Anne, a senior elephant rescued from decades of abuse in a circus, now enjoys a peaceful life at Longleat Safari Park, thanks to the generosity of Daily Mail readers.
Despite arthritis and her advancing years, Anne’s days are filled with warm showers, mental stimulation, relaxing music, and dedicated care from her keepers.
Her story first gained national attention in 2011, when footage captured by animal rights activists revealed her mistreatment in a Northamptonshire barn—chained with shackles and beaten with a pitchfork. Public outrage followed, and over £400,000 in donations helped move Anne to a state-of-the-art enclosure at Longleat.
For more than a decade, Longleat staff have provided a tailored environment to support her well-being: heated floors, a private garden, daily massages, and engaging games designed to stimulate her mind.
Recently, a petition signed by over 403,000 people called for Anne to be moved to a sanctuary in France, where she could enjoy warmer weather and the company of other elephants. Campaigners, including actress Joanna Lumley and organizations like Action for Elephants and Four Paws, have described her as “Britain’s loneliest elephant.”
However, Longleat’s Head of Safari, Jon Merrington, emphasizes that relocating Anne could pose serious risks due to her age and arthritis. Independent experts support this view, warning that transporting her and integrating her with a new herd could harm her health.
Anne, believed to be Europe’s oldest elephant, was brought to the UK from Sri Lanka at the age of five and spent nearly five decades with Bobby Roberts’s Super Circus, living in isolation from other elephants since 2001.
At Longleat, Anne has thrived in her £1.2 million purpose-built enclosure. Her carers, who share a strong bond with her, believe she is content and stress that maintaining her routine is key to her well-being.
While debate continues over her future, one thing is certain: Anne’s journey has touched hearts worldwide, and her comfort and health remain the top priority for those who care for her.