World Report: November 22, 2002 Vol. 8 No. 10

TFK Q&A: Eliza Thornberry

WHO Eliza Thornberry

CLAIM TO FAME She's a 12-year-old who has secret powers to communicate with animals on Nickelodeon's The Wild Thornberrys. She makes her film debut in The Wild Thornberrys Movie, in theaters on December 20.

Q How do you think your life will change now that you're set to be a big-screen star?

A I hope it won't change at all. Most of my adventures happen in the wild, where there's no TV or movies.

Q How did you manage to stand up to the illegal hunters who try to kill your furry friends in the movie?

A A I just can't stand back and let someone try to hurt animals! It makes me mad, and it's wrong, so I do whatever it takes to stop them. I do have a little something that helps me out in trying to save my friends. I can't tell you any more than that.

Q Well, you seem to have an extra special connection with animals. It's almost as if you know what they are saying. What's your secret?

A A Secret? What secret? There's no secret. I think if you pay close enough attention, anyone can communicate with animals. You can tell if they're happy, scared, hungry or just need a friend to talk to.