Decades of unnatural captivity have left their mark on Mara, and in this week’s episode we talk in detail about elephant poop! From the differences in consistency of African and Asian elephant poop, to size and smell, all topics are on the table.

Kat and Scott explain how Mara’s stool was not normal for an Asian elephant, showing that she had GI (gastrointestinal) issues going on. Scott recalls the amazement of Mara’s zoo care team when noticing a change in her digestion just a few days after arriving at the sanctuary.

Not only did Mara’s physical health begin to improve, but her mental health did as well. Her stereotypic swaying stopped almost immediately. With her new friend, Rana, at her side, Kat and Scott recollect Mara’s first days and months of discovery in her new home, Elephant Sanctuary Brazil.

Videos mentioned in this episode:

Mara & the Ani: https://globalelephants.org/mara-and-the-ani/

Mara peels & trades a banana: https://globalelephants.org/mara-peels-and-trades-a-banana/

Rana expresses her joy: https://globalelephants.org/rana-expresses-her-joy-to-mara/

The episode transcript can be found here.

Email: We’d love to hear from you [email protected]

Who we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, currently home to six female Asian elephants.

Website: https://globalelephants.org/

Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!

Thank you for your support!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube 

While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…

This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.

© 2023 Global Sanctuary for Elephants

A big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.

A few days after Mara’s transport crate arrives at the Buenos Aires Zoo, Argentina and Brazil close their borders due to pandemic regulations. Now, the GSE and zoo teams face the daunting task of transporting Mara to the sanctuary amidst uncertainty. While Mara's care team at the zoo works to acclimate her to the crate under remote guidance from Scott and Kat, all involved also must consider the well-being of the human teams.

With a journey spanning 1,710 miles (approx. 2,600 km), the logistics of stops and provisions for both elephants and humans require careful planning. Despite the challenges, the caravan embarks on its journey to Brazil, eventually arriving exhausted but elated at the sanctuary. There, a weary yet joyful Mara eagerly emerges from her crate and indulges in a long-awaited dust bath.

The episode transcript can be found here.

Email: We’d love to hear from you [email protected]

Who we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, currently home to six female Asian elephants.

Website: https://globalelephants.org/

Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!

Thank you for your support!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube 

While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…

This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.

© 2023 Global Sanctuary for Elephants

A big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.

Mara’s story is typical of many captive elephants. Taken from the wild, most likely India, she was sold to the circus industry where she was forced to perform in several different circuses. After decades, she was confiscated under the new progressive legislation in South America.

Every elephant adapts differently to this unnatural life of captivity, and Scott describes how Mara vented her frustration in aggressive behaviors which continued in the zoo. The Buenos Aires Zoo, Argentina was not suited to care for her properly, which included Maia being kept together with two female African elephants, Kuky and Pupy. We talk about the differences in these two elephant species, and how they communicate both physically and auditorily very differently. In their transformation to an eco park, the zoo and the team of GSE start working towards her transfer to sanctuary - yet the pandemic in 2020 creates unforeseen obstacles.

Read more about Mara’s story on our website.

The episode transcript can be found here.

Email: We’d love to hear from you [email protected]

Who we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, currently home to six female Asian elephants.

Website: https://globalelephants.org/

Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!

Thank you for your support!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube 

While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…

This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.

© 2023 Global Sanctuary for Elephants

A big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.

We start off this week’s episode by catching up on the various wildlife rehab animals under the care of the GSE team, including Stan, the burrowing owl, and his partner—perhaps even boyfriend?

Scott and Kat share anecdotes of Lady and her cautious, yet hesitant interactions with the other sanctuary elephants, which, however, has never involved any physical contact. We delve further into Lady’s ongoing health concerns and discuss why foot-related issues used to be the primary cause of death among zoo elephants in the U.S. Despite captivity having taken a cruel toll on Lady, Kat and Scott speak in admiration of her resilience and zest for life, as she ventures into the farthest corners of the sanctuary.

The episode transcript can be found here.

Email: We’d love to hear from you [email protected]

Who we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, currently home to six female Asian elephants.

Website: https://globalelephants.org/

Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!

Thank you for your support!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube 

While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…

This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.

© 2023 Global Sanctuary for Elephants

A big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.

After a peaceful first night at the sanctuary, the gates of the barn are opened the next day for Lady to explore her new home. Scott and Kat continue to explain Lady’s way of communicating and how, still today, she expects their full presence and attention when being with her. Listening and paying attention to the most subtle forms of communication is the foundation of sanctuary and trust building. We fast forward to the present day, talking about Lady’s recent health issues and dive into the topic of osteomyelitis, a degenerative bone disease from which Lady is suffering.

Learn more about osteomyelitis on this EleFact Friday post.

Video: Lady’s first steps into the habitat.

The episode transcript can be found here.

Email: We’d love to hear from you [email protected]

Who we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, currently home to six female Asian elephants.

Website: https://globalelephants.org/

Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!

Thank you for your support!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube 

While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…

This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.

© 2023 Global Sanctuary for Elephants

A big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.

Additional Trumpet sound by Pixabay.

At the zoo, Lady continues to explore the transport container, but sets clear boundaries towards Scott and the team by slamming her head or trunk against the gate in order to keep them away. Lady was labeled an aggressive elephant, but Kat explains that Lady never used physical aggression towards humans, but towards inanimate objects such as gates and fences. Scott recalls Lady’s preference to be left alone, seeming to merely tolerate the humans around her.

We follow the caravan as they leave the zoo for a long road trip across Brazil. While Lady is calm and a total rock star, the team faces logistical challenges along the way. But as we know from other rescues, they immediately get to work to solve these issues to finally arrive at the sanctuary. We also talk more about Lady’s history in captivity and how it affected both her emotional and physical health prior to her rescue.

Check out our blog post incl. photos & videos here: Lady’s rescue

The episode transcript can be found here.

Email: We’d love to hear from you [email protected]

Who we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, currently home to six female Asian elephants.

Website: https://globalelephants.org/

Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!

Thank you for your support!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube 

While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…

This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.

© 2023 Global Sanctuary for Elephants

A big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.

Additional Trumpet sound by Pixabay

In this week’s podcast, we introduce Lady, the 5th elephant to come to SEB. Her story is all too familiar: stolen from the wild, she was put into the circus, later confiscated under new legislation in South America, and ultimately moved to a zoo ill-equipped to care for her—especially her serious foot health issues. 

We pick up her story as Scott recalls his first introduction to her through video, and how miserable and aggressive she appeared. Over a year later, Scott and the team go to the zoo to bring Lady back to the sanctuary. While Lady eagerly enters the transport crate to explore, Scott recalls the dangerous incident when he touched a live electric wire that was supposed to be shut off. Like previous rescues, the team has to navigate around miscommunications and legal disputes, always keeping the well-being of Lady and her needs at the forefront of their efforts.

The episode transcript can be found here.

Email: We’d love to hear from you [email protected]

Who we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, currently home to six female Asian elephants.

Website: https://globalelephants.org/

Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!

Thank you for your support!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube 

While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…

This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.

© 2023 Global Sanctuary for Elephants

A big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.

Additional Trumpet sound by Pixabay.

“Sanctuary is the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows,” as Scott shared in a previous episode. In this week's emotional episode, Scott recalls opening the gates to Ramba’s yard after her first night at the sanctuary. Witnessing her step out and explore filled everyone with hope and excitement. Later, Ramba had her first encounter with another elephant in decades: a thrilled Rana eagerly awaited her new sister at the fenceline. While everyone anticipated this moment, Kat sheds light on the pressure of expectations for both elephants and humans alike. 

Scott marvels at Ramba’s swift transition into sanctuary life, the quickest he's ever witnessed in an elephant. Her journey at Parque Safari, under the care of dedicated keepers, likely played a role in this remarkable adaptation. Kat reflects on the profound connection elephants have with nature. Perhaps deep down, Ramba sensed her limited time and immersed herself fully into sanctuary life, cherishing every moment.

Visit Ramba’s Memorial Page.

Additional sounds: Music by Oleksii Holubiev from Pixabay & Trumpet sound by Pixabay.

The episode transcript can be found here.

Email: We’d love to hear from you [email protected]

Who we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, currently home to six female Asian elephants.

Website: https://globalelephants.org/

Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!

Thank you for your support!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube 

While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…

This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.

© 2023 Global Sanctuary for Elephants

A big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.

Welcome home, Ramba!  (Ramba Part IX) -

❤️ Share the love in our Valentine’s Day fundraiser here.

In this week’s podcast, we are on the road with Ramba, on the final part of her journey to sanctuary. Scott recalls that the convoy, escorted by the state police, was going well until the truck suddenly broke down on a hill. This unforeseen incident put a tremendous strain on Ramba. The unaccustomed heat, in comparison to a much cooler Chile, in addition to the tar roads and the lack of wind on the now-stationary convoy, made Scott as worried as he has ever been for the well-being of an elephant in all his transports. 

With a sheer stroke of luck, the transport truck is repaired, and the team set off. Further along, on the dirt road, rain clouds build up, and while not bringing rain, they cool off the air, offering Ramba much-needed relief. In her true style, Ramba leaves the crate, picks at some food, dusts herself, and falls asleep snoring on a sand pile. Kat recalls the big welcoming party at the sanctuary as this was their first international rescue, and how after things quieted down, she, Scott, and Ramba’s dedicated team of caregivers—who had poured so much of themselves into Ramba’s care—are elated to finally see their beloved grandma where she needs to be. 

Watch Ramba is home (Live feed) here.

Additional Fanfare and Trumpet sound by Pixabay.

We left you with two cliffhangers last time, so let's dive in today by learning more about the two new infant anteaters, a part of GSE’s wildlife rehab program. Despite being two different species (a giant anteater and a collared anteater), these youngsters stick together, exploring their enclosure. Stan, the burrowing owl, has a new friend, and the highly endangered crowned solitary (Chaco) eagle we discussed in December arrived safely several weeks ago and is building up strength as it flies around the extensive flight cage, the construction of which caused Scott many sleepless nights.

We then rewind to October 2019. It's the day of Ramba’s flight, and it's a beautiful day. Our gentle grandma decides to explore her yard and enjoy the warm sun. Fortunately, Scott and the team persuade her to enter her transport crate. Arriving at the airport a few hours later, Scott recalls how Ramba breezed through security and onto the plane faster than her human team. The flight is relaxed, providing Scott and Laura a chance to catch up on some much-needed sleep for the long road trip ahead. Upon arrival in Brazil, Ramba was once again faster out of the plane than the people and already waiting for Scott and Laura. The journey home can begin.

The episode transcript can be found here.

Email: We’d love to hear from you [email protected]

Who we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, currently home to six female Asian elephants.

Website: https://globalelephants.org/

Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!

Thank you for your support!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube 

While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…

This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.

© 2023 Global Sanctuary for Elephants

A big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.