Is there a humane way to keep wild animals in captivity?
Director Lisa Leeman explores the issue in the new Oprah Winfrey Network documentary club selection One Lucky Elephant.
Director Leeman follows David Balding's multi-year quest to find an appropriate retirement home for his beloved circus elephant Flora.
Coexisting Peacefully
The backstory is the moral and ethical dilemma involving Balding's complex relationship with his "daughter". Should wild and dangerous animals be tamed for the purpose of entertainment and human companionship? What are the repercussions for both groups?
Animal activists have raged for years against the often cruel tactics used on large beasts to make them habitable with their two-legged friends.
While animal behaviorists, zoo keepers, and friends attest to the excellent treatment that Flora has received in Balding's care, the same group is quick to point out that violent episodes in Flora's past were most likely triggered by the aggressive way in which she was tamed.
While Flora has never been involved with the death of a human, she is responsible for severely injuring one woman. The point is clearly made that large animal conservation and human safety cannot be separated.
A Home for Flora
Flora's journey takes her on several stops including a Florida zoo and a Tennessee habitat.
When the film opens, Balding is a sixty-five year old whose health is beginning to fail. Faced with the realization that his star attraction is growing tired of performing and will likely outlive him by many years, he begins to look for a new home for her.
After a couple of false starts, Balding persuades the founder of The Elephant Sanctuary, Carol Buckley, to give Flora a forever home.
Located in Hohenwald, Tennessee, the 2,700 acre preserve is now home to both Asian and African elephants.
Balding's initial elation is soon replaced by hurt when he and Jackson disagree about what is best for the pachyderm.
As Balding's health continues to deteriorate, Flora begins to weigh more heavily on his mind. She is adjusting to his absence and living with other elephants for the first time in more than twenty years. Balding is not moving on quite so well.
The circus owner voices his many regrets over Flora. He chose to purchase Flora but not her sister. The other elephant died shortly after the separation. Flora's status as "only child" causes her to form a deep emotional attachment with Balding which is to her detriment. It is a painful adjustment when she must learn to live with other animals and without Balding.
In a year that celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the World Wide Fund, One Lucky Elephant is a thoughtful reminder of the importance of animal conservation - for humans and animals.
Teresa Wentz - Teresa Wentz holds a Master of Media Arts degree from the University of South Carolina. She has worked in various fields in the film ...
Join the Conversation