Elephant hit by zookeepers headed for sanctuary

(El Paso, Texas-AP) -- An elephant that was seen on videotape being hit with an ax handle at the El Paso Zoo is going to a safe haven in Tennessee.<br><br>The incident involving Sissy the Elephant has

Monday, January 24th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(El Paso, Texas-AP) -- An elephant that was seen on videotape being hit with an ax handle at the El Paso Zoo is going to a safe haven in Tennessee.

The incident involving Sissy the Elephant has already forced the resignation of zoo director David Zucconi, who defended the actions
as a method of discipline. Zucconi used to head up Tulsa's zoo.

El Paso has also agreed to pay a five-thousand-dollar fine to the federal government.

The 38-year-old Asian elephant is on the road to the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee, which is a home for sick and old
elephants.

The videotape was shot when federal agriculture officials were investigating complaints of animal abuse at the zoo.