

Ivan, Ruby, and the other animals are taken away to a zoo. Investigators are sent to the Big Top Mall and eventually, it is closed down. When people see the new signs, they begin to protest the treatment of the animals. George and Julia help him by putting it on the billboard outside of the Big Top Mall. Ivan uses his art to make a large picture of a zoo. He no longer thinks of his area as his domain but as a cage. He also changes his opinion of the Big Top Mall. When Julia, the custodian George's daughter, gives Ivan some finger paints, he begins to get an idea of how to help Ruby. While Mack, the owner of the Big Top Mall is trying to train Ruby to do tricks, Ivan witnessed first-hand the abuse to which she is subjected and starts to decide how to keep his promise to Stella. Ivan promises he will take care of Ruby, even though he does not know how he will manage to do it.Īfter Stella's death, Ivan begins to remember his life before the Big Top Mall and what it was like to have freedom if only to have stories to tell to Ruby. Just before Stella succumbs to her illness and passes away, she asks Ivan to take care of Ruby and find her a better place. Stella's old injury causes her to get sick.


When Ruby, a baby elephant, is brought to the Big Top Mall to live with Stella and learn new tricks, things begin to change.
