Sophi

Age: 46
Weight:10,000 lbs.
Country of origin: Uganda
Came to Indianapolis: 1989

Sophi joined the African elephant herd here in Indianapolis in 1989 and has been in charge ever since!  At 10,000 pounds, Sophi is the largest member of the herd and she is considered the matriarch, or the leader of the group. Sophi guides the other elephants and helps to raise and care for the youngsters. Although Sophi can be serious about teaching and enforcing the rules of the herd, she also has a flair for the dramatic and can be very vocal and playful at times. Sophi is a very majestic elephant with large, beautiful tusks.

The back side of the elephant habitat overlooks part of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure route on Washington Street. Several years ago the elephant keepers were out in the yard and noticed the race participants walking by. The racers also noticed Sophi. The keepers waved and asked Sophi to lift her front leg and put her ears out to salute them. This was a big hit with the racers and so began a new tradition.  A banner with a pink ribbon on it was made and attached to a blanket for Sophi to wear over her back. Participants in the Race for the Cure now look forward to seeing Sophi, up on the hill in her habitat, standing adorned with her pink ribbon banner, in support of the cause. Sophi enjoys the attention and the racers definitely enjoy seeing her!

 Photo by Kerrie Best.