Happy Anniversary Shirley

This year we celebrate Shirley's 9th anniversary at The Elephant Sanctuary. For more information about our Asian herd matriarch, visit Shirley's bio page at http://www.elephants.com/shirley/shirleystart.htm

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• elephant
• sanctuary
• urban
• jenny
• hohenwald
• tennessee

[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.

[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."

[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!

[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.