Anne, an elderly Asian elephant, slowly walks across the verdant grounds of her new home at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire.
Each step is careful, her back legs dragging and her breath coming in heavy, ragged bursts. Her once vibrant eyes now reflect years of hardship, and her skin is marked by age and wear.
Despite the visible signs of her struggles—cracked toenails and a tail reduced to a knobby stump from years of chewing—Anne appears to relish her newfound freedom.
As she ambles through her spacious enclosure, surrounded by flamingos and elands, she pauses frequently to bask in the sun, sample the grass, or scratch herself against a log. Her initial apprehension seems to be melting away with each passing moment.
This peaceful scene contrasts sharply with Anne’s previous life. For over five decades, she endured the harsh conditions of the Bobby Roberts Super Circus.
There, she lived in a grim metal compound, often subjected to mistreatment, including being shackled and physically abused by a cruel groom from Romania.
Anne’s plight was brought to light by Animal Defenders International through secret footage, prompting a significant public outcry and swift action from animal welfare experts.
Anne’s transition to Longleat was carefully managed. Accompanied by police, a private veterinarian, and an elephant specialist, she arrived in surprisingly good spirits for her age at the safari park. At 59, Anne has adapted quickly to her new surroundings.
She eagerly consumed large quantities of food, including hay, grain, apples, bananas, carrots, and even wine gums, all washed down with ample water. She also enjoyed a thorough bath from Longleat’s dedicated keepers.
Her new routine includes exploring a large sandpit, splashing in a shallow pond, and playing with a rubber tire.
Longleat’s staff are committed to letting Anne set her own pace, providing her with activities that match her energy levels and needs.
They plan to implement a treatment regime of hydrotherapy, dust baths, and physiotherapy tailored to her condition.
Anne will initially share her space with other animals in the coming months. Still, Longleat has ambitious plans for a custom-built enclosure with amenities such as a swimming pool, proper fencing, and ample space.
This new facility aims to offer a sanctuary for distressed elephants from across Europe and beyond, providing a refuge from mistreatment.
Anne’s journey from circus performer to retired sanctuary resident highlights her resilience and the deep emotional capacity of elephants.
As Longleat’s Director of Animal Operations, Jonathan Cracknell notes, “Elephants have emotions—they feel and remember things deeply, much like people.”
Anne’s new life at Longleat offers a hopeful end to her years of hardship. Her gentle nature and warm presence remind us of the need for compassion and respect for these majestic creatures.
As she adjusts to her retirement, the ongoing campaign for a dedicated elephant haven reflects a broader commitment to improving the lives of animals subjected to cruelty.
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