Global Rumblings Podcast

Welcome home, Ramba!  (Ramba Part IX) -

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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.

We discuss the most frustrating aspect of Ramba’s rescue- Why did it take so long? We dive into details about permits, including those required internationally by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) but also within Brazil (IBAMA). There is no classification for sanctuaries in Brazil, and no recent elephant imports, which means standards and protocols need to be created.

Blood tests on Ramba show she is suffering from the early stages of kidney failure, which require a strict diet and the use of different modalities to support her body. Ramba's care team is dedicated to giving their grandma elephant the best care possible while - unbeknownst to her - everybody is doing what they can to get her to the sanctuary.

🎄🎁 We mentioned several ways you can support the elephants this holiday season: 

Thank you so much for supporting the elephants!

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.

 🎃 Join our Pachyderm Pumpkin Party fundraiser here.

This week, we talk about Ramba’s first days at her temporary home after the circus. Scott recalls how Ramba settled into her new home very quickly, enjoying the space, the trees, and the mud. Caregivers assigned to Ramba needed training since they had never worked with an elephant or with protected contact training, which was necessary for the sanitary requirements to import to the U.S. 

We also talk about Parque Safari, a small roadside zoo that provided the space for Ramba. The safety standards in place for the park’s animals were a little frightening as Kat recalls; but while it’s easy to point out the faults, the owner of the Parque Safari stepped up to provide the land, knowing that they would not be able to make money off her as they might have liked. When The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee announces that they will not take Ramba, her future seems uncertain, especially regarding financing Ramba’s care.

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.

Ramba (Part 2) - Today we dive straight into resolving the cliffhanger we left you with last time. Scott admits that talking about Ramba’s rescue from the circus in our last episode really brought up old memories about how difficult the entire operation really was. Under the circumstances, Ramba was fairly relaxed. The rescue team and the circus people were each waiting in their corners for the judge’s ruling to arrive. And when it does, it is a challenge: the colonel of the military police is being sent to oversee the rescue, and the team only has until the end of the day to get Ramba to load into the transport container.

Tensions rise, the sun begins to set, and the colonel taps on his watch indicating what everyone knows. And then, Ramba effortlessly backs into the containers and relief washes over the rescue team. With the final challenge of loading the container onto the truck, Ramba leaves the circus premises for the last time, with the police following closely behind. Arriving at the Park Safari, a few more small hurdles need to be overcome before Ramba can be released into her 2-acre enclosure, where she starts to graze, dust herself with dirt, and finally lies down to sleep. Although not at the sanctuary yet, this is her new home.

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.

Ramba (Part 1) - Known as the “Last circus elephant in Chile”, Ramba was confiscated from a circus due to neglect and abuse. Yet, with nowhere to go, she remains in the custody of the circus. Scott & Kat recall how her rescue really must be credited to the small animal welfare organization, Ecopolis, who had been campaigning for Ramba’s release for years before Scott & Kat arrived on the scene to assist with her actual relocation.

Ramba’s move from the circus to her temporary home at Parque Safari was indeed the most difficult and challenging so far. Scott describes how the judge’s ruling left them with only 4 days to load Ramba into a less-than-ideal transport crate. We end the episode on a cliffhanger as the tension between rescuers and the circus rises and threatens to turn into a physical fight. 

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.

Episode 18

Rana (Part 3) - In our third and final episode on Rana, Scott & Kat share how they truly noticed the lessons Rana had learned about friendship when the sanctuary’s fourth elephant, Ramba, arrived.  Eager not to make the same mistakes as with Guida & Maia, we talk about how Rana kept her exuberance to herself, not wanting to touch Ramba and possibly annoy or scare her. Yet Ramba was looking for guidance to know how to behave from the elephants already at the sanctuary.

It was Maia who broke the ice by touching Ramba first; with this clear sign, Rana opened up to embrace her new sister with much love and affection. Kat recalls how Ramba, who was well over 60 years old, explored every part of the sanctuary, often leaving Rana behind when she couldn’t keep up. A beautiful friendship between the two grandmother elephants touched the hearts of all at the sanctuary.

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.