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.

In our first episode of the year, we delve into the latest happenings at the sanctuary, including a recent fire that originated from a neighboring property. While not on the scale of California wildfires, it was a significant incident that rallied the local community together in a collective effort to extinguish the flames. 

In our elephant update, our focus extends beyond the individual progress of each individual as we explore the captivating dynamics within the entire herd. Witnessing their collective development and how they overcome the traumas of their past is truly fascinating.

Moving on, we pick up the thread of Ramba's final journey from Parque Safari in Chile to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil. Upon our arrival in Chile, Scott shares concerns about Ramba's energy level and overall health. This raises critical questions about her readiness for the journey that lies ahead. Supported by Ecopolis, dedicated caregivers, veterinarians, and politicians, a decision is made to proceed. Now we just have to entice Ramba to leave her warm barn and enter the transport crate. While road transports can be rescheduled, the plane will leave with or without Ramba!

Support us: Check out our new online store where you can shop for humans and your favorite elephant(s), make a donation, purchase from our elephant wishlist, or become a monthly elephant guardian.

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.

Today is our final podcast for this year. We start off by talking about the sanitation and health requirements needed for Ramba before being able to move her to Brazil.  When all of the details were ironed out, Ramba’s quarantine period could begin. With growing autonomy, Kat recalls how, true to her cheeky grandma style, Ramba let her care team know when she would permit blood draws (from her ear) or not. So not to leave you on a cliffhanger, as there is a lot to talk about Ramba’s relocation via plane from Chile to Brazil, we switch to the wildlife rehab animals currently under the care of the sanctuary.  From a vision-impaired owl, to macaws, and an injured anteater and her baby, the team is busy ensuring they all get the best care possible to aid their speedy recovery and rewilding.

🎄You love elephants and are still looking for that perfect holiday gift? Then check out our new online shop where you can shop for humans and your favorite elephant(s), make a donation, shop from our elephant wishlist, or become a monthly elephant guardian.

☕️ If you’d like a chance to win one of our new podcast mugs, then send us an email to [email protected] and name the three bingo/drinking game words we are looking for. The first three correct answers will win our Sip-Rumble-Repeat mug.

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.

In this week’s podcast, Kat and Scott talk about the challenges of managing the care of Ramba with her remote team in Chile. We cover the years of Ramba’s stay at Parque Safari in Chile, including the nonstop noise from the park’s Dinosaur ride next to Ramba’s enclosure. Additionally, we delve into the charming anecdotes of cute grandma Ramba, who knows exactly how to charm her doting care team. 

At the same time, Global Sanctuary for Elephants, then still a very young non-profit organization, is in need of funds not only for Ramba’s care but also to build fencing to be able to welcome their first elephants and expand the habitat for Ramba. And if that isn’t enough, driving Ramba over the Andes is not an option, so she will need to be flown to Brazil. As we have learned over the past episodes, there is never a dull moment in the lives of Kat and Scott. We end the episode with Scott & Kat talking about current events at the sanctuary.

🎄🎁 Our new GSE Online Shop offers you a one-stop-shop opportunity for buying gifts for your favorite elephants, for yourself, and your friends and family. You can also make a direct donation or become a monthly elephant guardian.

☕️  Listen to the podcast while drinking from our brand new “Sip, Rumble, Repeat” podcast mug.

Your donations and purchases are highly appreciated and will help us continue our work in not only caring for the elephants currently at the sanctuary, but expanding it for more elephants waiting for their chance at a better life.

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.