HOHENWALD, Tenn. — The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee said goodbye to one of their oldest Asian elephants last week.

In a press release , the sanctuary said Minnie had been displaying signs of weakness and decline in normal eating and drinking behaviors that were "consistent with progressive kidney failure."

The release said that humane euthanasia was recommended as the most compassionate decision. On Nov. 23, Minnie passed away under the care of the Veterinary Staff and her Daily Care Team.

59-year-old elephant Minnie had lived at the sanctuary since 2006, when the release said she was transferred from the Hawthorn Corporation's traveling circuses due to USDA prosecutions for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

She traveled with the Hawthorn Corporation after being sold by Circus

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