Alone for Over 50 Years

Miyako

Alone for Over 50 Years

At just six months old, Miyako was taken from her mother. She has spent every day since living alone in the same small concrete world. No elephant should spend a lifetime like this.

The Solitary Elephants in Japan

Miyako’s story is heartbreaking. Sadly, it is just one of many.

Across Japan, elephants are still living in isolation. Some have spent decades completely alone. Others have recently lost lifelong companions or become solitary for the first time.

Each has a different story. Each deserves to be known.

Meet the elephants behind our latest investigation.

Japan

Where they are now

Living elephants in Japan A map of Japan. Hokkaido, Honshu and Kyushu–Shikoku are tinted separately. Red markers are solitary elephants. The open marker is Mito, who is no longer solitary. Mao — Morioka Zoo, Morioka Mao Lala — Tohoku Safari Park, Nihonmatsu Lala Suzuko — Hitachi Kamine Zoo, Hitachi Suzuko Miyako — Utsunomiya Zoo, Utsunomiya Miyako Dumbo — Nihondaira Zoo, Shizuoka Dumbo Mito — Kyoto City Zoo, Kyoto Mito Hanako — Omoriyama Zoo, Akita Hanako Fuko — Chausuyama Zoo, Nagano Fuko Sunny — Ishikawa Zoo, Nomi Sunny Teru — Kofu Yuki Park Zoo, Kofu Teru Fuku-Chan — Fukuyama City Zoo, Fukuyama Fuku-Chan Zuze — Kobe Oji Zoo, Kobe Zuze Midori — Miyazaki City Phoenix Zoo, Miyazaki Midori Choi — Miyazaki City Phoenix Zoo, Miyazaki Choi Patra — Shirotori Zoo, Higashikagawa Patra
  • Alone
  • No longer solitary

In Memory of

What can you do?

Find out ways you can help the solitary elephants HERE.