Shirley & Jenny's Reunion
Is it really YOU? Shirley and Jenny together again!
Jenny and Shirley were both at the same circus when Jenny was a calf
and Shirley was in her twenty's. They lived one winter together then were
separated twenty-two years ago. It is very rare for elephants to display this
kind of emotion in captivity, and it's probably the first time such
a thing has been documented on film.
Carol Buckley, Sanctuary Director, describes their reunion.
"Jenny came into the barn for the first time since Shirley's arrival
at around 7:00 p.m. There was an immediate urgency in Jenny's behavior.
She wanted to get close to Shirley who was divided by two stalls. Once
Shirley was allowed into the adjacent stall the interaction between
her and Jenny became quite intense. Jenny wanted to get into the stall
with Shirley desperately.She became agitated, banging on the gate and
trying to climb through and over.
After several minutes of touching
and exploring each other, Shirley started to ROAR and I mean ROAR—Jenny joined in immediately. The interaction was dramatic, to say the
least, with both elephants trying to climb in with each other and frantically
touching each other through the bars. I have never experienced anything
even close to this depth of emotion".
And then, they went outside...Let me show you where we live!
The story from Carol continues:
"We opened the gate and
let them in together....they are as one bonded physically together.
One moves, and the other shows in unison. It is a miracle and joy
to behold. All day yesterday (July 7) they moved side by side and
when Jenny lay down, Shirley straddled her in the most obvious protective
manner and shaded her body from the sun and harm. This relationship
is intense and resembles that of mother and daughter. We are so blessed.
Last night, July 7th, they
stayed out together—a first for Jenny. It was beautiful. Scott and
I brought out their PM and AM groceries and they are as content as two
peas in a pod!!! The joy in this sacred valley is almost overwhelming."
It's Home, Now
Shirley continues to enjoy life at the Sanctuary. She and Jenny are still inseparable and the best of buddies, whether in the field or in the pond.
What do you see, Shirley? Friends who love you and a place to be free!
The First Day of the Rest of Her Life...
Watch a video of Shirley and Jenny's amazing reunion.
