Oldest elephant at Tennessee sanctuary turning 70

July 5, 2018 at 4:51 p.m. | Updated July 5, 2018 at 4:52 p.m.

by Associated Press

This Dec. 22, 2010 photo shows Elephant Sanctuary co-founder Scott Blais visiting with Shirley, one of the older elephants at the facility in Hohenwald, Tenn. An unexpected management change and a lawsuit might give the world a better glimpse of the refuge for elephants that have spent much of their lives in zoos and circuses. (AP Photo/Josh Anderson)
This Dec. 22, 2010 photo shows Elephant Sanctuary co-founder Scott Blais visiting with Shirley, one of the older elephants at the facility in Hohenwald, Tenn. An unexpected management change and a lawsuit might give the world a better glimpse of the refuge for elephants that have spent much of their lives in zoos and circuses. (AP Photo/Josh Anderson)

HOHENWALD, Tenn. (AP) - This is a birthday to remember.

News outlets report Shirley the Asian elephant is turning 70 at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee on Friday.

The elephant's milestone is significant: The average lifespan is 42 years for captive Asian pachyderms and 47 for captive African elephants.

Caregiver Kaitlin Stocks told The Tennessean the 4-ton (3.6-metric-ton) elephant exudes love despite the tough life she has led.

Shirley was born in Sumatra, captured at age 5 and sold to a traveling circus where she performed for more than 20 years. She lived at a Louisiana zoo for 22 years before coming to Tennessee.

The sanctuary is celebrating Shirley's birthday with #ShirleyTurns70 on social media and an elephant-sized snack: a number 70 made of bamboo strung with flowers and produce.

Upcoming Events