Family film on elephant births

Staff report

HERMITAGE, PA.

“Elefamilia,” a documentary film about the extraordinary births of two baby elephants at the Pittsburgh Zoo, will be screened at 11 a.m. Saturday at Shenango Valley Cinemas, 2996 E. State St. The family film was made by Boccella Productions.

“Elefamilia” focuses on the future of African elephant care and sustainability.

It follows Willie Theison, who has a unique connection with the animals, as he and his team prepare for the births.

The film takes viewers behind the scenes of the demanding and sometimes deadly profession.

One of the mothers is an elephant named Moja, who has killed a handler in the past.

With Willie’s support, Moja was able to continue her life at the zoo and start her own family.

The Pittsburgh Zoo is dedicated to creating family groups that live in natural herd structures that allow elephants to live a lifestyle that is as close to living in the wild as possible.

“Elefamilia” premiered in December in Pittsburgh. It recently was selected for the International Wildlife Film Festival in Montana.

Saturday’s screening will be preceded with activities for children, including African drummers, at 10 a.m..

Theison and the filmmakers, Mia Boccella Hartle and Thomas Hartle, will be on hand for the 52-minute film. Tickets are $5 ($3 for children 13 and younger).