Shirley the elephant hasn’t had an easy life – but finally, things are starting to look up.
Shirley was brought over to America in the 1960’s after being captured in Asia, a history of performing in the circus, and surviving a boat fire. She continued performing in the circus until another elephant attacked her and broke her leg, which healed poorly. They soon realized she couldn’t perform in the circus anymore, and the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo agreed to take her in.
What they didn’t understand in the early 80’s is that elephants need other elephants around them to be happy. According to Elephants in Canada, the proper social environment is critical to elephants – they recommend no fewer than 3 elephants living together.
Click next page to watch video
