The Cowboy and His Elephant: The Story of a Remarkable Friendship

A heartwarming true story of a cowboy, a rescued elephant, and the bond they shared

In the late 1980s, a baby elephant was born on the plains of southern Africa, only for her herd to face a tragedy. During a cull, her family was slaughtered, and the terrified newborn's life was spared so she could be transported to America to be sold.

Enter Bob Norris―a real-life cowboy with an enormous empathy for animals. Raised with a pet bear, Bob achieved his boyhood dream of running a massive horse-and-cattle ranch in Colorado. Handsome as a movie star, he became the iconic Marlboro Man featured on billboards around the world. But despite his success, he felt something missing. That changed when the hurt, vulnerable orphan elephant―named Amy―came into his life.

An incredible bond formed between the most unlikely of friends. Bob adopted Amy, and using his skills as a master horseman, he set about helping her heal. Through close observation, gentle training, humor, and endless perseverance, he helped her overcome her fear of the world. Amy became a beloved member of the Norris family and a "hand" on the ranch, tending chores and riding fences alongside Bob on his horse.

Yet Bob always knew the ultimate goal was for Amy to regain her independence―and perhaps even return to the savannahs of Africa.

The Cowboy and His Elephant is the true story of how Amy and Bob came together: a simple, unforgettable tale of unlikely love and lifelong friendship.