Two Asian elephants have died at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in less than a year. Rosie was euthanized in November 2024. Carina followed in July 2026, after what Busch Gardens described as a sudden health decline. Both were 54 years old. Former members of the elephant care team believe their deaths warrant a closer look at the conditions in which these animals lived.

According to an investigation by the Weeping Elephant Project, former Busch Gardens employees submitted formal complaints to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in October 2024. Those complaints described elephants subjected to chronic noise and vibration from fireworks, nearby roller coasters, and construction activity. Former staff also say they were discouraged from documenting how the elephants responded to these stressors. Elephants are among the most noise-sensitive animals in captivity, and chronic environmental stress is known to affect their health and behavior.

The investigation also describes a workplace culture in which some employees feared professional retaliation for raising welfare concerns, and significant staff turnover that left some animal care teams without experienced personnel.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay remains accredited by the AZA. Former employees and animal welfare advocates are calling for an independent investigation, greater transparency in how complaints against accredited facilities are reviewed, and concrete changes to protect the animals still in the park's care.

Sign to demand accountability for Carina, for Rosie, and for every animal currently at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.