Mona (elephant)

An entry in a stud book maintained by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums gives an approximate birth year of 1951.

Her normal routines were highlighted by special treats of marshmallow Peeps, Altoids and peanuts used as rewards in training.

She was also given a large watermelon cake and several toys each year on July 7, which was observed as her birthday and celebrated with a party for zoo visitors.

The Elephant Sanctuary offered to relocate and house Mona at their 2,700-acre (11 km2) facility near Hohenwald, Tennessee without charge.

[5] Zoo director Bill Foster argued that the stress caused by travel and resettlement would not be healthy for Mona, and that she should not, at her age, have been subjected to the behavior and pecking order of an unfamiliar herd.