Anne, a senior elephant rescued from an abusive circus life, now enjoys a peaceful existence at Longleat Safari Park, thanks to the generosity of Daily Mail readers.
Despite being in her later years with arthritis, she spends her days enjoying warm showers, mental stimulation, and relaxing music.
Anne’s story gained national attention in 2011 when footage captured by animal rights activists revealed her cruel treatment in a Northamptonshire barn. Chained with shackles and beaten with a pitchfork, Anne became the subject of public outrage.
As a result, more than £400,000 in donations from Daily Mail readers helped relocate her to a state-of-the-art enclosure at Longleat.
Longleat’s staff has cared for Anne for the past decade, providing a tailored environment to support her health and well-being.
Her home includes heated floors, a private garden, and daily massages to ease her arthritis. Keepers have also devised games and challenges to keep her mentally engaged.
However, this week, a petition signed by over 403,000 activists called for Anne to be moved to a sanctuary in France, where she could enjoy warmer weather and interact with other elephants.
Some campaigners, including actress Joanna Lumley and organizations like Action for Elephants and Four Paws, describe her as “Britain’s loneliest elephant,” arguing that she would benefit from socializing with her kind.
In response, Longleat’s Head of Safari, Jon Merrington, defended the decision to keep Anne at the safari park, explaining that due to her age and arthritis, moving her would pose serious risks.
Independent experts have advised that transporting her could be dangerous, and integrating her with other elephants may not be in her best interest.
Anne, believed to be the oldest elephant in Europe, was brought to the UK from Sri Lanka around the age of five.
She was part of Bobby Roberts’s Super Circus for almost five decades, living in isolation from other elephants since 2001.
After the abuse footage surfaced, efforts were made to find her a suitable home, but most zoos declined, concerned about the danger of integrating her with their herds.
At Longleat, Anne has flourished in her purpose-built enclosure, which cost £1.2 million and is equipped with modern amenities to ensure her comfort. Her carers, who have formed a close bond with her, believe she is content.
They maintain that introducing her to other elephants or moving abroad could harm her health.
Despite these reassurances, the petition’s supporters continue to advocate for her relocation, believing she deserves a more natural environment and the companionship of fellow elephants.
Jon, however, emphasizes that Anne is used to her routine at Longleat and that experts carefully monitor her health.
He adds that while Anne’s longevity is remarkable, her current setup allows her to live out her remaining years in a stable, caring environment.
As debate continues over Anne’s future, one thing is clear: her story has captured the hearts of many, and her well-being remains a priority for those who look after her.