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Hohenwald Sanctuary Welcomes 30-Year-Old African Elephant from Oakland Zoo

Issue #250

24 Oct

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia Weather - Sunny with a high of 80

🐘 Hohenwald Sanctuary Welcomes 30-Year-Old African Elephant from Oakland Zoo

📰 Become a Mentor: tnAchieves Seeks Volunteers to Support College-Bound Students

😋 Thai Restaurant Opening Today

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🍁 Check out The Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun Things in Middle Tennessee Here

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, October 24th

Friday, October 25th

Saturday, October 26th

Sunday, October 27th

🍁 Check out The Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun Things in Middle Tennessee Here

Hohenwald Sanctuary Welcomes 30-Year-Old African Elephant from Oakland Zoo

The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald has welcomed Osh, a 30-year-old African elephant, who was transferred from the Oakland Zoo in California. The journey to Tennessee took nearly 46 hours, with Osh transported in an air-conditioned trailer. Accompanied by two Oakland Zoo animal keepers and a veterinarian, the team made regular stops to check on him and ensure his wellbeing during the 2,250-mile trip.

Osh, weighing 15,000 pounds and standing over 11 feet tall, was the last elephant remaining at the Oakland Zoo. Elephants are social animals, so it was decided that Osh would benefit from being relocated to The Elephant Sanctuary, where he can interact with other elephants. The move was coordinated by the Oakland Zoo and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' African Elephant Taxon Advisory Group.

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is the nation’s largest natural-habitat refuge developed specifically for the care of African and Asian elephants. It spans over 3,000 acres and has cared for 33 elephants since its founding in 1995, and currently houses 12, including Artie, a 41-year-old African elephant. Two new 3,000-square-foot barns have been constructed to accommodate Osh and Artie.

Osh will reunite with Donna, another elephant from the Oakland Zoo who was transferred to the sanctuary last year. While the sanctuary is not open to the public, visitors can learn about elephants through interactive exhibits at The Elephant Discovery Center or watch the sanctuary’s elephants via a live-stream on its website.

The Oakland Zoo initially attempted to find companions for Osh in California, but after an extensive search, no suitable companions were found. This led to the decision to move him to Tennessee, where he can live in a more social and supportive environment.

Become a Mentor: tnAchieves Seeks Volunteers to Support College-Bound Students

tnAchieves, a statewide scholarship and mentoring program supporting Tennessee students pursuing higher education, is seeking over 1,000 volunteer mentors to meet student demand for 2025. With the registration deadline approaching next month, several counties in Middle Tennessee, particularly in the greater Nashville area, still have significant gaps in mentor recruitment.

Currently, the program has reached about 81% of its recruitment goal across the state. In Maury County, 88% of mentor spots are filled, leaving nine remaining. Meanwhile, counties such as Dickson, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, and Sumner have filled only 62-69% of their mentor vacancies.

tnAchieves aims to support first-generation and low-income students by connecting them with mentors who guide them through the college enrollment process. These mentors assist students by sending reminders, answering questions, and offering encouragement as they navigate important deadlines.

Volunteers do not need prior experience with college admissions to participate, as tnAchieves provides all necessary training, handbooks, and ongoing support. Each mentor is paired with 2-3 students and is asked to dedicate about one hour per month to their role. Mentors can choose which county and high school to serve and will begin meeting with their students in December, January, or February.

Those interested in becoming mentors must register by the November 15 deadline at tnAchieves.org/mentors.

Thai Restaurant Opening Today

Khao-Wan Thai Kitchen opens today at 11 AM just south of the square in downtown Columbia at 926 S. Main St.

The owner, Nui, is a passionate chef from Thailand who was taught from a young age by her mother. Together they sold simple street foods in Thailand. Nui has owned a successful restaurant in Washington state for 5 years, but now is the time for Columbia and we are grateful to have her!

They will be open for dine-in or take out. Go enjoy some tasty food and let’s welcome Nui to the neighborhood!

(Sponsor)

100+ DIY Projects For a Self-Sufficient Backyard

👆 Click to Learn More 👆

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, October 24th

Rhonda Funk, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Taylor Barton, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Murphy Ridge, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, October 25th

Ryan Keeler, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Ella & Blaine, Grinder's Switch, 7-9 PM
November Blue, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Lisa Law Trio, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
The Bald Kernal Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, October 26th

Braise Killen, Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
Box of Rox, Hampshire Hills Distillery, 3-6 PM
Willie Van Hook, Don Phillips & Donna Schaucher, Amber Falls Winery, 3-7 PM
TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
The Nature Project, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Stevierock, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Boomerang, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Black Hole Sons, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, October 27th

Jim Fox Trio, Amber Falls Winery, 1-3 PM
TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Mary Lou, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

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