AUGUSTA — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration office in Augusta on Thursday confirmed that the federal agency is investigating the Sept. 9 death of James Laurita, who was crushed by one of his elephants after he fell and hit his head on the concrete walkway around the animals’ pen. Though no more details were […]
James Laurita
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Shelter director: Old friends trumpet arrival of Hope elephants in Oklahoma
HOPE — A week after Hope Elephants co-founder Jim Laurita’s sudden, tragic death in his elephant pen, the two Asian elephants he always called “his girls” are settling in at the Endangered Ark Foundation in Hugo, Oklahoma. Rosie and Opal left Maine over the weekend and were transported by truck nearly 2,000 miles to their […]
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Hope Elephants directors explain decision to return Rosie, Opal to herd in Oklahoma
HOPE — The Hope Elephants board of directors asked their supporters for time to mourn and regroup on Thursday, as they gave a more detailed explanation of why retired circus elephants Rosie and Opal will leave Maine following their handler Jim Laurita’s death in their pen earlier this week. “Our plan from the outset was […]
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After Hope Elephants founder’s death, Rosie and Opal going back to Oklahoma
HOPE — A day after Dr. Jim Laurita was crushed to death by one of his two retired circus elephants, the directors of his nonprofit agency announced that Rosie and Opal will be returned to the Oklahoma facility where they lived before he brought them to Maine. “Jim is truly irreplaceable, leaving a monumental hole […]