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Nosey, Kara, Shaunzi: Chaffee Zoo’s elephant girl group

Shaunzi, the Chaffee Zoo’s last Asian elephant, has moved to her retirement home in San Diego, where she will have roommates.
Shaunzi, the Chaffee Zoo’s last Asian elephant, has moved to her retirement home in San Diego, where she will have roommates. CARLA CAPRA

Saying goodbye to Kara and Shaunzi is also saying goodbye to a past filled with wonderful memories. These elephants were the last remaining remnant of the old zoo. They came from a Florida circus to be companions for Nosey moving into her new home.

After 33 years of living alone, she initially reacted in fear at seeing her first other elephant, Thong Tri, a young male, but the three females became fast friends. It was rewarding to see Nosey finally enjoying her own kind.

Nosey passed away 24 years ago but she is still alive in the hearts of many. Kara and Shaunzi kept those memories alive. I could still see Nosey swimming in the pool or reaching out her trunk to the others. The empty exhibit represents an era now gone but never forgotten.

Jean Chaffee, Fresno

This story was originally published July 1, 2017 at 11:40 AM with the headline "Nosey, Kara, Shaunzi: Chaffee Zoo’s elephant girl group."

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