'Grandma' Shirley is our oldest elephant at the Sanctuary, but she's also one of the strongest. You only have to look at Shirley's body to learn some of her story: an old, improperly healed break in her back right leg from being attacked by another circus elephant, a large section missing from her right ear, attributed to a fire on her circus ship that also left her with scars on her back, side, and feet. And after surviving all of that, she then spent 23 years in a zoo alone with no elephant companionship. Although her keeper cared for her deeply, the zoo realized that was not enough, and decided to retire her to the kind of life she truly deserved.
It was 11 years ago today that we were blessed with Shirley's arrival—an event for which we are ever grateful. Her emotional reunion with Jenny showed us just how strong and everlasting their bonds can be. Her gentle strength and wisdom led her to become a caring matriarch of a herd that united elephants from all different backgrounds. But the fact they were not related did not prevent Shirley from helping to shape the “Founding Herd” into a loving, bonded family.
Shirley has changed much since her arrival at the Sanctuary. She has softened a great deal and we expect it is partially due to the losses she experienced. With truly heartfelt emotions, there inevitably comes heartbreak, but the former always outweighs the latter. Since she has been here, among losing others, she has said goodbye to Jenny, whom she treated as a daughter, and Bunny, who was much more of a sister.
All of this is nothing to be sad about; these are part of Shirley's journey, part of her growth, and part of what makes her who she is today. She is even more nurturing now—more accepting, and for the remaining herd, those qualities are very important. They are again making her the perfect matriarch. Rest assured she is not sad—she always has a warm smile on her face—that is, unless she is wearing her mischievous one! She still rumbles, trumpets, and plays, and now she is sharing her gifts more often with the other Girls. And this includes teaching Tarra what it truly means to be a contributing member of the herd; perhaps shaping our youngest member of the Asian herd to take over her role some day.
Watching Shirley contentedly grazing alongside the lake with Tarra and Bella beside her, surrounded by trees and open skies, knowing the effect she has had on all those she has touched both near and far all these years, one realizes there isn't an ounce of sadness. She is where she belongs; Shirley and her sisters deserve every blessing that comes from every moment that she is here. Happy Anniversary, Shirley.
2010-07-06
