Breaking Free from the Past Chains
My Chains Are Gone Cried the Elephant
Chains are used in a circus environment to reign in elephants. It doesn't seem totally cruel and unusual until you see the mental and physical impact on some of the creatures. One such incident happened at the Elephant Sanctuary this summer. Billie was an ex-circus elephant who was brought to the Sanctuary over five years ago.
For the past five years, this beautiful creature carried that rusty ankle bracelet as a reminder of her difficult past life. A reminder of the harsh treatment she endured as she would clink around the Sanctuary dragging her chains with her.
Almost every other elephant who arrived at the Sanctuary would allow the caregivers to remove their chains immediately but Billie appeared to be suffering from a lack of trust and each time the caregivers would reach out to her chain, she would back away.
Through a new technique brought to the Sanctuary this past summer, Billie became a participant in the Positive Contact (PC) program where the caregivers were able to win over her trust.
After many weeks in PC, Billie finally lifted her foot and allowed the caregivers to remove her chains. Billie had been set free. You can watch the You Tube video here.
When the chain falls to the ground, Billie picks it up for the briefest of moments but then quickly tossed it aside in search of more treats.
What you will not see on the video is what happened afterwards.
Billie went out in the fields in search of her friend, Frieda (another ex-circus elephant) and Billie woke her up. Several other elephants joined together in a "trumpeting/chirping reunion" according to Sanctuary caregivers.
Billie's story has a happy ending. Other elephants around the globe are not so lucky but since 1995, twenty-four elephants have found a home at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.
Since Billie's chain has finally been removed successfully, all of the elephants are living a chain-free existence.
Note: The Elephant Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Published by Michele Starkey
Optimist who enjoys writing, laughing and spreading good news. If I have but one life to live, I hope to make mine memorable. My epitaph will read: she lived, she loved, she left. View profile
- Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month: Shop for Animal RightsA list of cruelty clothing for sale that promotes animal rights in a peaceful and less controversial manner.
- Louisiana's Cruelty to Animal Laws and the Animals They ProtectCruelty to Animals Laws are in effect in Louisiana to protect animals from many types of torture and even death. The person or persons who are charged with this offense will face punishment if they are found guilty, b...
Bob Hope's 1978 Tribute to the World SeriesIn 1978, with the L.A. Dodgers in contention for the pennant, Bob Hope taped a two-hour salute to the World Series which was celebrating its 75th anniversary. Danny Kaye was his...
Cruelty to Horses and Rodeo Abuse!!Click on link to see video of Rodeo Cruelty.Could you send your horse to slaughter?- Teaching Kids to Be Kind to AnimalsChildren often treat animals the way they are treated. Children also may show love by hugging too vigorously or experiment by kicking or poking just to see what will happen. Help them find other ways to express their...
- The Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee
- Alice in Chains: New Album & Top AIC Songs
- The Top 10 Songs by Alice in Chains
- ASPCA Launches National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals Organization Present...
- Louisiana Law 14:102 Cruelty to Animals
- Tripp Isenhour is Facing Charges for Cruelty to Animals
51 Comments
Post a CommentVery touching. I agree with what Sherri said.
very powerful story, thanks Michele!
good report, thanks, Michele!
Would that all chains could be broken and cast away. I believe I saw Billie's story on the TV box. Always good to see freedom for animals and men.
I love the story.
I don't believe in chaining animals.
My husband often uses the fact that huge elephants are kept bound by a tiny stake or chain as an analogy in his sermons for the human condition, and the intangible things that may keep us in bondage!
A wonderful story, thanks!
cheers for Billy
I'm glad Billie let them finally do it, I watched the video and went to the website. You just don't think about those things when your at the circus. Thanks for the nice article.