They call me Jambo. My real name has disappeared from my memory.
Before I was called Jambo, I lived happily with my family and freely roamed the forests and grasslands with my cousins. One day, I was violently ripped away from my home. For 24 years, I was forced to perform in a traveling circus, where I lived in fear under human control.
I was no longer allowed to be an elephant.
During the circus shows, I became an adored celebrity and performed for the amusement of thousands of people. The crowds cheered and called me “Dumbo.” Behind the curtains, my handlers beat me, jabbed me with bullhooks, and made me practice tricks that hurt my body. I used to have other elephant friends here and we coped with this life the best we could—but one by one, they disappeared.
I often wonder if there is any hope. If there is anyone out there who understands my sufferings and wants to help me.
Now, I am here at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, where I live on display for human entertainment. I spend half of my days trapped in a barn and stand on concrete surfaces that hurt my feet. The physical and emotional pain is immense. I, along with the other elephants here with me–they are called Kimba, LouLou, Lucky, and Missy–all have to sway side to side for hours to cope with our stress.
I hope to be free from this place someday. I want to roam in a vast, open space again and feel the earth beneath my feet, the sun on my back, and be with my mother and family. Until then, I hold on to the hope that someday, I will be free.
Dear John,
We need to secure elephants’ right to liberty to stop the exploitation of individuals like Jambo, who are suffering every day in captivity while the powers that be look the other way. Our legal battle to free Jambo and other elephants from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado is gaining momentum—but we need your help. Donate today to help us reach even more people in Colorado and beyond with our clients’ stories, and your gift will be matched up to $18,500.
