Just for Elephants

Most elephants in America live in circuses and zoos, and their lives are very different from what they would be in the wild. But there's a very special place in Tennessee called the Elephant Sanctuary, where elephants can finally have the freedom to roam and have elephant friends. Why do elephants come to the Elephant Sanctuary, and what is their everyday life like there? Some are like Shirley, who performed in a circus before an injury forced early retirement and a transfer to a zoo. She lived at the zoo for many years and received good care, but she didn't have elephant friends. Then plans were made for Shirley to move to the Elephant Sanctuary, a place just for elephants. It was a big surprise to everyone when Shirley recognized another elephant when she arrived--they greeted each other with great excitement and joy and lots of trumpeting. Jenny had been a baby elephant at the circus where Shirley had worked so long ago. (Elephants do remember!) Shirley and Jenny spent that first night standing close, with their trunks wrapped around each other. And in the morning, Jenny led Shirley outside to explore the fields and ponds and woods and meet all the other elephants. Now Shirley has a special family, in a place just for elephants.

Publishers Weekly

In this celebration of one elephant's newfound freedom, the author chronicles the experience of Shirley, a recent arrival at Buckley's own Elephant Sanctuary. The photo-driven story brings readers along on Shirley's journey soon after she leaves her circus job, following an injury, and enters the sanctuary as her new home. While some of the larger pictures can appear slightly grainy or out of focus, the close-up photos will make readers feel as though they are right in step with Shirley, especially those that capture her happy reunion with Jenny, who had been a baby elephant in the circus where Shirley performed. The pachyderms' friendship paves the way for Shirley's acceptance among the other elephants, and some of the story's more engaging images depict Shirley frolicking about with her new herd. Even youngest readers will be able to intuit the anxiety Shirley faces on her first day in the wild, much like being the new kid in school. The closing pages offer more details on the sanctuary and its inspiration, as well as some charming traits of these pachyderm stars. Ages 8-10. (Nov.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Carol Buckley is the author of Travels with Tarra, which tells the story of her life with one elephant and her decision to co-found the Elephant Sanctuary with Scott Blais. The Elephant Sanctuary now provides a home for 19 elephants on 2,700 acres, and is making room for more elephants who need to live in a place just for elephants.