On Monday, I wrote a diary about Shirley, a 70 y/o Asian elephant that lived most of her life in captivity, until she was brought to the Elephant Sanctuary, to live her last years in sanctuary, free to do as she pleased, in the company of other elephants. Of course, the Elephant Sanctuary does provide care for her, so her life isn’t free of human contact. But she isn’t subject to the will of the public, her life isn’t impacted by our desires to see her and be in her presence.
More below.
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The Elephant Sanctuary announced her ‘birthday’ a few weeks ago. I have not read any discussion of this, but I think it unlikely that her actual date of birth is known. She arrived at the Elephant Sanctuary on July 6, 1999, and I think that is why July 6 is regarded as her ‘birthday.’
Since I am on the email list for the Sanctuary, I received an email about a special ‘surprise’ they prepared for her for that occasion.
I posted a video with the Monday diary, of Shirley’s arrival at the Elephant Sanctuary. Her chains were removed for the last time, and the gentleman rejoicing at that removal is shown, but … I did not understand his relationship with her. For the preceding 22 years, he had been her ‘keeper.’ He was not an Elephant Sanctuary employee or resident.
The ‘surprise’ prepared for Shirley was the return of this man, Solomon James.
From their email (sorry I cannot link to it):
A Birthday Reunion — 19 Years Later
As Solomon walked up to the fence line and began talking to Shirley, she turned her head in his direction and held both ears out, listening intently. After a while, Shirley came toward the fence and gently accepted produce from Solomon with her trunk (watch below).
Here is a video of that.
I’m pleased to note his ongoing feeling for her. I share it.
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