Dr. James Laurita, 56, who founded the non-profit group Hope Elephants, was found dead on Tuesday, September 9, 2014. Hope Elephants, located in Hope, Maine, is a sanctuary for retired circus elephants.
According to the state medical examiner’s office, it appeared that Dr. Laurita fell in the elephant corral and hit his head on the cement floor. Additional injuries were considered to be consistent with being stepped on by an elephant.
Jim earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University and has many years of experience working with elephants in the U.S. and conducting independent research with elephants in India. In 2011, Jim sold his thriving veterinary practice in Camden, Maine to focus his full attention on establishing Hope Elephants. He is overjoyed to have taken on a few mammoth roles: 24/7 elephant caregiver, enthusiastic educator of students and adults regarding the importance of wildlife conservation, and energetic collaborator with like-minded organizations worldwide. Dr. Jim and his family live just steps away from the elephant facility. From Dr. Laurita’s biography on the Hope Elephants official website.
