Watch One Lucky Elephant

One Lucky Elephant is a captivating and heartwarming documentary from 2010 that follows the journey of an African elephant named Flora and her trainer, Ivor David Balding. The film takes a close look at the unbreakable bond between Flora and Balding, who has been her caretaker since she was a baby, and the difficult decision he faces when it becomes clear that Flora needs to be transferred to a new home.

The story begins at a small circus in Missouri, where Balding raises Flora and trains her to perform as part of his act. For years, he and Flora travel together, performing at circuses across the country and forming an unbreakable bond. But as Flora grows older and bigger, it becomes clear that she needs a better home, with more space and other elephants to socialize with.

Balding makes the difficult decision to donate Flora to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which has a large elephant sanctuary in Florida. The sanctuary is a beautiful space, with plenty of room for Flora to roam and several other elephants to play with. But the transition is not easy for either Flora or Balding. Flora is initially frightened and confused in her new home, while Balding struggles with the knowledge that he may never see her again.

The film explores the ethical considerations of keeping wild animals in captivity, while also highlighting the deep emotional connections that can form between humans and animals. There are many beautiful moments in the film, including scenes of Flora playing with the other elephants, and Balding visiting her at the sanctuary.

Throughout the film, we see Balding struggle with his decision to give up Flora, and the emotional toll it takes on him. But ultimately, he comes to understand that Flora's new home is the best thing for her. The film ends on a bittersweet note, as Balding says goodbye to Flora for what may be the last time, knowing that she is happy and safe in her new home.

One Lucky Elephant is a beautifully crafted documentary that will move and inspire viewers. It is a story of love and dedication, and the difficult decisions we sometimes have to make for the well-being of those we care about. The film raises important questions about the ethics of keeping wild animals in captivity, but it also celebrates the incredible bond that can form between a human and an animal. Overall, this film is a must-watch for anyone who loves animals or who is interested in the complex relationships between humans and the natural world.

One Lucky Elephant is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 71.