KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tonka, the largest male elephant in North America and the last remaining elephant on display at Zoo Knoxville, is no longer on public view after being placed under hospice care.

Zoo officials announced Monday that the 46-year-old African elephant was moved to hospice care after developing acute onset of pain and swelling in his left front leg on Sunday, April 28.

After veterinarians had exhausted all treatment options and reached the maximum dosages of pain medications that could be safely administered, the decision was made to move him to hospice care.

“This is certainly not the outcome we had hoped and planned for,” said Phil Colclough, director of animal care, conservation and education. “However, as difficult as this decision was, it is the most compassionate thing we can do for Tonka. As we are faced with end-of-life decisions, we will consider his wellbeing every step of the way to make sure that we are doing what is best for him.”

In 2022, Zoo Knoxville announced plans to move their three aging African elephants to The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Jana, a female elephant, was the first to move in May 2023 and was euthanized months later after her health rapidly declined.

Zoo Knoxville bid farewell to Edie the African elephant in November.