Mary Allen
Introduction: The One and Only Ivan
The One and Only Ivan is a novel written by Katherine Applegate, which has been adapted into a movie by Disney+. The story tells the tale of a gorilla named Ivan, who lives in a shopping mall with other animals. The story is based on true events, and it has garnered a lot of attention for its heartwarming plot and powerful message.
Who is Ivan?
Ivan is a silverback gorilla who was born in the wild. He was captured as a baby and brought to the United States, where he was sold to a circus. After the circus went bankrupt, Ivan was moved to a shopping mall, where he lived for 27 years in a small enclosure. Ivan was eventually rescued and moved to Zoo Atlanta, where he lived the rest of his life.
The Story of Ivan
The novel tells the story of Ivan’s life in the shopping mall, where he befriends a young elephant named Ruby and a stray dog who lives outside his enclosure. Ivan becomes aware of his captivity and seeks to find a way to escape and live in the wild. The story is a powerful message about the importance of animal welfare and the need to protect animals from exploitation.
The Role of the Dog in the Story
The dog in The One and Only Ivan plays an important role in the story. He is the only animal that is not captive and is free to roam outside the shopping mall. The dog becomes Ivan’s companion and friend, and he helps Ivan to understand the world outside his enclosure. The dog is also a symbol of freedom and the life that Ivan dreams of living in the wild.
The Dog’s Name and Breed
The dog in The One and Only Ivan is named Bob, and he is a mixed breed. Bob is described as having a scruffy coat and a friendly disposition. Although Bob is a fictional character, he represents the many stray dogs that live on the streets and are often overlooked by society.
Ivan’s Real-Life Inspiration
Ivan was inspired by a real-life gorilla who lived in a shopping mall in Washington state for 27 years. The real Ivan was captured in Africa and brought to the United States, where he was sold to a circus. After the circus went bankrupt, Ivan was moved to the B&I shopping mall, where he lived in a small enclosure.
The True Story Behind Ivan
The true story behind Ivan is a tragic one. Ivan lived in a small concrete enclosure for 27 years, with no access to natural light or fresh air. Ivan was eventually rescued and moved to Zoo Atlanta, where he lived the rest of his life. Ivan’s story is a reminder of the need to protect animals from exploitation and the importance of animal welfare.
The Real Ivan’s Companions
The real Ivan had several companions during his time at the shopping mall. He was initially housed with another gorilla named Gigi, but she died in 1991. Ivan was then housed with a female elephant named Burma, who lived in the enclosure next to him. Despite their different species, Ivan and Burma became close friends.
Where are they now?
Ivan passed away in 2012 at the age of 50. He spent the last years of his life at Zoo Atlanta, where he became a beloved member of the community. Burma passed away in 2003, and her body was donated to scientific research. The shopping mall where Ivan lived has since been demolished, and a new shopping center has been built in its place.
The One and Only Ivan’s Adaptation
The One and Only Ivan has been adapted into a movie by Disney+. The movie is a live-action/CGI hybrid and features the voices of Sam Rockwell, Angelina Jolie, and Danny DeVito. The movie has received positive reviews for its faithful adaptation of the novel and its powerful message about the importance of animal welfare.
Conclusion: Ivan’s Legacy
Ivan’s legacy is a powerful one. His story has brought attention to the need to protect animals from exploitation and the importance of animal welfare. Ivan’s life was a tragic one, but his legacy lives on through the novel and the movie adaptation. Ivan’s story is a reminder that every animal deserves to live a life free from captivity and exploitation.
References and Further Reading
- Applegate, Katherine. The One and Only Ivan. HarperCollins, 2012.
- "The Real Story Behind The One and Only Ivan." National Geographic, 18 Aug. 2020, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/08/real-story-behind-the-one-and-only-ivan/.
- "Ivan the Gorilla." Zoo Atlanta, www.zooatlanta.org/ivan_the_gorilla.