephants, evolving to meet their changing needs and championing elephant welfare and conservation globally.

What to do here

Engage with the educational exhibits, watch the elephants via the EleCams, attend special events like storytelling or enrichment-making workshops, and learn about elephant care from staff.

Seasonal info

The Discovery Center is primarily an indoor experience, so weather has minimal impact. However, the EleCams may show different elephant behaviors and habitat conditions depending on the season, from summer swims to winter foraging.

Accessibility

The Elephant Discovery Center is fully wheelchair accessible, including restrooms and exhibit areas. Video displays include captions for hearing-impaired guests, and seating areas are provided throughout the space.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Allow 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the interactive exhibits, watch the EleCams, and engage with educational staff at The Elephant Discovery Center.
Best time to visit: The Elephant Discovery Center is open year-round. Check their website for current operating hours, typically Thursday and Friday from 11 am to 4 pm, and select Saturdays for special events. There is no "best time" to visit the Sanctuary itself, as it is closed to the public.
Location: Tennessee, US
Species in this guide: 5

Best for

Families With Children: Engaging, Hands On Educational Exhibits And Special Events Make Learning About Elephants Fun.Animal Welfare And Conservation Advocates: Deep Dive Into The Mission Of An Accredited Elephant Sanctuary And Its Global Impact.Lifelong Learners And Educators: Comprehensive Information On Elephant Care, Behavior, And Conservation, Suitable For All Ages.Anyone Interested In Elephants: A Respectful Way To Observe And Learn About These Magnificent Animals Without Direct Interaction, Supporting Their Natural Lives.

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

EleCams

Live-streaming cameras offering real-time views of the elephants in their vast habitats.

Interactive Exhibits

Hands-on displays that teach about elephant biology, communication, social structures, and conservation challenges.

Outdoor Classroom

Space for educational programming and citizen science activities, including identifying native plants.

Elephant Stories

Learn about the individual histories of the elephants and their journeys to the Sanctuary, sometimes including artifacts like a rescued elephant's roller skates.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Ant

Bat

Ide

Domestic Cat

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Visit the Discovery Center

Plan your trip around the operating hours of The Elephant Discovery Center in Hohenwald to get the full educational experience.

Utilize EleCams

Before or after your visit, spend time watching the EleCams on elephants.com to observe the elephants' natural behaviors in their habitats.

Check the Event Calendar

The Discovery Center hosts special events like storytelling, craft-making, and citizen science programs; check their website for dates and times.

Combine with Local Attractions

Hohenwald is near the Natchez Trace Parkway, offering scenic drives and other historical sites for a day trip.

No Direct Elephant Interaction

Remember that the elephants' habitats are strictly off-limits to the public; the Discovery Center provides an educational experience, not direct animal viewing.

Parking is Free

Free parking is available on Main Street directly in front of The Elephant Discovery Center, with an additional city lot nearby.

Frequently asked questions

: No, the elephant habitats at The Elephant Sanctuary are closed to the public to ensure the elephants' well-being and allow them to live undisturbed. Visitors can learn about the elephants and observe them via live-streaming EleCams at The Elephant Discovery Center in downtown Hohenwald.
: The Elephant Discovery Center is the public-facing educational facility of The Elephant Sanctuary, located in downtown Hohenwald, Tennessee. It features interactive exhibits, an Outdoor Classroom, a theater, and regularly scheduled programs designed to educate visitors about elephants, the Sanctuary's mission, and global conservation efforts. No elephants are present at the Discovery Center itself.
: You can support The Elephant Sanctuary by visiting The Elephant Discovery Center, watching the EleCams online, making donations, volunteering (for specific tasks, not elephant interaction), or participating in their distance learning programs. The Sanctuary also encourages spreading awareness about elephant welfare and conservation.