mstang, check this out ...
http://www.elephants.com/
The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, TN is just about 18 miles from where I live! It's a FANTASTIC place, run entirely on donations. It's way out in the country and not open to the public. They take 'retired' elephants from circuses or carnivals, those that have been abused or mistreated, and let them live out their lives roaming around and living free in the company of other elephants, the way they were supposed to. They are very well fed and cared for and have a heated barn they can go in to when it's cold. The same vet that takes care of my dogs also volunteers his services at the Sanctuary, so now he takes care of dogs, cats, horses, cows ... and ELEPHANTS!