Sara Gruen, born in 1969 in Vancouver, is an accomplished author holding dual Canadian and U.S. citizenship. Gruen's literary works frequently feature animal-related themes, reflecting her strong advocacy for animal and wildlife conservation. She gained significant acclaim as a writer with her third book, Water for Elephants, which, despite initial rejection from her publisher Avon Books, soared to become a New York Times bestseller and has been translated into 45 languages.

Her portfolio of novels includes At the Water's Edge, Ape House, Riding Lessons, and Flying Changes. Her books have sold more than ten million copies worldwide and have been translated into forty-three languages. Water for Elephants was notably adapted into a major motion picture in 2011, featuring Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, and Christoph Waltz.

Aside from her writing career, Gruen is a passionate supporter of numerous charitable organizations dedicated to the care and preservation of animals. She currently resides in Western North Carolina with her husband, three sons, and a menagerie of pets including dogs, cats, horses, birds, and notably, the world's fussiest goat.