Much like people, animals are capable of joy and grief– and every time such an emotional minute comes along– just remind us just how alike we in fact are. Such a heart-melting minute lately unfolded and the remarkable story rapidly got worldwide attention. Two previous circus elephants reunited after 22 years apart and the captured footage left everyone in tears.

Taken at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, we see the incredible moment Shirley and Jenny recognize each other for the first time after over two decades apart. Not only is the reunion emotional, however it serves as a serious reminder that these animals have the capacity to feel love just like we do.

The keepers are just as emotional as they watch the elephants meet for the first time in years. With expectancy in their eyes, they take in the gorgeous moment as the elephants suddenly recognize each other through evictions. What happens next will leave you in tears, as they wrap their trunks around each other in a loving accept. See the incredible moment two former circus elephants reunite in the emotional below– this story never ever gets old!