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From Scott: On the Anniversary of Tyke’s Death

August 21, 2024

Tyke: her name should be synonymous with changing the way the world views the reality of captive elephants, but she is an elephant who is often forgotten until you hear her story. On August 20, 1994, Tyke was brutally gunned down in the streets of Honolulu, Hawaii, after her latest and last cry for change. She had long demonstrated that she couldn’t cope with the harsh and torturous reality of a performing elephant, and her voice repeatedly was met with dismissal by the authorities who could have made a change, and by more violence and abuse by her trainers. Tyke was praised by her trainers and a very small circle of people who glorify the “gifted” elephants who perform extreme tricks for human pleasure – the same gifted nature that caused her to find a pathway out, irrelevant to the ultimate price. We knew of her, a performer and a “runner”, and when we watched on Dateline as the horrific scene unfolded, the undeniable fear in her eyes was the ultimate push we needed and the only way we knew that we could help.


Tyke’s unheard cries for help had been going on for years, ignored because she was a great performer, and because there was no alternative. At that time, zoos, which were still primarily free contact, did not want to receive known aggressive elephants, and circuses didn’t want animals who were not “earning their keep.” Yes, this is a phrase that was heard repeatedly in the world of captive elephant performance; their value is only measured by their ability to draw a crowd.

During the 12 months prior to Tyke’s death, we had been working towards a new future for captive elephants. We had seen the horrific behind-the-scenes torture of dominance-based management, and we had seen the glazed over, seemingly lifeless eyes of elephants confined to small spaces. We asked the question: is there more that can be done? At the time of Tyke’s final day, we were living and working at a zoo north of Nashville, Tennessee, where we had hoped to co-develop the first expansive zoo exhibit for captive elephants, expanding over 35 acres. Earlier that year, Tarra, a previously performing circus elephant owned by my soon-to-be co-founder, delivered a stillborn calf. In our ignorance, we took advantage of the allure of her soon to be regional attraction (which is how baby elephants are seen by many), to entice the zoo to expand their minds towards this new idea. Like most of us at the time, the unborn precious life was filled with signs of potential. Shortly after the passing of her calf, the zoo ceased all conversation of progressive change.

The days leading up to Tyke making the news around the world were filled with summer guests to the Nashville Zoo. As Tarra turned her back to the crowds to block the intense summer sun from shining in her eyes designed for living in the dense jungle, the patrons yelled out to her to turn around, they laughed at her “elephant butt,” and they asked questions to us about her ability to perform tricks or to give rides.  While there was the occasional visitor who was interested to learn more about Tarra, as an elephant and individual, her general value to the visitor was, once again, how she could earn her keep. In other words: we paid to enter and we want to be entertained.

In the exhibit behind Tarra’s ¼ acre was a roughly 5-acre “savannah.” As the same visitors looked past Tarra, you could hear their comments in awe of the size of the giraffe, or impressed by the colorations of the black buck, or the spiral of the horns of the kudu. But with the elephant, who was just a few feet away from them, the crowds grew bored as she did nothing to entertain them.

Watching that night, as the gunshots echoed out from the TV, as the fear in Tyke’s eyes screamed for help, and as the announcers told the tale of an elephant gone wild, we turned to one another and said that now was the time. We knew that we had to do something different, to create a safe place where these “rogue” elephants could find refuge, a place where the unwanted, or those “unfit” to perform could have value, simply for being who they are.

Having already encountered road blocks from several avenues to gain financial partnerships, Tyke pushed us to start looking – dream big but think small. We found 110 acres and said maybe we can help 4 elephants. Little did we know the elephants were about to take us on a journey that has truly transformed the way the world views captive elephants, their potential for recovery, and their transformational celebrations of life; it opened our own eyes to the previously unimaginable.  

Tyke, 30 years ago you gave your life, fleeing from a misery that most were too blind to see. But, please know that we will always see who you longed to be, and we continue to this day to honor your life through the inspiration that you instilled in our hearts to take a chance on making a positive difference. 

Photo of Tyke courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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Comments(20)

  1. REPLY
    Wim says
    August 21, 2024 at 2:13 pm

    R.l.P. Dear Tyke 🕯💔 😥
    Thank you Scott for this in depth gruesome story, as a journalist and elephant person I’m familiar with this horrible story. One of the many tragedies still happening globally.
    It is with endless admiration l follow and support the wonderful world of the GSE family.
    Not one elephant deserves to die by human violence.

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      August 21, 2024 at 2:29 pm

      Thank you

  2. REPLY
    Audrey says
    August 21, 2024 at 2:16 pm

    I remember when this happened as well. Her death was so brutal. The amount of time she was shot, unconscionable.
    #BanElephantCaptivity.
    I remember what Nosey went through with Liebel Circus & how brutal they were to her. So glad she was saved.

  3. REPLY
    Tammy says
    August 21, 2024 at 2:32 pm

    Rest in Peace Tyke 🙏🦋💞

  4. REPLY
    Kitty Galore says
    August 21, 2024 at 3:04 pm

    The only comment I can make after reading Tyke’s story is that I am heartbroken to the core. We have not done enough for captive animals to be free from human cruelty and abuse. We failed not only Tyke but also others like her and all species that suffer at the hands of humans.

  5. REPLY
    Marsha Firman says
    August 21, 2024 at 3:11 pm

    My heart aches. The cruelty of humans who use animals for their own greed is utterly disgusting! I never heard poor Tyke. Thanks for sharing his story 💔

  6. REPLY
    Eileen L. says
    August 21, 2024 at 3:11 pm

    I was not aware of this story – and how sad it made me when I read your account. I am grateful she was the springboard for the sanctuaries to come, and I hope wherever she is, her spirit is shining down on all of you and those you continue to help.

  7. REPLY
    Jen says
    August 21, 2024 at 3:18 pm

    The first elephant I ever saw in person was at a county fair in Honolulu. She was a young, small elephant, contained within a roughly 10’x 10′ pen, eyes glazed over and swaying like she was drugged. It broke my heart, and made a huge impact on me: a display of just how wrong it was to take an elephant away from its family, to keep it in captivity. I remember the day Tyke broke free ~ I cheered her on! Run free! ~ and was mortified to learn she was shot and killed simply for making a run for her freedom. This is why I am SO appreciative of what you guys do to give true sanctuary to these beautiful majestic beings. Thank you, GSE, for doing something I can only dream of doing.

  8. REPLY
    Bill Simpsy says
    August 21, 2024 at 3:21 pm

    I am angered by the insensitivity of humans.

  9. REPLY
    Beji says
    August 21, 2024 at 4:03 pm

    I could not be more heartbroken. I’d like to think that Tyke’s s situation was because of ignorance, but it was probably because of greed. So sad. Do better, world.

  10. REPLY
    Alice says
    August 21, 2024 at 6:12 pm

    I hardly know what to say. So many horrible stories about these incredible beings. I am grateful every day for you, Scott, and others devoting their lives to correcting these terrible wrongs.

  11. REPLY
    Sue says
    August 21, 2024 at 6:40 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing Tyke’s impact on you and how she helped you to take the steps needed to make a psitive difference in as many elephant’s lives that you could. I appreciate hearing about how you have been influenced and how your work has developed through the years. I am so very thankful to all of you for dedicating yourselves and never giving up on all the elephant sisters and brothers who so desperately needed your support and help. I am humbled and grateful to you when I reflect on all that you have done and continue to do for these magnificent beings. I am forever thankful for your endless dedication. ❤️🐘❤️🥰❤️

  12. REPLY
    Nancy says
    August 21, 2024 at 6:50 pm

    What a Heart-Break!

    Thank You for your Refuge in Brazil.

  13. REPLY
    Carol says
    August 21, 2024 at 7:13 pm

    It is a shame that it seems to take egregious acts to bring us humans to a higher consciousness about respect for all of life on this planet – and action to change for the better. Thank you for that reminder and for your life’s work toward creating sanctuary for elephants. We all benefit from your example.

  14. REPLY
    Charlotte Hansen says
    August 21, 2024 at 7:40 pm

    This is very moving–thank you Scott!

  15. REPLY
    Bonnie says
    August 22, 2024 at 12:40 am

    Its a shame the way Animals are treated all Animals deserve better

  16. REPLY
    Johnny says
    August 22, 2024 at 10:01 am

    I often wonder what future generations way off in the future will think of these times, when they read about some of our “practices” such as zoos and circuses……

  17. REPLY
    Carey says
    August 22, 2024 at 7:33 pm

    Tyke – Elephant Outlaw documentary – once seen never forgotten. Though she wasn’t an outlaw of course.

  18. REPLY
    NANCY LOGAN says
    August 26, 2024 at 12:05 pm

    All these comments and with tears in my eyes, thank you!
    My prayer now is for Lucy to go to Tennessee.

  19. REPLY
    Angelica says
    August 12, 2025 at 4:39 am

    RIP. Tyke. You did not deserve to die. I saw the documentary a few years back about Tyke and will never forget it. Animals DO NOT belong in the Circus.

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