Dona the Elephant
Once upon a time, not too long ago, I lived between the jungles and the plains.
I roamed with a herd, staying close to my mother, and nibbled on sweet bamboo shoots.
‘Twas a lovely spring day, the one I remember, when suddenly, out of the blue
Came a roar, the like of which never I’d heard, and it made me so very afraid.
We all started to run, and the bulls trumpet hard, and I know something was very wrong
For no lightning did strike, and no rain did fall, but a giant bird swept down so low.
I stumbled and fell, and my mother ran on, and I no longer could find my way;
And then I was caught, trapped by some men, and loaded in a small den-like cage.
Ever so swiftly I was sent far away, never my mother to see;
I cried loudly, my heart nearly broke, I was lonely and frightened to death.
Away we soared into the heavens and flew for ever so long;
Now I’m here in the Glen Oak Zoo; the nightmare is all left behind.
I have found some new friends, who love me I know, and care for me tenderly.
My new name is Dona, an honor bestowed upon me, in memory of a kind man.
I was baptized in true Indian fashion, with Olive Oil poured over my head,
An impressive ceremony for all who attended, and I stood there and trumpeted proud.
I’m an Indian Elephant from Bangkok, Thailand, but now I’m a Glen Oak Zooer.
So linger a while and talk to me long, I have so much to learn
About the ways of the zoo, and the tricks I can do, and the friends I shall call my own.