Answer:
Throughout the One and Only Ivan, we see Ivan understanding the mistreatment and poor living conditions with which he and his fellow circus animals have been treated. In the course of the story, Ivan recalls the traumatizing events that led him to live in the mall. As a result, Ivan pledges to free Ruby from the circus, knowing he must fulfill his promise to save her from the horrible lifestyle they were forced to live. As the novel progresses, Ivan reaches a point where his habitat more closely resembles his wild surroundings. It takes Ivan a long time to shed his human habits, complacency, and ignorance in order to become the proud, mighty, and contented silverback he was meant to be.
