Best Global Sanctuary For Elephants Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 38: Working on Elephant Time (Bambi Part II) 26:10

2h ago26:10

26:10

Arriving at the zoo in Ribeirao Preto Scott recalls how much Bambi had changed not only physically but also mentally since he and Kat met her in 2013. She was curious but was spooked by the slightest noise and returned to the darkness of her barn. Scott and Dr. Trish let things flow at Bambi’s pace, letting her know that everyone is listening to he…

1
Episode 37: Meet Bambi 23:53

11d ago23:53

23:53

Bambi is the seventh elephant to call Elephant Sanctuary Brazil her home. Confiscated from the circus, she was first sent to the Leme Botanical Gardens and later on to a zoo in Ribierão Preto; both cities are located in São Paulo state, Brazil. Scott recalls how they first heard about Bambi during their exploratory trip to Brazil in 2013, and how t…

1
Episode 36: There's More Going On 20:06

1M ago20:06

20:06

In the first of our “Brazilian edition” episodes - our host Nadia is currently in Brazil at the sanctuary - we pick up from last time and continue to talk about Mara’s health. While her GI issues seemed to be getting better and her poop improving in quantity, size & consistency, she started to go off her food. After weeks of limited food intake, Ma…

1
Episode 35: Let's talk about elephant poop 29:21

2M ago29:21

29:21

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 (g…

1
Episode 34: How to Move an Elephant During a Pandemic 29:25

2M ago29:25

29:25

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 Sc…

1
Episode 33: Meet Mara (Mara Part I) 25:57

3M ago25:57

25:57

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…

1
Episode 32: Lady and the Other Elephants (Lady Part IV) 33:56

3M ago33:56

33:56

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 …

1
Episode 31: Lady Explores her New Home (Lady Part III) 32:09

4M ago32:09

32:09

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…

1
Episode 30: On the Road to Sanctuary (Lady Part II) 27:59

4M ago27:59

27:59

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 …

1
Episode 29: From Circus to Sanctuary (Lady Part I) 30:41

5M ago30:41

30:41

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 re…

1
Episode 28: Not long for this world (Ramba part X) 36:46

5M ago36:46

36:46

“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 …

1
Episode 27: Welcome Home Ramba! 34:25

5M ago34:25

34:25

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…

1
Episode 26: All Aboard the 747 Flight to Brazil (Ramba Part VIII) 35:12

6M ago35:12

35:12

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 th…

1
Episode 25: A Plane to Catch (Ramba Part VII) & Sanctuary Update 32:14

6M ago32:14

32:14

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, …

1
Episode 24: Ramba (Part VI) & Wildlife Rehab 36:25

8M ago36:25

36:25

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 kno…

1
Episode 23: Ramba (Part V) 35:32

8M ago35:32

35:32

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 …

1
Episode 22: Ramba (Part IV) 34:58

8M ago34:58

34:58

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…

1
Episode 21: Ramba (Part III) 35:08

9M ago35:08

35:08

🎃 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 protecte…

1
Episode 20: Ramba (Part II) 34:13

9M ago34:13

34:13

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 pe…

1
Episode 19: Ramba (Part I) 32:00

10M ago32:00

32:00

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…

1
Episode 18: Rana (Part III) 26:31

10M ago26:31

26:31

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 an…

1
Episode 17: Rana (Part II) 35:12

11M ago35:12

35:12

Rana (Part 2) - One of our listeners sent us the question, “How do elephants feel about the humans they interact with?” In this episode, we talk about facilitating what an elephant needs on an emotional and physical level without crossing the boundaries of forcing ourselves onto them. Scott and Kat recall how Maia and Guida didn’t ask for much affe…

1
Episode 16: Rana (Part I) 36:13

11M ago36:13

36:13

Episode 16 Rana (Part 1) - Meet Rana (pronounced Hana), the sanctuary’s third elephant and also a former circus elephant. She arrived at the sanctuary on Dec 21, 2018. Scott recalls how they heard rumours of a solitary elephant living on the grounds of a hotel on the east coast of Brazil. Luckily, the new hotel owner wanted a better life for Rana a…

1
Episode 15: Guida & Maia Part IV 33:48

12M ago33:48

33:48

Guida & Maia (Part 4) - In this week’s podcast we start off by saying “THANK YOU” to all of our wonderful listeners & introduce the independent Facebook support group ‘Friends of Global Sanctuary for Elephants’. We talk about the connection of physical and emotional healing of Guida & Maia. The sanctuary’s diverse topography of hills, creeks, and g…

1
Episode 14: Guida & Maia Part III 34:25

1y ago34:25

34:25

Episode 14 Guida & Maia Part III - Kat & Scott share more stories on Guida & Maia’s development from who they were upon arrival at ESB (Elephant Sanctuary Brazil) and who they really are. Scott recalls how today Maia, after her nightly explorations, falls into her morning-zombie mode, often napping in the treatment chute, though it was initially a …

1
Episode 13: Guida and Maia Part II 35:13

1y ago35:13

35:13

Episode 13 Guida & Maia (Part 2) - Kat & Scott share their memories of Guida & Maia’s first steps off the transport crates after a safe and smooth journey to the sanctuary. Due to their difficult relationship, Guida & Maia spent their first night in separate stalls in the elephant care center. Yet it seemed that the magic of sanctuary had already e…

1
Episode 12: Guida and Maia Part I 34:57

1y ago34:57

34:57

Episode 12 Guida & Maia (Part 1) - Female Asian elephants Guida & Maia, ex-circus elephants, were the first who got to experience the magic of sanctuary in Brazil. Confiscated from the circus but with no suitable place to go, they had spent 5 years chained up on the prosecutor’s farm. Scott & Kat share their first encounters with the two elephants …

1
Episode 11: Developing the Property for the First Elephants 35:02

1y ago35:02

35:02

Episode 11 Developing the property for the first elephants - The magnificent property is secured, but the pressure is still on with the sanctuary’s first elephants Guida & Maia waiting for their happy end. Learn how Scott & Kat explored the property on foot as there was no money for a 4-wheeler or car - with the main focus being to find the ideal a…

1
Episode 10: Meet the Team- Rebecca Rodriguez 28:16

1y ago28:16

28:16

Episode 10 Meet the Team - Rebecca Rodriguez - In today’s podcast we have Rebecca Rodriguez, Development Director for GSE, as our special guest. As a non-profit organization, GSE’s work relies on private donations and grants, and Rebecca talks about how this work to make the magic of sanctuary possible is very close to her heart. She also shares he…

1
Episode 9: Trunks and Treasures Minisode 9:22

1y ago9:22

9:22

Episode 9 (Minisode) Trunks & Treasures: an online auction and virtual event to support elephants In our first minisode, Scott and Kat share exciting news about their upcoming online auction and live Facebook event. Save these dates: Online auction: June 5 at 11:00am EST to June 12 at 7 pm EST 2023 (Monday-Monday) Live Facebook event: Saturday, Jun…

1
Episode 8: Sanctuary Sweet Sanctuary 34:32

1y ago34:32

34:32

Episode 8 Sanctuary Sweet Sanctuary - Despite much support from the local mayor, Tocantins is just not the right area of Brazil for the sanctuary. Kat and Scott share how they decided to move to the Mato Grosso region and how - after looking at many properties - they always ended up back at the current sanctuary property. With the universe obviousl…

1
Episode 7: Elephant Stories & Communication II 32:57

1y ago32:57

32:57

In this episode, we take a closer look at elephant communication and explore the intricacies that Kat and Scott have observed during the elephants' journeys toward physical and mental healing. We delve into the concept of face value trauma and examine why sometimes elephants resort to stereotypic behaviors, such as head bobbing and swaying, as a co…

1
Episode 6: Just Keep Laughing 28:43

1+ y ago28:43

28:43

Moving to a new country brings many challenges including cultural ones. Scott & Kat share some more funny and entertaining stories and anecdotes on their new home. We look at more properties including ‘Hundred cows’, ‘Fruit tree confusion’, ‘Beautiful birds’ and the shocking ‘Cow graveyard’. Scott’s romantic declaration of love to Kat shows how the…

1
Episode 5: How it Nearly All Fell Through 28:00

1+ y ago28:00

28:00

It’s time to pack our suitcases as we move from America to Brazil on June 24, 2014. In this episode Scott & Kat talk about how only 24 hours after arriving in Brazil, the money they were promised to start the sanctuary wouldn’t be available after all - nor would the car. Most importantly, the deal for sanctuary land fell through. But giving up was …

1
Episode 4: Keeping an Open Perspective 38:43

1+ y ago38:43

38:43

Episode 4 Keeping an open perspective: Kat & Scott explain how they shifted the focus from captive elephants not only in South America, but globally, thus leading to the founding of GSE. While replicating TES (which Scott co-founded) might have seemed an obvious choice, other options like a halfway home in South America with the final destination i…

1
Episode 3: Elephant Stories & Communication 30:34

1+ y ago30:34

30:34

In this episode, we talk more about the ways that Scott & Kat observed the elephants at TES (The Elephant Sanctuary in TN) on a daily basis and how, as they showed the elephants they were paying attention to what was being communicated, the elephants began to open up and reveal more of themselves over time. We touch on the complexities of listening…

1
Episode 2: Leaving TES & the Last Circus Elephant in Chile 23:19

1+ y ago23:19

23:19

In our 2nd episode, Scott & Kat talk about the face value of elephant trauma and how it wasn’t until they saw the magnitude of recovery possible at sanctuary that they realized how deep the impact of harmful captivity had been on each elephant’s soul. We talk about their brief elephant-free months after leaving the sanctuary in Tennessee, in 2011, …

1
Episode 1: How it All Began 31:24

1+ y ago31:24

31:24

From working at a safari park as a teenager to needing a change from the routine work in the veterinary field, Scott and Kat’s careers in captive elephant welfare couldn’t have started much differently. Find out how the dark side of elephant care opened Scott Blais’s eyes to their immense suffering and how the violent death of Tyke, a circus elepha…

1
Global Rumblings Trailer 1:16

1+ y ago1:16

1:16

Coming February 2023: Global Sanctuary for Elephants’ brand new podcast, Global Rumbling. Join our host, Nadia Mari, as she talks to Scott & Kat Blais, co-founders of GSE about how their careers in captive elephant welfare began, why they founded South America’s first elephant sanctuary, and their plans for the future. Subscribe today join our herd…

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