Rosie and Juno lived together at the Jackson Zoo until , when they were transferred to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. At the Nashville Zoo, they joined Hadari and Sukari. Juno died in the spring of The smallest African elephant at The Sanctuary, Rosie's trunk was both narrow and short.
Unlike most African elephants, Rosie did not have tusks. She was easily identified by her crooked tail that resembles the handle of a coffee mug and two circular holes in her right ear. Rosie often wagged her tail back and forth like a dog and her mouth was upturned on either side so that it looked like she was always smiling. Rosie spent five years at the Nashville Zoo with Sukari and Hadari. At The Sanctuary, Rosie shared space daily with Sukari.
The duo napped together at night, spent time side by side, and walked around the yard together during the day. Rosie is the more dominant elephant, and she frequently displayed her dominance over Sukari in a variety of ways. She most often displaced Sukari if food, hay, or browse was left in their shared space. Introductions to sharing space with Tange began in the summer of Rosie arrived at The Sanctuary with chronic joint and health issues. This was a real pity, because her writing about Jacob as an old man was poignant and funny tho I figured out what was going to happen pretty early , and her scenes of circus life were vividly imagined.
So I really did expect more. I am also a bit frustrated that she didn't give us any bibliography to some of the events that happened or to the life of the small circuses at the time at least my edition didn't.
I really wanted to know more about that stampeded; was assuming it was real, but can't find mention of it anywhere. My book group is discussing this next week, so I will report back. Who knows, their discussion may make me reconsider my feelings; its happened before :. Question for Rosie Re overwintering brugs in water. I was also disappointed in this book. I have to admit, though, that I read it right after finishing the final HP book, so I may not have given it a completely fair chance.
Like you Cindy, Rosie was my favorite. In fact, I found her to be the most likeable and interesting character in the book. I also liked Bobo, the orangutan.
The book left me feeling depressed, in spite of the ending. The scenes in the nursing home were a little too realistic, and the grimness of the whole circus story just got to me. I agree about the thinness of the love story between Jacob and Marlena.
Plus, I found them both to be cowardly and weak willed in their unwillingness to stand up to August and Uncle Al when it came to the treatment of the animals. I tried to cut Jacob some slack because he was only 23, but it still bothered me. I never enjoy a book that involves cruelty and bullying, which is what much of this book was about, in my eyes.
But my book group chose to read it, so I felt obligated to do so, too. My book group will be discussing it on August 15, so I will also report back. I can almost guarantee that many of them will like this book. A bit of irony, they decided to hold the meeting at my house this month, as I am a real elephant lover, and own several pictures and carvings of elephants.
I have a wonderful painting of a smiling elephant that hangs over my fireplace. The artist or someone has painted on it the words: Je me contente de me peau. Which I believe translates to: I am happy content in my skin. I know that several of you liked this book and wondered what it was that you liked: writing, characters, circus lore? Maybe your take on it will change my mind somewhat, which sometimes happens when I discuss a book with others.
Side note: I've included a link about the current mistreatment of circus animals, if you're interested, although I realize the issue is probably controversial.
Here is a link that might be useful: Mistreatment of Circus Animals. I am one who really enjoyed this book--perfect summer reading, as I liked the writing style, thought the story line was original and the setting interesting, did not see the "twist" coming at the end and I liked the story itself. Like Cindy, after reading it I wanted to learn more about old traveling circuses circi? As for the love story between Marlena and Jacob, I think that sort of instant "love" is actually strong sexual attraction which can be a mighty powerful motivator, especially at the beginning of a relationship.
Add to the attraction a nasty husband, evil circus owner and the allure of sneaking around as well as the fear of losing one's job during the depression I bought it all. I wondered about the introduction of the dentist with his story of carrying water for the elephants and the nurse explaining to Jacob that the dentist really believes his story, making it true for him.
Perhaps some of Jacob's tale--like Rosie, instead of Marlena, killing August, or the happy lifelong marriage and ensuing children still visiting Jacob who never showed up for the circus and finally Jacob ending up with the circus again due to the kindness of a stranger--were the sentimental wishes of an old Jacob, his own "water for elephants. All I ask is that if any of you find more information on traveling circuses, please share it!
Sarah, thank you for your link on the lingo. In particular, it was nice to have a definition for "first of May" rather than just guessing it was a new worker. I also really liked this book, although for some reason, I wasn't really expecting much when I started it. I agree with bookmom41 that it was a good summer read. I thought that Gruen had a pleasing writing style that quickly pulled me into the story. I actually laughed out loud at some of Jacob's thoughts as he faced aging and living in the nursing home.
And even though I figured out what the twist at the end was going to be long before I got there, I still enjoyed the journey. The love story didn't make me like the book any more or any less. As one who has often followed her heart or other I'm not sure whether anyone has posted this link or not, but there is a reading guide for Water for Elephants on the author's website along with a question-and-answer segment at the end of the document that you might find interesting.
Here is a link that might be useful: Reading Guide. I haven't read this books but one of my first memories when I was about 3 years old is of feeding stale buns to the elephants of Bertram Mills circus that used to tour England for many years. These days no 'wild' animals are used in UK circuses, just horses and humans. We have a small local to Gloucestershire circus company that makes its way between towns and puts up the Big Top in a convenient field.
All quite informal but good fun. If you type 'Giffords Circus' into Google you can see a few photos. Here is a link that might be useful: Giffords Circus. A woman at Costco insisted I buy this book, so I did. But I have some other things that need reading 1st.
He seems to be a kind person, but his major goal is money. He does not spare artistes and animals of the Circus and forces them to work double tides. August is a selfish, greedy and egoistic man, who always thinks about the high income. However, his greediness will punish August before long. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.
The Question and Answer section for Water for Elephants is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel. Water for Elephants study guide contains a biography of Sara Gruen, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Remember me. Rosie was loved by all and her absence is deeply felt. We will continue to honor and celebrate her remarkable life and the impact she had on the entire Sanctuary family, elephants and staff alike.
Gifts made in memory of Rosie will help provide other captive elephants the opportunity to live out their lives in a spacious natural habitat with companionship of an elephant herd. The Sanctuary in The News. We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more. About Related Links. Learn Related Links. Get Involved Related Links. Shop Donate. Rosie and Sukari. Tange, Sukari, and Rosie. Previous Article. Next Article.
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