Just for Elephants

by Carol Buckley

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. 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Nature

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 2006

Reviews

[Mischenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my Q&A including updates with Carol Buckley and learn more about Tarra at www.readrantrockandroll.com

Just for Elephants by Carol Buckley is a book about Shirley the elephant. She’s spent many years of her life in a zoo and will now be transferred to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. The story covers her traveling experience to her new destination, first days at her new home, and relationships she builds with the other elephants.

This is a great story about Shirley and after reading so many books on Tarra, it was nice to learn about another elephant’s story and introduction to the Elephant Sanctuary. It’s written well and once again, the photography pulls you in and readers will see just how wonderful and majestic these beings are. I’m thoroughly amazed at how loving elephants are towards each other and how these family relationships are necessary for their happiness. They typically have to have a ‘bestie’, are a lot like humans with their emotions, and grieve like we do.

The back of the book contains information about how the Elephant Sanctuary got started, how the elephants are cared for, why there are only females, and other facts. I highly recommend this book for classrooms and libraries. Anyone who loves animals will enjoy it.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooray for Tilbury House! They publish wonderful books, books that have important messages and entertainment value too. This is an outstanding and emotionally moving book.

It’s about The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, U.S.A., www.elephants.com, and there is apparently an “elecam” there, which is terrific because the sanctuary is not open to the public.

The story of this sanctuary is told via the lives of its elephants, in particular Shirley, and Jenny.

I detest circuses and zoos, and am saddened at the horrendous quality of life elephants experience in those settings. It was so uplifting to read about the elephants who get to live in this sanctuary. Unfortunately, very few animals can reside there. But, I’m hopeful that this book will contribute to educating people of all ages about elephants and their needs, and what lovely creatures they are. The more people who are aware, the fewer captive elephants there will be; I do believe that.

The photographs in this book are remarkable. From the inside covers which are one photo of close up elephant skin, to the various photos of elephants close up eye to entire elephants, especially in the photos that show elephants relating with one another, I was in awe and thrilled to view the photos, and I’ll bet it’s well worth taking a look at the “elecam” at the website.

This is mostly a happy book that doesn’t focus on the atrocities captive elephants experience. The sad backgrounds of the featured elephants are mentioned, but mostly in passing. The bulk of the book relates the contented lives, nurturing and care received, and family companionship these sanctuary elephants have.

Of course, for readers who are aware of the horrible conditions of virtually all captive elephants, seeing these particular elephants not in the wild but in a good situation is a reminder that not all elephants are so fortunate. Hopefully, reading about Shirley, Jenny, and the rest of their family, and knowing the good work done by the humans who provide them this home, will be inspire some to do similar good work, and I hope this sanctuary gets monetary donations because of this book; it does cost money to keep animal sanctuaries going.

4 ½ stars

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carol Buckley, whose first pachyderm-focused picture-book, Travels with Tarra (published in 2002), set out the early life of her own beloved Tarra, who became the first resident of the elephant sanctuary Buckley subsequently established in Tennessee, here relates the story of Shirley, another survivor of circuses and zoos, who came to the sanctuary in 1999. Having endured mistreatment, injury (her leg was broken, after another elephant in the circus attacked her), and years of isolation at a zoo, Shirley found a society of her peers at the sanctuary, and was joyfully reunited with Jenny, a pachyderm pal from years before. Here, in the peace and quiet of Tennessee, Shirley discovered the freedom and friendship she'd always been denied, and a place to call home. A place 'just for elephants.'

As a confirmed elephant lover - a 'pachyderm person' - I was pretty much guaranteed to love any story in which a lonely elephant, older and broken down from years of mistreatment, finds a happy home at last, and sure enough, I found myself tearing up, as I read Just for Elephants on my commute this morning. Anyone with a heart will be moved by this poignant story, and young animals lovers in particular - don't all children adore elephants? I know I did! - will enjoy learning about Shirley's journey to a brighter future. Highly recommended to all elephant lovers, along with Buckley's other titles, Travels with Tarra and Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends !

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having read Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends, I just had to run out and get this book!

I'm not sure the telling of this tale was quite as amazing as "Tarra and Bella" but it's still an incredible true story about elephant Shirley, who comes to the Elephant Sanctuary so that she can live with other elephants.

It's an interesting tale and animal lovers (like myself) will delight in the process of getting Shirley to the Elephant Sanctuary as well as her first day there.

There's a surprising moment about half way through that is so sweet and touching and which sets the rest of the book off and running (I won't divulge it, but I think it shows another amazing thing about elephants and friendship!).

While the photographs are nothing amazing in of themselves, they do help illustrate the story, and are definitely adequate!

Definitely recommended!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved reading about the relationships of the elephants in this true story. Your heart will melt learning about an elephant sanctuary in Tennessee where these older zoo and circus creatures can live out their final days, free to roam. My four year old son of course wanted to visit after our reading, but it is not open for the public.

I just had to learn more about this and upon visiting the website, http://www.elephants.com, I discovered they now have a welcome center where you can learn more about these fascinating creatures. This is definitely worth a read!

A Smithsonian "Notable Books for Children" (2006) and winner of the National Association for Humane and Environmental Education’s KIND Children's Book Award.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE ELEPHANTS! This true story is one that should convince skeptics that elephants have emotions, awareness of others and themselves, family connections they cherish, and that they are animals deserving - and in need - of protection and care.
Shirley was taken to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee to live well for the rest of her life. There she was reunited with Jenny with whom she had connected many years before when Jenny was a baby elephant. Now they are together again and Shirley has a family.

Great story told by the caregiver who knows them, and with photos for illustrations.

[Mommooshka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Builds sensitivity in kids for treating all animals with respect and thinking of ourselves as being their caretakers, not owners.

It is also educational about the needs of elephants besides food and water, as well as an introduction to their complex emotions and social relationships.

[Ginger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting discussion of an elephant sanctuary. Good photographs.

[Amy]

From Aunt Ellen

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book!!!!!

[Dr. Cheryl S. Vanatti]

Read my thoughts over on Reading Rumpus: https://www.readingrumpus.com/2009/09...