Happy Anniversary Shirley

[Alamanda206]

I've only just seen these videos of Shirley. [I was looking for info. for 'Sara' 54, who collapsed in a circus [Ringling?] - re older elephants, and if they can have good lives after 'the circus'. THANK YOU so much for these videos. They have warmed my heart.

[ejane4]

Bravo!

[Kynlos]

@elephantsanctuarytn You guys are gods amongst men. Keep up the beautiful work you are doing :)

[megaelectrolyte]

Oops I see the ship came from florida to canada 

[megaelectrolyte]

Do you know what I think Shirley could be considered Canadian right? She landed first in Canada? :)

[heaven0374]

I'm from Monroe and grew up seeing Shirley at our local zoo. She was definitely the highlight of the visit every time. It's so wonderful to see she is finally living the life she deserves. We miss her but know she is happy now. We love you, Shirley.

[shelbow300]

I had the privilege of befriending Shirley in the early 70s while working on an Antioch College video project documenting a 1-ring circus as it moved from town to town in Ohio.It was a thrill to ride in the back of the semi with her during one of those moves.I had no luck getting the footage from Antioch a few years ago and,sadly, Antioch has since closed so there's no chance of getting it now.I would have been nice to post it here,even if the video quality would have been lousy.

[onekinkstar]

I've often wondered about Shirley's longtime keeper, Solomon James, who traveled with her when she was brought HOME to the sanctuary. Has he ever been back to see her? Yes, I know visitors are not allowed, but it seems he might have a pass . . . He cared for her 22 years, so certainly she'd know him and be very excited to see him, much like her reunion with Jenny. It would be nice for both if they were allowed to see and touch each other up close again.

[elephantsanctuarytn]

@onekinkstar Solomon has been invited on several occasions but has not returned to visit Shirley--it has been his choice not to do so. After saying goodbye to Shirley, Solomon stayed on at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo and continued to care for other animals until his retirement in 2007.

[onekinkstar]

@elephantsanctuarytn Thank you so much for letting me know, and thank you . . . For The Elephants.

[elephantsanctuarytn]

@onekinkstar You're very welcome. We appreciate your support! For the thousands of Shirley's fans (including Solomon) she is always just an internet connection away—and these days she can often be spotted live on the Elecam, too.

[jmac10986]

One of the only names of the animals I remember from zoo camp as a kid... It is good to see Shirley has room to roam now and other "friends", besides Penelope the hippo, who was her next door neighbor.

[pauls72ful]

I remember as a young boy I visited Shirley often at Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. I'm very happy she has a great home.

[kellyasp52]

you go shirley....live it up....its the least you deserve

[ThePowerofElephants]

I hope Shirley will continue to thrive under good care in a good home.

[krissh14]

i love Shirley and Jenny. i saw them recently on these video clips. they two are diffrent from the rest. i dont know about Shirley's well being, i saw Jenny passed away in 2006. after more than 20 years, i dont know for how long did she get to spent some good time with Jenny.

[elephantsanctuarytn]

@krissh14 "Grandma" Shirley is still with us and is doing wonderful. Look for more recent videos of her on our YouTube Channel, including "Summertime at the Sanctuary" and "Shirley and Tarra Playing."

[putaface101]

@elephantsanctuarytn thank you for everything youve done. i cant stop crying. i am planning a protest here in chicago on opening night of ringling bros circus. i want all elephants to have a good life b4 they become 50.

[marlok1964]

Bless you all at The Elephant Sanctuary !! I have not been to a circus since 1990 and will never go to one as long as I live ...

[countdown2rapture]

It is incredible what these animals have endured, I salute you Shirley, you are a STRONG woman! 

[lindsayd50]

Fantastic sorty of Jenny and Shirley , i have just watched a programme on tv about it , great joy and sorrow aswell , wish i was in a finanial position to help out heaps but i will someday , keep up the good work work and io'd love to visit someday from Scotland ...keep up the wondeful work you are doing

[CDLver]

Thank you, ElephantSanctuary, for your selfless work to provide these stunning creatures with the dignity they so deserve.

[lynz45]

I was so touched to see this story about Shirley and her reuniting with her beloved Jenny. It makes me cry to this day everytime I see it. After learning about the Elephant Sanctuary I became a member, donated, both some t-shirts and the Tara & Bella book.  I will forever be grateful to the sanctuary for their love and dedication to these marvelous creatures. I hope I can visit there someday.

[spookypen]

I remember watching the PBS show about Shirley's journey to the Elephant Sanctuary and it really stuck with me all these years. Words fail at expressing how much that story affected me on a personal level. Thank you Shirley for being such a great inspiration to me.

[evelynjoyce]

Many happy returns, Shirley. You are a good friend.

[espeon222]

aww

[MYLANNZ]

I hope Mama Shirley will find a close companion and daughter after her beloved Bunny passes away into heaven's arms. Shirley has seen so much in her long life; she is so wise, strong and loving. She's weathered so many storms, lost so many loved ones. The loss of Bunny may kill her, but I hope it doesn't. Carol, Scott, all of TES, take special care of this special lady. She should become a Dame of the Empire if that were possible. I call her Mama Shirley, now she is Dame Shirley worthy of honor.

[agnespete]

The first time I saw this footage years ago, when Jenny and Shirley were reunited, my heart was in my throat. YES animals feel, YES animals remember. Help the Santuary with your support please! Thank you from all the elephants!

[hugwildlife]

Shirley is a proud lady, isn't she and a gentle matriarch?

[debsaypie]

I love the way they lovingly touch, hug, and caress each other. Shirley is amazing! I wish there was some way for Solomon to work at the Sanctuary to continue to be with Shirley. The passing of Jenny was untimely and sad; but I'm so glad they had their reunion and some time together to re-connect. The work of the sanctuary is so important, I urge everyone to support the sanctuary and write to your representatives to stop the abuse and exploitation of ALL animals in ALL forms! Do the right thing!

[Patimalove]

I can no watch Shirley without tear of joy...I love this girl.

Thank you, T Sanctuary...

[kern1952]

The PBS show about Shirley leaving the zoo for the sanctuary just won my heart for elephants and for this non-profit.

[suewalker11]

How lucky we are to have a safe haven for all theses girls, and now for Ned. The shear joy in watching all the elephants brings me peace. Thank you.

[shoppamomma]

On the wonderful day in July 2008, I had the honor of being a volunteer worker at the sanctuary. Although working shoulder to shoulder with Scott B., and meeting many outstanding people was fantastic, my secret happiness was knowing that I was sharing the same oxygen as Shirley, an elephant who lives in the hearts of many. Namaste, Shirley.

[Patimalove]

Happy Anniversary Shirley!

Love you! I know Jenny is always watching over you from heaven!

[stephenkingrocks]

Shirley is such a special lady. It warms my heart to see her at the sanctuary after her rough youth. I had already moved away when she was at the Louisiana Purchase Zoo but my brother remembers her.

God bless you for the work you do

[linksysrouted]

Wow, great channel

[MYLANNZ]

At 48 seconds that's my favorite elephant moment of all time! The "girls" together and so happy.

[Neeter40]

Shirely is awesome! Happy Anniversary! I am so happy that you and Jenny were reunited after so many years. I cry everytime I see the reunion.

[wisfamily]

Shirley! How amazing and WOnderful and Sweet..

How blessed you guys to be sble to be around her and work with her everyday... Thanks for posting!

[MYLANNZ]

I know how happy Shirley is in Sanctuary - but I also suspect that she misses her beloved daughter Jenny every single day. Shirley is so brave and so beautiful, and such a survivor, but Jenny left a piece of her heart with everyone, especially Shirley. Life goes on and I feel so honored to have been allowed to see Shirley and Jenny's story. If that's not love, then nothing is. Jenny was so joyful, so happy and so forgiving. What a lesson these girls are.

[wirramirra26]

What a lovely video, once again! Thanks TES! And blessings on Shirley!

[oldshirley]

Lovely video. I'm so glad Shirley and her dear Jenny had so many years together, before Jenny's death, at TES. Lots of elephant angels watching over their sisters with two new arrivals to help, Delhi and Queenie.

[callen16monroe]

I grew up with Shirley! I do miss visiting her when we go to the zoo, it so empty there now! Shirley thanks for the momories... Many many more Anniversarys to come!!

[callen16monroe]

i grow up with Shirley. I DO MISS SEEING HER when we visit our zoo! Its is so empty there.. Thanks for the memories Shirley!!

[libover30]

It brought tears to my eyes to see this beautiful creature who has endured so much finally after all of those years have the life that should have been hers all along. I can only hope that other's of her own kind will one day find the love and respect that Shirley has found.

I love to see the dogs running around with these girls.

[MARIOKC1]

Happy Anniversary Shirley loved it and love you shirley and heres to many more!!!

[lnshr10]

Happy Anniversary Shirley.....and many, many more years....and pray more of your sisters get to come to this wonderful place.

Starting with Jenny...who hopefully will not shipped off to Mexico...

[onekinkstar]

She's obviously so happy there at HOME. Thank you for sharing her joy. ♥

[quextico]

Happy Anniversary, Shirley...with many more peaceful, love-filled years to come. Thank you, everyone at ElephantSanctuary for the wonderful (and unfortunately necessary) work you do.

[justmetay]

What a touching video! Once again, you've made this animal lover all misty eyed.

Thank you for giving Shirley her heaven on earth. What you all do at the sanctuary is beautiful. Thank you.