Watch a preview of Elsa’s Legacy: The Born Free Story:
Elsa’s Legacy: The Born Free Story airs Wednesday, September 12 at 8/7c (check local listings).
In 1960, a book written about raising an orphaned lion cub named Elsa and then releasing her back into the wild became a worldwide bestseller. Born Free was a game changer that essentially altered the way we perceive relationships between humans and animals. Because of the emotional bond George and Joy Adamson formed with Elsa, lions could no longer be dismissed simply as brutal killers to be shot while on safari. Elsa became an individual in the eyes of the world, and her story made her a symbol for all animals’ right to live free. Hollywood took the story to the next level with the 1966 release of the film based on the book. Starring real-life husband and wife Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna as George and Joy Adamson, it became a box office hit and award-winner, and turned Travers and McKenna into wildlife activists in the process.
But behind all the bright lights and public success lies the actual day-to-day story of the Adamsons’ life with Elsa. Diaries, home movies and detailed records reveal the real difficulties faced by the Adamsons as they began and continued their pioneering work with lions despite changing perceptions of their work and the increasing dangers around them. Recollections of Virginia McKenna and others who knew and worked with the Adamsons reshape the story told fifty years ago, retelling it as it really happened, and with no fairy tale ending. But Elsa’s legacy lives on as a touchstone for all who would speak for and work to support the freedom and welfare of wild animals everywhere.
How has Elsa’s story changed the way you view lions and other wild animals? Share your story.
Every year the movie Born Free would be shown (back in the days when there were only 3-5 channels!) and each year it would be a big event at our home. We just didn’t miss watching that movie. I loved the story so much that I learned how to play the theme on the piano. My best tribute to Elsa the lion was naming our fist Doberman Elsa. She was a sweet, brave noble dog and definitely lived up to her namesake.
I liked the home movie footage regarding George Adamson, writing in his log and going for walks the terrain and the ingredient, especially. His / her tall, low fat, pipe-smoking figure, coupled with his fairly, philosophical style created him feel like the archetype of the wise guy. Joy Adamson, naturally, is also a okay contributor to humanity and the outstanding animals of Africa, and all the allies to the film gave their knowledge most generously. We thank your creators of the film so very much, as well as hope to have a copy after i can. http://bestwinonline.net/
Given that I grew up loving the natural world, thanks to my parents’ wonderful influences, it was Born Free that grabbed my heart and gave me the feeling that wildlife must be free to fulfill their own life’s purpose. The song was perhaps the first that I learned and has given me solace at times. Thank you for doing the movie for all in the world to see the joys and connection of loving a wild animal.
I’m saddened to learn that Joy Adamson was murdered.This world needs more people like her! Ever since I saw the first film “Born Free”,I became a strong advocate for all animals and preservation of nature.So sad how humans abuse and kill animals to satisfy their materialistic mentality and greed and hostile nature.I can’t picture my life without animals.I’ve had dogs all my life,had 3 cats and have 3 horses,had a pig and chickens and birds and snakes.Every single living creature has a purpose on this earth just like humans,they deserve to “Live Free” as humans do!
I am so moved by Elsa, and the relationships between humans and these beautiful animals. I want to support the lions in the wild. I will find my way, and will do whatever I can.
I love the story and the what the Adamsons did to change human attitudes towards animals. At age 12, Born Free was the first book I ever truly read on my own accord. I read the rest of the series and it inspired an interest in reading. I became very interested in ‘big cats’, so, I volunteered 13 years at an animal shelter dedicated to them. The experience was valuable to me personally and in my passion for the natural world.
this famous story tells of the life of elsa the lioness.when she was only a cub.elsa was found by joy and george adamson her mother was dead