Tulsa Zoo Monitoring Elephant Tina After Uterine Infection Diagnosis

Veterinarians say aging Asian elephant remains active while staff manages complex reproductive illness.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Tulsa Zoo says one of its Asian elephants, Tina, is being closely monitored after veterinarians diagnosed her with a uterine infection linked to a chronic reproductive condition. Tina, who arrived at the zoo in 2025 from the Los Angeles Zoo, is being treated with antibiotics, but zoo officials say the condition is difficult to fully resolve due to Tina's advanced age and the complexity of treating large animals.

Why it matters

Caring for geriatric animals like Tina often requires constant monitoring and difficult decisions for zoos. The Tulsa Zoo's veterinary team is focused on providing individualized care and supporting Tina's wellbeing as they continue evaluating her condition.

The details

During routine checks, zoo staff noticed abnormal reproductive tract discharge in Tina. An exam and ultrasound revealed she had a uterine infection and fluid buildup. Treating uterine infections in elephants can be extremely difficult due to their large size, the positioning of their reproductive tract, and their advanced age. While antibiotics can help manage the infection, veterinarians say the condition is unlikely to be fully resolved.

  • Tina arrived at the Tulsa Zoo in 2025 from the Los Angeles Zoo.
  • Zoo staff recently noticed abnormal reproductive tract discharge during routine daily checks.

The players

Tina

An Asian elephant at the Tulsa Zoo who was recently diagnosed with a uterine infection.

Tulsa Zoo

The zoo in Tulsa, Oklahoma that is home to Tina and is closely monitoring her condition.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Zoo officials say they will continue to monitor Tina closely and adjust her treatment plan as needed to support her health and comfort.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges zoos face in caring for aging and geriatric animals, as they must constantly monitor their health and make difficult decisions to ensure the animals' wellbeing.