Sixteen years have passed since circus producer David Balding adopted Flora, the orphaned baby African elephant. As Flora approaches adulthood, David realizes that she is not happy performing. Ultimately, he must face the difficult truth that the circus is no place for Flora; she needs to be with other elephants. The road to Flora’s retirement, however, is a difficult and emotional journey which tests their bond in unexpected ways. “One Lucky Elephant” eschews easy sentimentality and doesn’t shy away from examining the problems and mysteries posed by keeping wild animals in captivity, while never losing sight of the delicate love story between a man and a 10,000 pound elephant, who share feelings of loyalty, sorrow, admiration and joy. The film is suitable for children, 10 and older.
“The thinking person’s DUMBO. A parable of pachydermish proportions. A profoundly anti-Disney type of animal story, that forsakes romance for tough reality.”
– John Anderson, Variety
“A timely, emotionally engaging look at interspecies bonds. ONE LUCKY ELEPHANTis a story of love and heartache and second chances. Impressive and affecting.”
– Sheri Linden, Hollywood Reporter
Release Date: 2011
Director: Lisa Leeman
Screenwriter: Lisa Leeman, Cristina Colissimo
www.oneluckyelephant.com
Watch One Lucky Elephant
Premieres December 1st 9/8c
On OWN
Birthday: March 3, 1982
Birthplace: Zimbabwe, Africa
Birth status: Wild born, orphaned when she was 2
Current Height: 8′ 9″
Current Weight: 10,125 lbs.
Favorite Food: Watermelon
Flora was born in Zimbabwe on the African continent at a time when the elephant population was being decimated by ivory poachers and government sanctioned cullings. Flora lost her mother and her entire family, and was relocated to the United States where she was purchased by and elephant broker. Upon her arrival in America, Flora was adopted by David Balding, who became her guardian and surrogate “mother”. Flora soon found herself at the center of a circus that still bares her name. Flora performed in the circus for over 18 years, and while an assortment of human and animal friends provided a sense of a family life, David soon realized that she needed to be with other elephants.
If you are interested in ways to help support Flora please visit Ahali Elephants, the volunteer non-profit that was founded to care for her future: Ahali Elephants