This Heartfelt Reunion Between Two Former Circus Elephants Separated For Decades Will Make Your Eyes Water

Jul 18, 2018

We’ve all heard the saying that elephants have a great memory and never forget, but now we have a story to back up these claims.

The journey begins when a circus elephant, named Shirley, who has been retired, is on her way to Tennessee to live at The Elephant Sanctuary. When the sanctuary first opened, it was only 110 acres of land. Over time, the sanctuary has evolved to take up 2,300 acres. This sanctuary is possible with the aide of both Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency as well as the United States Department of Agriculture.

The caretaker from the circus who had been responsible for the care of Shirley was upset to see her leave, but noted happiness that the beautiful animal would now be free without chains.

When Shirley arrives at the sanctuary, staff and press are a little nervous to see how she will adjust to her new surroundings and react to other animals at the sanctuary. Fortunately, Shirley the elephant happily greeted the first animal she saw, another elephant, and everyone became optimistic about her future.

Jenny was also a circus elephant who had been retired and given to the sanctuary. When she returned to her enclosure that night, something remarkable began to occur. The staff noted hearing loud hoots and excited calls from the elephant.

When the staff went to check on the animals the next morning, they were shocked to see that the two elephants, Jenny and Shirley, had actually bent the fence made of steel that separated their enclosures in an attempt to be closer to each other. Once the staff opened the gate between them, the two retired circus elephants began embracing and hugging.

In a heartfelt turn of events, everyone begins to realize that Shirley and Jenny worked together in the same circus over 25 years prior to this moment. Jenny was sent to the circus when she was just a calf, but Shirley was already 20 years old when they met.

It’s likely that Jenny recognized Shirley as some type of adoptive mother figure from her circus days. They felt bonded because they were as close to family members as they could get in their situation. To have this beautiful reunion over two decades later is adorable and heartwarming, and must have given the animals much joy.

Today, the animals can be seen bonding with each other in their pasture of the sanctuary, embracing each other and speaking to one another. It’s important to remember that species outside of human beings are capable of love, friendship, and empathy. However, Shirley and Jenny’s remarkable story of the affection between two elephants is touching because it is so rare. The video captures the love between the two animals.

What’s your favorite part of Shirley and Jenny’s story? Spread this elephant-sized love to your friends and family to brighten their days!