Learning Center

READING LIST

We've curated a reading list that helps students understand and contribute to elephant welfare.

Books by Carol Buckley

Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best FriendsIn January 2009, the story about the unique and enduring friendship between The Elephant Sanctuary inspiration and first resident Tarra, a 35-year-old Asian elephant and Bella, a rescued mixed-breed dog, became a media sensation around the world. The story of these two Sanctuary best friends was first broadcast on CBS News, and then featured on newscasts, and internet sites around the world. In Carol Buckley's third picture book, she tells the story of how these two very different animals formed an unlikely yet indelible bond. Readers of all ages will find Tarra and Bella to be truly an inspiration to us all. Reading level: Grades 3-6 Hardcover, 32 pages, Full Color Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons

Just for Elephants Shirley, an elderly former circus elephant who had suffered a debilitating leg injury that forced her retirement, lived alone at a small Louisiana zoo for twenty-three years. When the zoo decided Shirley needed to live with other elephants, she moved to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, the nation’s first natural habitat refuge for old and sick elephants. On her first day at the Sanctuary, Shirley is welcomed by the other elephants and has an emotional reunion with Jenny, a younger elephant with whom she worked in the circus two decades before. Shirley will never be alone again and, together, she and Jenny begin a new life. Reading level: Grades 3–6 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers

Travels with Tarra They met when Carol Buckley was a college student studying the care of exotic animals and Tarra was the tiny mascot for a tire company. Carol soon took over Tarra’s care and eventually she was able to buy the young elephant. Together they toured the U.S. and Canada performing with various circuses and theme parks and Tarra won fame as the world’s only roller skating elephant. But after fifteen years of traveling and performing, Carol knew it was time for Tarra to retire and live as natural an elephant life as possible. This led her to buy land in rural Tennessee, and Tarra became the first resident of The Elephant Sanctuary. Reading level: Young Adult Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers

Books by Other Authors

An Elephant's Story By Jamie Renee Heraver Grades: K-6 Genre: FictionA young girl has a magical connection with an elephant while visiting a sanctuary and suddenly realizes she can hear his thoughts. She learns what the life of a working elephant is like as he shares his life story with her. One of redemption and love, this book will empower readers to think compassionately with an open heart toward all living beings as they are invited to see the world from the eyes of an elephant. The book closes with a special resource section for parents and leaves readers of all ages feeling empowered and motivated to help make the world a better place for elephants!

Beyond Words: What Elephants and Whales Think and Feel  (A Young Reader's Adaptation)By Carl Safina Grades: 3-7 Genre: Non-FictionFollow researcher Carl Safina as he treks with a herd of elephants across the Kenyan landscape, then travel with him to the Pacific Northwest to track and monitor whales in their ocean home. Along the way, find out more about the interior lives of these giants of land and sea―how they play, how they fight, and how they communicate with one another, and sometimes with us, too. Weaving decades of field research with exciting new discoveries about the brain and featuring astonishing photographs taken by the author, Beyond Words: What Elephants and Whales Think and Feel gives readers an intimate and extraordinary look at what makes these animals different from us, but more important, what makes us all similar.

Chained By Lynne Kelly Grades: 4-6 Genre: FictionAfter ten-year-old Hastin's family borrows money to pay for his sister's hospital bill, he leaves his village in northern India to take a job as an elephant keeper and work off the debt. He thinks it will be an adventure, but he isn't prepared for the cruel circus owner. The crowds that come to the circus see a lively animal who plays soccer and balances on milk bottles, but Hastin sees Nandita, a sweet elephant and his best friend, who is chained when she's not performing and hurt with a hook until she learns tricks perfectly. Hastin protects Nandita as best as he can, knowing that the only way they will both survive is if he can find a way for them to escape.

The Elephant Letters: The Story of Billy and Kani By G. A. Bradshaw Grades: 4-6 Genre: FictionThe Elephant Letters tells the moving story of Billy and Kani, two African Elephants. While they were born on the same day, the two young cousins live very different lives. Kani roams the Kenyan savanna with wild Elephant herds, struggling to survive the onslaught of poachers and other humans. His cousin Billy lives in a zoo facing loneliness and hardship after being orphaned and taken from Africa. The cousins’ letters to each other over the years provide a unique, inside view of Elephant lives that invites children and adults around the world to learn about Elephants and how they can help save this magnificent species.

The One and Only Ivan By Katherine Applegate Grades: 4-6 Genre: FictionHaving spent twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes. In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create an unforgettable story of friendship, art, and hope.

The Elephant Doctor of India By Janie Chodosh Grades: 4-7 Genre: Non-FictionThe true story of the last viable Asian elephant population and the man dedicated to saving them. Dr. Konwar Sarma is an honored member of Elephant Aid International's Advisory Council.Early on a January morning in 2015, a young bull elephant touched on a sagging electric line in the Paneri Tea Plantation in the Udalgari District of Assam, India. The elephant’s soft-padded feet conducted the current and the animal fell, kicking in the mud. The local veterinarian called to the scene thought the tusker was going to die. The forest department warden called the one person who could help: Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma, India’s beloved elephant doctor. The Elephant Doctor of India brings the middle-grade reader into the heart of Assam, a remote land of tea plantations, paddy fields, and ancient forests, to tell the true story of the last viable population of Asian elephants and one man who is dedicated to saving them.

Small as an Elephant By Jennifer Richard Jacobson Grades: 5-6 Genre: FictionEver since Jack can remember, his mom has been unpredictable, sometimes loving and fun, other times caught in a whirlwind of energy and “spinning” wildly until it’s over. But now she is gone, leaving him all alone on a campsite in Maine. Can he find his way back to Boston before the authorities realize what happened? With nothing but a small toy elephant to keep him company, Jack begins a journey that will test his wits and his loyalties — and his trust that he may be part of a larger herd after all.

An Elephant in the Garden By Michael Morpugo Grades: 5-8 Genre: FictionLizzie and Karl's mother is a zoo keeper; the family has become attached to an orphaned elephant named Marlene, who will be destroyed as a precautionary measure so she and the other animals don't run wild should the zoo be hit by bombs. The family persuades the zoo director to let Marlene stay in their garden instead. When the city is bombed, the family flees with thousands of others, but how can they walk the same route when they have an elephant in tow, and keep themselves safe? Along the way, they meet Peter, a Canadian navigator who risks his own capture to save the family. Inspired by a true story.

Elephant Talk By Ann Downer Grades: 6-9 Genre: Non-FictionOn a hot day in the African savannah, a group of elephants searches for food. While foraging they often lose sight of one another. Yet at the end of the day, in one coordinated movement, the elephants suddenly regroup. This coordinated movement—and others like it—has puzzled scientists and caused them to question how elephants communicate with each other. Since the 1990s, scientists have gathered significant data on elephant “talk.” Biologists have determined that elephants use a complex system of communication of at least ten distinct sounds, combined in many variations. Researchers are now asking: what do these sounds mean? As scientists study the elephant sounds that humans can hear, they are also identifying ways elephants communicate through nonverbal behaviors and making sounds too low for human ears. Scientists have realized that elephants even receive messages by using their sensitive feet to feel vibrations in the ground. All of these discoveries are helping elephant researchers better understand elephant behavior. But the elephant’s time as a wild animal is running out. Threatened by habitat loss and illegally hunted for their ivory tusks, elephants are on the brink of extinction. Will understanding elephant talk be the key to saving the species?

The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild (A Young Reader's Adaptation) By Lawrence Anthony Grades: 6-9 Genre: Non-FictionWhen Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a rogue herd of elephants in his reserve in South Africa, it was the last chance for these elephants. If Anthony didn’t take them, they would be shot. But he had no experience with elephants at all. What was he to do? Take them on, of course! What follows is an exciting and heartwarming series of adventures, in which Anthony learns about elephants and becomes part of their family. Full of both triumph and tragedy, The Elephant Whisperer, is a fascinating and unforgettable account of living with the majestic elephant.

Learn how you can make a difference and promote elephant welfare.

WHAT YOU CAN DO!

Want to help elephants around the world? There is so much you can do at home!

1. Pick one of EAI’s projects and learn all about it!EAI runs different projects in Asia and North America. These projects include:
   • A new home for elephants in Georgia called Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA)! This is where elephants can just be elephants--no chains, no cages, no tiny yard, just 850 acres of natural habitat in which to thrive.
   • Training the people who take care of elephants! These caretakers are called mahouts (mah-howts), and EAI is helping them learn how to take care of elephants in new ways that help the elephant feel safe.
   • Getting rid of chains! Most elephants live with chains around their feet to keep them from running away, meaning that much of their day is spent standing still in one small spot, often alone. Can you imagine that? In Asia EAI builds fences powered by the sun so that elephants can spend the time they are not working in a chain-free corral, or yard, with their friends.
   • Cutting elephant toenails! Although wild elephants do not need to cut their nails, captive elephants do. EAI has developed a program to teach caretakers how to properly take care of those big elephant feet and stay healthy. Have you ever heard of a pedicure? Imagine that in jumbo size!
   Think about how you can share what you learn! Here are some ideas:
   • Tell your friends and family why you are so interested in helping elephants. Maybe they will be interested too!
   • Ask your teacher if you can do a class presentation or a report on one of these projects
   • Perform a play! If you like acting with your friends, why not ask your teachers if you can write and perform a play about elephants to let others know about the problems they face? One idea could be about an elephant in captivity who is released into a refuge. This could be just for your class or the whole school. Ask your teachers what is possible!
   • Become an EAI Elephant Ambassador. Just click the EleAmbassador tab above to learn more.

2. Start a fundraiser for EAI! If you collect enough donations, Carol Buckely will schedule a Zoom call with your classroom.
3. Follow EAI on Youtube. There are lots of cool videos showing many of these projects and how happy the elephants are! You can also see a behind-the-scenes tour of ERNA getting ready for elephants. There are also video clips from the documentary Unchained, which follows our chain-free project in Nepal. You can also share the videos with your friends.
4. Read one of EAI’s book recommendations. Carol has written some of her own, and we have recommendations for all age levels. Just click on the Reading List tab above.
5. Have you been to a zoo? Imagine you are an elephant in one--wouldn’t you rather have more space to roam? Write your local zoo to express why you are concerned by their elephants in captivity. These should be your own words about why you hope the elephants can retire to a refuge and be free.
6. Have you ever been to a circus? Were there elephants performing in the circus? If so, what did you think of the elephants performing (or how did it make you feel)? Some states in the US have banned the use of elephants in circuses. Write your local representative to express your concern.
7. Ask your teacher if you can hang up your own drawings of elephants in your classroom and ask your friends to draw their own.

PROJECTS

Here you will find a variety of inspirational projects about elephants from students and EAI Elephant Ambassadors around the world.

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Bryce St. Onge, 4th grader from Windsor Elementary School in Maine, is the initiator of this youth program and the very first EleAmbassador. Bryce’s project included inviting EAI Founder and CEO Carol Buckley to Zoom with his class and leading a hat day at his school to raise funds for EAI’s 2021 elephant welfare work in Nepal. Bryce’s class designed posters to inform students about EAI and raised $250.

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Haley Militzok, 6th grader from Beachside Montessori Village in Florida, created note cards from an original watercolor elephant she painted to sell to family, friends, classmates and teachers to raise money to donate toward items on EAI’s Wish List. Haley now partners with EAI to make her notecards available through the Tarra’s Treasure Trunk gift shop.

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Aziza King, Leah Grant, Akela Mitchell, 8th graders from Windsor Elementary School, Windsor, Maine, put together a very informative presentation on Nepal including information on the first female mahout, Meena Chaudhary.

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Ayla Noftall, 8th grade student from Windsor Elementary School, Windsor, Maine, created an inspiring presentation showcasing the difference between elephants in the wild and elephants in captivity.

EAI ELEPHANT AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

An ambassador serves the distinguished role of representing the interests of a country or a cause wherever they go. An EAI Elephant Ambassador commits to officially represent the best interests of elephants at all times and to help others understand how important these interests are. Anyone who takes on the role of EAI Elephant Ambassador commits to promote the Five Freedoms of Elephants and to educate others about them.

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst
2. Freedom from discomfort
3. Freedom from pain, injury, and disease
4. Freedom to express normal behavior
5. Freedom from fear and distress

By promoting the welfare of elephants in their communities, EAI Elephant Ambassadors do the important work of improving the lives of elephants worldwide. Ambassadors are provided with an official certificate from EAI in recognition of their work and commitment.

Meet EAI's First Elephant Ambassador

EAI is thrilled to introduce you to our very first EleAmbassador, Bryce St. Onge! Bryce is a 4th grader from Windsor Elementary School. He has had a love and passion for elephants since he was very young and is dedicated to making life better for these magnificent creatures. Bryce’s project included inviting Carol Buckley to zoom with his class! Carol read her book, Tarra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends and then answered questions. Next with the help of his teacher, Mrs. Coitrane, Bryce held a hat day at his k-8 school to raise funds for Carol’s recent trip to Nepal. Bryce’s class designed posters to inform the students about the trip and what Carol would be doing. His school raised $250! Way to go Bryce! We are proud to have you representing EAI as an EleAmbassador!

You Can Be an EleAmbassador

To become an ambassador, check out our Make a Difference section and choose an activity. Once you complete the activity, fill out the form below and include a description, photo, or video of what you have done. You will then receive an official certificate in the mail for you to show your friends and classmates!

How to Submit

Read the instructions carefully to determine the best way to submit your project. If you can answer YES to either of these two questions, you can use our student submission form below:

• Are you a student living in the United States or the United Kingdom who is 13 years old or older?
• Are you a student living in any country outside the United States or the United Kingdom who is 16 years old or older?

If you are a student who answers “No” to both of those questions, then please ask an adult to submit on your behalf.

Teacher/Parent Submission Form

Adults can submit on behalf of any student no matter their age. If you are an adult submitting on behalf of a student, please use this submission form.