I developed an interest and fondness for these large but beautiful animals when I first saw the film "Born Free". I know "Born Free" is about a lion called Elsa, but at the time, and being very young when I saw the film it made a very lasting impression in my child-mind. Looking back now, with the eyes and mind of a mature adult, I am certain this film acted like a seed of thought in my brain and as I have grown, so has this seed. It was a basis for me. From then on I was addicted to documentaries on Africa and the creatures living and roaming free on its vast, open plains.

The title of the film is very apt, "Born Free", these creature were born to be free, living and surviving in their natural habitat. So, why, out of all creatures on this earth did I choose the elephant? It’s very simple. I love elephants, especially the African Elephant. They say the eyes are the windows of the soul and I thin in the case of elephants, I have found this to be true. There’s something about this animal, a highly sensitive intelligence; I would even go so far as to say it’s an intelligence even we humans don’t understand and never will. I have seen numerous pictures and films on elephants, too many to name, and each time I have been confronted with them, there is a sad, knowing look in their eyes. I think they know they are an endangered species. Wanted for a circus or for their ivory tusks, when all they want to be is "born free". My one wish in life is to go on safari to Africa and see these creatures, happy, living free.