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.jpg) Tombi
Age: 31
Weight: 7,696 pounds as of June 2009
Country of origin: Unknown, Africa
Came to Indianapolis: 1989
Tombi arrived at the Potter Park Zoo in Michigan on November 8, 1979, after she was acquired in Africa as a two-year-old. At that time, zoos were not as aware as they are today of how important social interaction is for elephants. At the Potter Park Zoo, she was kept by as a single elephant and had two primary keepers who served as her companions. On December 6, 1989, Tombi arrived at the Indianapolis Zoo on breeding loan for socialization with other elephants.
Tombi is unique among the Indianapolis Zoo’s herd of elephants. Because of her early years, she did not know what it meant to be an elephant. At first she was frightened of the other elephants, but over time she has gotten more comfortable with them. Although she still is not totally accepted by the herd, Tombi’s interactions with the other elephants are improving. Sophi, Ivory and Tombi get along with little to no problems. Kubwa and Tombi's relationship is improving as Tombi becomes more confident as she ages. Thanks to the generosity of some Zoo donors, the Indianapolis Zoo was able to purchase Tombi in 1998 so she may stay with this herd and continue to learn to be an elephant.
Tombi is a slender elephant with a square, narrow head and two even tusks that curve in. She is a very calm and stable elephant for the handlers to work with. Tombi is wonderful to use in demonstrations, public contact activities and public relations events.
Elephant Bios
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