She compared herself to a "plump caterpillar" waiting to break free of its cocoon.

Jenny has had a hard life, even by elephant standards. Now, Jenny has become the focus of a boisterous debate about what to do with an aging elephant with a troubled mind.

Where they stopped, they were met by throngs of people who crowded at the windows, hoping to be given a plastic bag that included breads, sausage and canned goods.

"She worried about being shlumpy, and the word 'shlumpadinka' was thrown around a lot."

That could happen if passengers reach a personal tipping point.

Some, though appalled, emphasize that there is a danger in opting out as well.

The most poignant scene was the triple burial of a petite woman lying on her side, facing two young children.

So the converse is clearly not a good idea either.