Elsa's Legacy

Gr 8 Up—To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the publication of Joy Adamson's book, Born Free, this film recounts the true story of Elsa the orphaned lion cub, her capture, taming, and eventual release back into the wild. Adamson's popular book and the film which followed are credited with beginning a far-reaching movement to protect and understand wild animals. However, the lion population of Africa has decreased by 90 percent since then, and the future for them and many other African animals is bleak. Based on diaries, home movies, and interviews with those who knew them, the film follows the lives of pioneering conservationists Joy and George Adamson and their intimate involvement with Elsa, as well as Virginia McKenna, the actress and later fervent animal protectionist who played Joy in the film. Contrary to the story told in the book, there was no fairy tale ending for the Adamsons, who were murdered in Africa, or Elsa, who died young of tick fever. When paired with the book and/or original film, this could be a valuable learning tool to help students understand the impact of habitat loss and the crucial need for long-term wildlife management. It may not stand alone for those unfamiliar with the original story.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly Trinity-Pawling School, NY