Global Sanctuary for Elephants

Bambi stood in the shade, grazing on the tall grass on a very sunny day. Of course, Maia wasn't too far away!

As we continue to honor the elephants’ journeys before they got to sanctuary, we want to share some of Mara’s health history, just as we have with some of the other girls. Read her story here: https://globalelephants.org/maras-history-of-healing/

Study finds counterintuitive rise in elephant deaths after organised monitoring A new study analysing two decades of organised crop-guarding efforts to deter elephants from entering farms has found a counterintuitive outcome: villages with active monitoring recorded two to three times more elephant deaths. The elephant monitoring squads were set up in 2004 in Assam’s Sonitpur district where human-elephant conflict had led to high fatalities on […]

"Study finds counterintuitive rise in elephant deaths after organised monitoring" Read more: https://india.mongabay.com/2026/03/study-finds-counterintuitive-rise-in-elephant-deaths-after-organised-monitoring/

Peekaboo Maia! In the rainy season, it can be harder to get clear photos of the sanctuary elephants, because the plants are very tall and thick!

After breakfast, naps are almost guaranteed for Maia, Bambi, and often Guillermina. Maia and Bambi stood dozing after a lively morning, hay tossed over their backs while they rested.

Guille wasn’t ready to snooze, though. 🤭 More: https://globalelephants.org/guilles-little-walk/

After years of construction, Safari Park’s massive new elephant habitat is opening Elephant Valley opens at a time when standards of care for the pachyderms has shifted to prioritizing animal and herd “wellbeing.”

In the US, as some zoos completely faze out their #elephant programs, others are expanding habitats as public pressure continues to push for more natural lives for elephants in captivity. Even so, nothing will compare to a life in the wild. https://ow.ly/UIz350YoFh1

João, one of our caregivers, helped Junior, from the maintenance team, clear away a tree that had fallen onto one of the treatment chutes. The caregivers work hard, and most of their work involves setting the girls up for success by cleaning and preparing their treatments.

Molly followed the caregivers down to give Rana and Mara their breakfast and morning treatment. She usually rides the 4-wheelers with the team when they go out. 🐶

Chennai temple: Mechanical elephant replaces live animals in rituals Animal welfare: Sri Sakthi Vinayagar temple in Chennai unveils Airavatham, a five-motor robotic elephant gifted by Sonu Sood and PETA India, ensuring sacred rituals continue without harming real elephants. Devotion meets ethical innovation in Tamil Nadu

"Devotion meets innovation at the Sri Sakthi Vinayagar temple here as a silent, five-motor mechanical elephant breaks free from the heavy chains of captivity, marking a high-tech shift in Tamil Nadu's religious landscape." Read more https://ow.ly/vhSG50YoEW5

The elephants once loved an “Itchy Scratchy Tree,” but after losing its biggest branch, it no longer gives shade. Now they’re testing new favorites. Read more: https://globalelephants.org/bambi-tries-out-a-new-tree/

A wild bull #elephant named Hu Pab died after being sedated during relocation. Sedation always has a level of risk for elephants. https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/3207318/elephant-dies-for-no-good-reason

As we were tidying up, we passed by them and found Maia and Bambi relaxing in the shade under their favorite nearby tree. Maia, as you may notice, dozed off with a palm frond still in her mouth. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could all sleep so soundly?

This week’s Sunday Smile features a sleepy Maia–not necessarily an uncommon sight. After breakfast, she, Bambi, and Guillermina stayed close to the barn while Yard 4 was closed off for cleaning.

VOLUME UP for trumpets! Before breakfast, Maia and Bambi ran, spun, and celebrated together in Yard 5 while Guillermina calmly grazed nearby. After nearly 30 minutes, the girls settled down and enjoyed breakfast. Read more: https://globalelephants.org/morning-party-with-maia-and-bambi/

A long history of abuse -- "Archeologists in Spain have uncovered an elephant bone from 2,200 years ago, and they believe it belonged to an animal that served as a “war machine” in an army sent to invade the Roman Republic." https://ow.ly/Lyef50YlknO

After morning treatment, Rana and Mara reconnected in the yard and meandered their way through the habitat as they grazed.

‘Ali Pancha’ to provide orphaned elephants imported Australian milk powder

In Sri Lanka, aid is on the way for young humans and elephants who have lost parents due to human-elephant conflict. A new project will give monthly scholarships to children who have lost parents and provide milk for orphaned elephants. https://ow.ly/iHrb50Ylhtc

The Male Asian Elephant Habitat has many lovely palms and lush, untouched grass. 💚

Rana and Mara have been especially playful lately, often heading to the pond together when the rain starts. Rana splashed calmly while Mara rolled and stirred up the mud. Afterward, Mara lifted her foot toward Rana—a longtime sign of affection. Read more: https://ow.ly/3yjc50Ym5xv

Young, inexperienced male #elephants are more likely to be electrocuted by illegally placed electric fences, as they leave their matriarchal herds and attempt to navigate a maze of human infrastructure. More: https://ow.ly/WbtM50Yl8Ln

Evenings at the sanctuary are calm and beautiful. After the elephants finish their dinner, they head out into the yards to graze and stand in the light from the setting sun. Meanwhile, the caregivers clean and prepare for the next day. It's the time to reset. 🌄

It's an elephant-sized toothpick for Mara. 🤭

30-member elephant herd, including calves, enters Palakkad rubber estate; residents panic A massive herd of 30 elephants, including calves, has invaded Palakkad's rubber estates

India - "A herd of 30 elephants, including calves, has taken up residence in rubber estates in Palakkad, causing disruption and concern among local residents." Read more: https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/palakkad-elephant-herd-rubber-estates-gdci2y8z

Where are you off to today, ladies?

A dip in the pond? An exploration for the tastiest grass?

(left to right, this is Bambi, Maia, then Guille)

Caregivers spotted Maia enjoying a pond soak in Yard 5—rolling and submerging. Nearby, Bambi and Guillermina grazed in the sun before Maia joined Guille for a snack, a perfect example of elephants sharing space while doing their own thing. Full post: https://ow.ly/k1N050YkpVG

😂

Stella is taking lots of Monday naps. 😄 While the caregivers did treatments, she found a comfy spot on the 4-wheeler.

Usually Guillermina can be found near Maia and Bambi, though occasionally she is off on her own adventuring and looking for tasty snacks.

We constantly count ourselves lucky to have a space like Elephant Sanctuary Brazil to offer the elephants–and to enjoy ourselves. For your “smile” this Sunday, we’re offering a look at the brilliant sanctuary sunset: a sky full of blues, purples, pinks, and oranges.

We have a wildlife rehabilitation and release program at the sanctuary and we take in a variety of animals like hawks, tapir, anteater, and deer. Read more here: https://globalelephants.org/our-wildlife-rehab-release-program/