Ellie is off to start a new life.
Seven years ago, we were graced with this most unusual visitor. As we sat with a small group of supporters in the sanctuary’s old barn, an elk walked in, took an apple off the table, and proceeded to chew everyone’s hair. We were stunned.
We didn’t know it at the time, but this elk had been orphaned shortly after birth and raised at a neighboring ranch. As she matured, she began to wander farther and farther from the ranch until she stumbled upon our sanctuary.
Not knowing her history, we named her Ellie. We would later find out that she had been named Buttons by those who raised her.
Ellie is a wild animal in that she is not a member of a domesticated species, but behaviorally she is as far from a wild elk as could be. To call her tame would be an understatement. She would stare at us through the window as we sat in the house. We had to change a doorknob after repeatedly finding her in the garage in the middle of the night eating dog food out of the can. We fenced off our back yard to keep her from taking food off of the picnic table and fenced off the front yard to keep her from antagonizing our dogs. She was so close to figuring out how to open the sliding door to the office. It was a never-ending battle – nothing was safe from Ellie and no place was secure.
Despite the challenges of living with an elk, she became a part of our sanctuary family. She was a fixture at the chimp house and seemed to enjoy watching the chimps frolic on Young’s Hill. Sometimes she would even join the chimps on perimeter walks. And she loved visitors more than anything. For Ellie, every UPS delivery or propane tank fill-up was a social occasion. We discouraged contact with Ellie to reduce her comfort around humans but no-contact policies with elk only work if the elk are in on the deal. Try telling a pushy 400-lb elk to keep her distance and you will realize that she is the one who makes the rules.
Throughout the years we agonized over what could be done for Ellie. As interesting as it was for us to have her around, this was no life for an elk. We wished that she would have been placed with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator from the start but that opportunity had passed. Early on we had hoped that she would voluntarily join a passing elk herd but she showed no interest in other elk. We looked into placing her at a wildlife park with no success. We feared her catching the attention of the Department of Fish and Wildlife because they had a policy of euthanizing deer and elk that had become habituated to humans. Given the limited options available, it seemed that letting Ellie be Ellie was the best and perhaps only possible course. This was the only life she knew, and somehow it seemed to work for her. Then again, what do we know about elk?
Unfortunately, over the last couple of winters Ellie began crossing the river to a small neighborhood on the opposite ridge. She was welcomed there, but more people and more homes meant more attention and more opportunities to get into trouble. Apparently, Fish & Wildlife was notified and felt they had to do something to protect her and the local residents, so last week they darted Ellie and relocated her to an area 30 miles south where there is an elk feeding station and a herd of 700 elk. We don’t know if she will find a place in a herd but we have no choice at this point but to be hopeful.
Many people in our county are outraged that Ellie was taken away. I honestly don’t know what the right answer is. She was loved and celebrated by this community but she was also intimidating at times and potentially dangerous. She is an elk that should be living with a herd but she is also a unique individual that declined opportunities to do so in the past. In many ways her experience is a lot like that of the chimps. Biologically an elk, raised by humans, but not of either tribe.
Much of this county will be following Ellie’s saga closely and the Department of Fish & Wildlife has promised to evaluate how well she has acclimated to her new environment later this year. We can only hope that she succeeds. Godspeed, Ellie – you will be missed.
Margaret Parkinson says
Thank you for the summary of Ellie’s history. I fear for her since she has not shown interest in other elk. I often think of what might happen if the chimps found themselves in the midst of 700 other chimps. I can only hope she will do well and live a happy elk life.
Carla René says
Oh, Jeeb, right now I think I hate you! I’m only kidding, but I think I knew what was coming when you began the post, and I’m sitting here bawling like a silly baby at the thought that you, her only chosen family for so many years, won’t be there for her now. I don’t mean that in a disparaging way–I don’t mean that you weren’t trying to help her, I mean that you won’t physically be a part of her life anymore. And that is the part that makes me the saddest, I think. I have Asperger’s and I’ve bonded with animals more in my entire life than I ever have with humans; every autism person with the powers of speech and their parents will tell you the same thing. I used to infuriate my dad because I would cry over their squirrel hunting, or an injured kitten. Sadly, he didn’t know of my condition until just a few years ago when I found out.
But thankfully I was also raised on a farm; we had dairy cattle, beef cattle, pigs, ducks, and chickens, so I’m no stranger to what is always best for the wild animals. As humans, we bring with these situations OUR baggage in wanting to help them, interact with them. Probably the best reason why there are now so many infant great apes in the illegal exotic pet trade.
I have a mother/daughter possum team that have now taken to stealing the cat food I leave out for MacGyver, the ginger feral I’m trying to tame and offer a home. But now their food is being stolen by a red fox. I have video of him/her on my art page’s group, “The S-13 Gang of Bird-Watchers” on Facebook. This little fox, that I call Matthew ( 😀 ), was so hungry on two different occasions, he came right up to my door, allowed me to open the door, and ate whilst I stood just 2 feet away from his beautiful nose as he literally gulped he food. He’s not been back since that last time a few weeks ago, and I’m hoping on one hand that he never does, since I live on the edge of the woods and an apartment complex just half-a-mile from my University. I don’t trust the folks who live here, since it could be considered as low-income, so I looked all over fervently to find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in this area, but the only one I could find wanted $500 for a 7-day trapping session, and I know my landlord wouldn’t go for that. So I’m left literally praying God protects this little one. A few times since, the possum pan has been cleared out completely and moved, exactly as it was the few nights Matthew visited, so I’m hoping it’s him, but that he’s learned to better hide himself each night, as I haven’t seen him since.
I’ve had the ability to tame wild animals easily, and I’ve had to fight to control that urge, since I know it just isn’t the best thing for him or the possums, who make fantastic pets, btw. That little girl sits beneath my window, just a foot from my face, and I’ve talked and shared things with her for hours on end. If she ever learns to talk, I’m toast. Secrets will be OUT! And she just sits there so still and quiet, never moving, just listening to my soft whispers as I vent to her about my life. But, if either were to become sick or injured, then all bets are off and to the vet they will go.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, while it’s incredibly sad that we, your fans, won’t ever get to see her antics or read about her chimp-crushin’, YOU DID THE RIGHT THING! Ellie, living a huge, full, wild life with other Elk IS the best thing for her. I know how you feel and I wish I could put my arms around all of you right now, because it’s a little like the pain of grief–we’re losing a soul to which we felt very close. Thankfully, those feelings will pass, so hang in there. My animal-luv to all of you.
If y’all are interested in seeing one of Matthew’s videos, here’s the link, but I’m also thinking of expanding the name of the group to “The S-13 Gang of Bird and Wildlife Watchers”, since we’ve had more possum videos, and one of a bald eagle! Everyone come and join in the fun!
https://www.facebook.com/glittercatstudios/videos/840611316274979/?source_id=102182326784552
Cheers.
Kathleen Klueh says
A very touching story. I can see that this was a dilemma. In our hearts we want to protect all animals whether to raise an orphan for life or raise them to be able to reintegrate back into their real, free lifestyle. I hope Ellie is safe and happy and has found a new family. Please keep us informed. Thanks
Shannon says
Thank you for the input on Ellie/Buttons. I have been sick about this. I don’t feel that any herd will accept her, and she will be an easy target for unknowing hunters. It’s a very sad decision for her, and I wish I knew for sure that all other options were tried before they ‘threw her to the wild’.
Beverly E Donovan says
She will truly be missed. I’m sure the Clem Elm Seven will have a space in their lives gone too.
Kathleen says
I am clearly not an elk expert, but I feel that there is a common connection between us an other animals. We are animals. We humans are animals, and this is often forgotten or ignored. We are individuals, all of us. I am deeply touched by your comment ” She was loved and celebrated by this community but she was also intimidating at times and potentially dangerous. She is an elk that should be living with a herd but she is also a unique individual that declined opportunities to do so in the past. In many ways her experience is a lot like that of the chimps. Biologically an elk, raised by humans, but not of either tribe.” BOOM! Yes. Exactly. It is so unfair but at the same time, out of our control.
In my personal opinion, you nailed it J.B. when you said, “In many ways her experience is a lot like that of the chimps.” Enough said. What have we done.
I will personally worry for Ellie, she is not ready to survive in a natural environment. Ellie is tame. We created her. We created her existence. I hope she can survive without human intervention. But I worry, what have we done……..
Eeek, I am so torn and disturbed by this. Where is Ellie’s autonomy?
Rosemary says
I do not know anything about Elk but do know all at the sanctuary havev their hearts in the right place.
I’m so saddened to read Ellie is no longer w/you … is there any way to find out how’s shes doing? If she’s not acclimating can you bring her back to the sanctuary?
Lastly, can you tell if the chimps miss Ellie?
CeeCee says
There are too many people in the world taking up too much space, and making
wild animals have to interact with people, because there isn’t enough space for
them to be truly “wild” and because they are so incredible, they rise to the occasion,
and actually make it work , and we blame them for it, and dart them and put them in a new
environment that they are scared and alone in, and very likely won’t be able to succeed in.
This isn’t just Ellies story, the same is true for Cougars and Bears with all the suburban sprawl taking over, where are they supposed to live?
And I’m also thinking of all the sea lions being shot, Just for doing what they should be doing, we seem to think that fish is only rightfully for people eat. and many, many more poor creatures. We expect them to live next to suburbs and freeways,
but to stay out of our way, and to stay “wild”
So what is the best outcome for poor Ellie? I hope that she can make this work Because my guess is if she somehow found her way back home,
Unlike a Lassie movie, Wildlife officials would likely kill her, saying they tried to make it work, but she posed too big a risk to society.
All she ever really did was to acclimate and live in the world that people made.
I hope she can make it work, she is a survivor after all.
nicole moore says
So what happens during hunting season? Will she be given an orange vest? 🙁
Elaine Reininger says
SO so sad. Can’t stop crying.
Mary says
Hugs to all at the sanctuary. This has to be very hard to understand.
I hope Ellie is embraced in her new journey.
Kate Farrell says
When I saw that you had a post, I fully expected to see chimps playing in the snow. I’m addended as I’m sure you all are…I’m angry that someone “turned her in” and I’m concerned that they will eventually kill her unless some fool with a gun does it first. I also wonder if the other elk will harass and reject her. Maybe that’s why she never joined up with a heard. I don’t know what else to say except I wish we could all do a better job of coexisting. My heart hurts. Just hoping that the news about her transition will be positive. It will be hard to wait and see. I’m sorry for all of you. It is clear to me that you weren’t responsible for this unfortunate outcome.
Kate says
Thanks autocorrect! Herd, not heard.
Linda says
Since I’m relatively new to the blog, Wow! Those are some amazing and beautiful Ellie stories and photos that I’d never seen or heard before (“Peeping Ellie, for instance.)
If she was orphaned and survived to adulthood, she’ll continue to survive, I feel. With a feeding station and a herd of 700, I have faith that some of the herd will adapt to her, if she goes for it. As you mentioned, she may be, like Jamie, more human-centered than elk-centered, but we can hope.
We’ve 50-60 coyotes on the island here, and they’re a bit of a nuisance for people with small pets, because while they tend to limit activity to night time, they usually aren’t afraid of us, either. I saw a very healthy female (the size of what we call out East a “coy-wolf”(yes, it’s a thing), in broad daylight when walking at a local nature sanctuary. A couple of weeks later, on the news, they reported sightings of a female coyote with a bear trap that had not been staked down on her front paw. I compared my photo of her to the newspaper’s photo, and sadly, it looked like the same one. Within a short time, they had caught her and had to euthanize her.
So we had one guy, nicknamed “Cliff” because his neighborhood was around here, near the Cliff Walk. People felt the same about Cliff as they do about Ellie; when DEM determined that he was becoming a nuisance and needed to be hunted and darted, people were concerned that they were lying to us, and were merely going to kill him, as they have killed others, including a mother with a litter of 7 pups (which subsequently, had to be euthanized, after they killed their mom). DEM assured everyone that he had been relocated to a safe place, but some people were acting like it was the body of Bin Laden; they were demanding photos, etc.
I’m glad that they’re offering to give you updates on Ellie, and I hope she adapts. If not, it would be an amazing though not-so-funny story if she took up the walk home and you found her peeping in the window a few months from now!
Carla René says
EGGSactly what I thought, too! I’m hoping like a very loyal car, a year from now she’ll wind up one morning on a perimetre walk with Jamie!
tobin says
What a terribly tough call to have to make. The state of Nature is, alas, indifferent to the health and
well-being of individual animals (non-human and otherwise). I hope that Ellie will be safe and well
cared-for in her new environs. I have worried about the danger which humans (in particular, those
bearing arms) could pose to Ellie and, indeed, the other inhabitants of Young’s Hill. Indeed, it is presence and behavior of human animals which is crux of the dilemna: we can propagating our species in unsustainable numbers, and by doing, we intrude upon more and more space for wildlife. Lord, what fooles we mortals be.
Carla René says
Because people want to have children?? What do you suggest, they apply for a permit so we can limit the population?
Linda says
That sounds like an excellent idea. Breeding humans needs to stop or at least slow down. You just have to look around and it is obvious there’s are too many humans and growing on this earth. And then complaints about bears, cougars, ect being in their backyards because their homes were taken away from them to make room for lots and lots of housing commplexes. Doesn’t seem fair to me anyway. We have ruined everything for wildlife and are too selfish to admit that we have seriously screwed up. Weren’t they here first?
Carla René says
Yes, they were here first…AS PART OF THE FOOD CHAIN FOR HUMANS. That has never been in dispute.
I certainly have no qualms with the idea that we’re reaching critical mass for the number of humans here, but to say that we need to stop having children and carrying on with our lives SO THAT WILDLIFE can have a little more territory is kind of myopic and missing the point of existing: getting married, having families, and LIVING.
There IS a balance for each ecosystem. We just haven’t found it yet.
Linda Shuger says
Why does WDFW have to butt in and as usual screw with something that doesn’t need to be screwed with. Not being a fan of this waste of tax payer money I would think they would be way too busy killing all of the wolves in WA state or CA Sea Lions on the Columbia River. Jeez WDFW I don’t get your reason for existence. Just stay out of it. Once again WDFW is a huge disappointment in protecting our wildlife. I just hope Elle accepts her new life and her new life accepts her. This is so sad. Humans why complain about something like her that isn’t hurting anyone? Arggggg!
Lorraine says
….. unfortunately there was the possibility of her being hit by a car or someone shooting her…. so what can you do? …. just hope she can adjust to a new environment ….
Tobin says
I don’t suppose that there’s any chance that Ellie could live with the cattle on their property, is there? Just a question and a suggestion…
J.B. says
I wish that was an option, but from what we understand it is not legal to fence in wildlife unless you are a licensed rehabilitator caring for a sick or injured animal, and only then if that animal is a candidate for release back into the wild. A couple of years ago the Dept. of Fish & Wildlife seized and euthanized 3 fawns and an elk calf that were being cared for at a rescue center because they had become too habituated to humans. Ellie’s situation is a very tricky issue with many different legal and ethical challenges.
joan silaco says
Sometimes I wish animals could speak like humans. Then we’d know what they really feel about us, and know what’s best for them.
Christie White says
I was there that first day with Ellie. This breaks my heart. I know wildlife is wildlife but they better keep an eye on her and keep her safe.