We give Tarra the personalized conditions, care and support that make her feel calm, safe, understood and loved. (And, of course, the same goes for Bo!) As a result, Tarra is thriving, along with Bo and her beloved Mala.
Over the last decade, Tarra developed emotional and physical conditions at the facility where she was living.
Tarra’s medical records from that time document how abrupt changes in management practices caused physical and emotional problems for her.
Tarra suffered great stress as she suddenly lost her familiar humans and long-term canine companion, Bella. Over time, her stress compounded with herd members being re-located to other parts of the habitat or passing away.
Without emotional stability, records show that Tarra’s personality changed drastically. She became depressed and was labeled as a nervous, fearful elephant, for which she was placed on anti-anxiety medication.
Tarra’s suffering intensified when management converted to protected contact. Tarra resisted the change because it meant she was unable to choose with whom and how closely she interacted, one of an elephant’s most important sources of autonomy.
Then, six years ago, Tarra developed osteoarthritis, which, as you probably know, is associated with obesity, standing on hard surfaces and lack of exercise, both in elephants and humans.
