Debbie, Ronnie, Lottie and Minnie on Feb. 8, 2006
It is hard to believe that we've just passed the 5-year anniversary of the monumental arrival of the Hawthorn elephants. During those days in late January and early February 2006, as we transported them two by two from Illinois to Tennessee, we knew them only by name: Minnie, Lottie, Ronnie, Debbie, Queenie, Liz, Billie and Frieda. Who they were as individuals was a complete mystery waiting to unfold.
Initially in their new home, they were "dysfunction junction"—8 circus elephants arriving within just 2 weeks—learning what to do with their instant freedom and space free from chains, how to act in a group unsupervised by dominant trainers, and how to make sense of this new lifestyle inside and out. Often times when the elephants seemed to be embracing it all at once, we wondered if they expected this dream vacation to end and were determined not to waste a single moment of their freedom. For the entire herd, there were a few weeks of peace mixed with the occasional struggle as we watched them separate into their areas of comfort. Some liked to wander, while others felt more secure close to the barn. Some liked to play while others just wanted to chill out. Eventually they each found their way, separating themselves into smaller groups where they could relax and begin to heal.
Looking back over the years, it is easier to put the pieces together, witnessing all their little shifts and changes that would evolve or emerge as their true personalities. There were soft moments from Billie early on that gave us glimpses of what resides in her sheltered core. Five years later she is still unfolding, each week allowing us to see a little more of the real Billie.
Then there are Ronnie's radiant eyes that simply tell us how much she loves life—no part of it more than standing next to her best friend, Debbie. Very few things take place without Ronnie and Debbie joined at the hip. Debbie—sweet, steady, stable Debbie—who walks through life with an unassuming grace. Out of all of our Divas, Debbie appears to have found the ability to truly live in the moment—it is all about right now. It seems that we sometimes have the most to learn from the ones that say the least.
Then there is Minnie. Whatever did Minnie do before all these acres of pastures, ponds, trees, fences and culvert pipes to act upon? We believe she is finally realizing that she has more work to do tempering her play to help her become a true member of the herd. This is no easy feat for an elephant like Minnie who has an unyielding energy and is determined there is always time for a little more fun. Although the other elephants are sometimes a little guarded when Minnie starts to whirl around and go into play-mode, it does make for some very entertaining Elecam moments.
Five years later, we find Lizzie fighting through a very challenging treatment of Tuberculosis. Even in the darkest parts of this journey she still takes time to play with her sweet sisters. While treatments are still ongoing, we see a little more of our "old" Lizzie returning now—more vocal and always ready to be the middle of a Billie and Frieda sandwich.
Frieda is such an inspiration—suffering from advanced osteomylitis in her front feet, yet if you didn't watch her walk, you wouldn't have a clue, because she is always smiling with her eyes, and always ready to sing with her friends. Frieda helps look after Liz not only when Liz is feeling poorly, but also to provide the perfect belly scratch as Frieda settles in for long naps outside. Liz still moves in to shade Frieda from the sun, slowly stepping over Frieda's back legs, then side stepping to find the perfect height of Frieda's recumbent body to tend to her own, itchy underside.
Of course we would be remiss if we did not also take some time to remember Queenie and Lottie—both passing on far too soon. Queenie was a perpetual ball of play. With her adorable little round body always on the move, swimming, foraging, grazing and playing—using any excuse to spin, trumpet and squeak. She was a bundle of joy. There is a saying about not arriving to the heavens clean cut and well preserved— it is about sliding into home plate face first in a cloud of dust saying, "Oh what a ride." That was our Queenie. Almost always covered in mud, seldom quiet and always smiling. And dear Lottie, we still miss you like it was yesterday; stoic and radiant, touching all of those around you with your calming presence, and walking through life with a sense that the world is good. Thank you for all of the lessons you taught us. We will endeavor to follow your example as we honor your spirit.
Five years later, we are all reminded how grateful we are for these 8 beautiful Girls, not only to be blessed to observe their wonders of change, but that we have been given the capacity to offer them this life… to provide them with Sanctuary.