Riddle’s Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary, located on 330 acres outside of Greenbrier (Faulkner County), is a haven for African and Asian elephants in need of sanctuary. Established in 1990 by Scott and Heidi Riddle, this sanctuary offers a permanent home for elephants, irrespective of their age, sex, species, health, or temperament. Whether they come from private owners, circuses, or zoos, these majestic creatures find solace within the sanctuary’s grounds.
A Place of Rescue and Rehabilitation
The sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, raises funds through grants and donations to provide care for the elephants. At any given time, they host up to a dozen elephants, with several baby elephants being born at the facility. One such baby elephant was Maximus, who was born at the sanctuary in 2003 and later gained fame as a star on Animal Planet’s television show, “Growing Up Elephant.”
Scott and Heidi Riddle, the founders of the sanctuary, met while working at the Los Angeles Zoo. Both passionate about elephant welfare, Heidi Riddle served on the board of directors and as the president of the Elephant Managers Association (EMA), where Scott Riddle was also a member.
Commitment to Research and Education
Riddle’s Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary actively participates in elephant research. The dedicated staff collects monthly blood samples from the elephants, contributing valuable data towards studying elephant diseases. The sanctuary is also involved in developing an elephant repellant, aiming to resolve conflicts between humans and elephants in various parts of the world. Over the years, science students from nearby Hendrix College in Conway (Faulkner County) have collaborated with the sanctuary on different projects. Dr. Keith Sutton, a biology professor at Hendrix College, worked closely with the sanctuary until his passing in 2001. As a tribute to him, the Riddles donated the skeleton of Kate, a former circus elephant euthanized due to a hip injury, to the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Life Sciences at Hendrix College.
A Sanctuary with Controversy
Like any organization, Riddle’s Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary faced its fair share of controversy. In 2004, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) raised concerns about allegations of mishandling elephants at the sanctuary, including incidents of beating a young elephant with a bullhook, poor foot care, insufficient drinking water, excessive chaining, and the use of electrical prods. In addition, critics claimed that the sanctuary allowed public access to the elephants and functioned more as a breeding operation rather than a true sanctuary for animals in need.
Connecting with the Community
Riddle’s Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary warmly welcomes visitors. On the first Saturday of every month, individuals have the opportunity to see the elephants up close by making a requested donation of $5 per person. Through their “Adopt the Elephant” program, people can contribute funds to support the elephants’ food and veterinary care. To further engage the community, the sanctuary hosts the Elephant Experience Weekend several times a year. This event allows participants to gain firsthand experience in caring for elephants and witness the daily efforts involved in their well-being. Additionally, during the Halloween season, Faulkner County residents are encouraged to donate leftover pumpkins and hay bales to Simmons First National Bank locations. These seasonal treats are then given to the elephants, providing them with a unique and enjoyable experience.
A Legacy Worth Remembering
After three decades of dedicated service, Riddle’s Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary closed its doors in 2020. Throughout its existence, it provided a safe haven for elephants in need, while also contributing valuable research and educational opportunities.
For additional information, refer to Dena Potter’s article, “Elephants, Guests Find Sanctuary in Ozarks,” published in the Chicago Tribune on December 25, 2009.