Solomon James , zoo elephant keeper in United States in United States dead 2022-03-09 in United States . Solomon James passed away on March 9 at the age of 69. He spent over two decades caring for Shirley the Elephant, who spent a large portion of her life at the Louisiana Purchase Zoo and Gardens in Monroe. Born in Franklin Parish, James and his family relocated to Monroe when he was 11. He attended Robinson Elementary School and graduated from Richwood High School. He joined the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in 1973. Over the next 22 years, James became Shirley the Elephant's principal keeper and caregiver. He remained in that capacity until her retirement to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee in 1999.
