TEACHERS TAKE NOTE

Just for Elephants

Carol Buckley

Hardcover, $16.95, ISBN 978-0-88448-241-3

9 x 10, 32 pages, color photography

Children / Nature; Grades 3-6

emotional needs of captive, exotic animals, and it leads us to question what their "rights" in our society ought to be. Carol Buckley, Scott Blais, and others whose lifework is connected to the well-being of animals, say it's time to change the way we humans relate to animals. Their idea is that people should think of themselves as "animal caregivers" rather than as "animal owners." Then, other attitudes will change and the result will be that animals everywhere will lead better lives.

Just For Elephants will help inspire classroom conversations about:

• What is known about the emotions of animals
• Friendships between animals
• Matching the emotional and physical needs of animals to their care, if they are in captivity
• The concept of a "natural-habitat sanctuary"
• Endangered animals and animal rights
• Jobs that involve the care and protection of animals
• The culture of zoos and circuses

Activities:

• Visit the website of the Elephant Sanctuary. There are many activities available there which are designed to teach children all about elephants.
• Have students learn about how elephants live and are cared for in their native Asian and African countries.
• Have students discuss what they can do to promote the well-being of exotic animals in captivity.
• In many states there are laws pending that would prohibit the use of elephants and other large exotics in traveling circuses. Have students discuss why this is being proposed and what they think about it.