ELLEN the Elephant
Between 1950 and 1951 Ellen was imported to New York City from Thailand by Henry Treflich. In 1954 she was sold to the Little Rock Zoo to be a companion to Ruth, an elephant living at the Zoo since the 1930's. No other animal at the Little Rock Zoo has been as loved by the community as Ellen the elephant. Generations of Zoo guests visited Ellen since her arrival in 1954. Ellen turned 60 in 2011 and died unexpectedly of a heart attack or stroke in the summer of 2011 only two months after her companion Mary, also 60-years-old, died from complications of stomach tumors. Ellen will be remembered fondly and cherished for years to come.
Young Ellen and Ruth, Ellen's companion until 1977
Arkansas Gazette, circa 1954
Ellen and Ruth (1970's)
Ellen 2011