Global Sanctuary for Elephants

After the season’s biggest storm in months, Sandro greeted caregivers with wet skin dusted in fresh red mud—looking like a painting! He’s spending more time in the pond, too, but still finds plenty of other places to get muddy. Read more: https://globalelephants.org/sandros-painted-skin/

With rainy season upon us, muddy elephants will be even more of a frequent sight than they are now. This Sunday Smile shows us that Bambi–and especially Maia–are more than prepared for the upcoming wet days.

Sandro likes to return to his snacks to find leftover pieces of fruit and hay. He’s been staying busy — snacking, exploring, napping, and splashing in the water.

Three elephants from the Houston Zoo will be relocated as a part of the AZA's breeding plan -- mother Shanti and her two daughters, Joy and Kirby. Read more: https://www.chron.com/wildlife/article/houston-zoo-elephants-kirby-leaving-22487532.php

Baby and Guille are learning to navigate their relationship. Here, Guille leads Baby on a stroll, with playful nudges and trumpets along the way. They eventually settle side by side, tails swaying. Watch here: https://ow.ly/ueGo50ZZUYH

In this week's episode of our podcast, Global Rumblings, Scott and Kat debate their memories -- Who was the fastest to exit the crate in SEB history? They also talk about Sandro and his relocation in this episode, and you won't want to miss it! Listen here: globalelephants.org/podcast/

Sandro is exploring more and building muscle. His team has noticed a pop or wobble in his back knees, likely from severe arthritis, plus hip stiffness. He isn’t showing increased soreness and continues receiving medical support and close monitoring. https://globalelephants.org/sandros-joint-issues/

"Alan fired off a dart. Relatives clustered around her as the drug began taking effect, and within 15 minutes they were all sedated" https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/moving-elephants-zimbabwe

Baby is easing into relationships with the other elephants, while still learning to match her energy to theirs after years alone. Here, she takes a break from the girls to enjoy a refreshing self-spray from the habitat’s automatic water trough! Watch here: https://ow.ly/E7FX50ZZ9o7

Elephants have surprisingly dextrous and flexible trunks! They are able to twist and curl it in a variety of ways -- just like Maia is showing off in this photo.

Learn more about footwork at the sanctuary and watch Scott work on Maia in this old Elefact! https://globalelephants.org/elefact-friday-all-about-footwork/

"Are elephant graveyards a real thing? Is there any truth in the legend elephants go to a special place to die?" https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/elephant-graveyards-truth

Baby is making progress with the girls! She joined Maia, Bambi, and Guille calmly, spent time with Guille in the woods, and later stood beside Maia near the mud wallow. These visits are brief, but trust takes time—and the elephants get to set the pace. https://ow.ly/C0n650ZYxRu

When an elephant dies, it's body may affect the ecosystem for nearly a decade after. Researchers were surprised at the effects on the soil and wildlife. Read more: https://www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts/mammals/elephant-carcass-south-africa

At night feed, Sandro headed to the fence for dinner. He ate veggies and pellets first, then gently blew small pieces of specialized hay into his mouth. His team is monitoring his intake as he gains weight without aggravating past health issues. Read: https://ow.ly/y7y550ZY8Bs

Colorado -- "Cheyenne Mountain Zoo mourns loss of Kimba, 48-year-old African elephant who arrived in 1981" https://www.kktv.com/2026/10/13/cheyenne-mountain-zoo-mourns-loss-kimba-48-year-old-african-elephant-who-arrived-1981/

While Guillermina explored alone, Maia and Bambi visited the mud wallow. Maia coated herself in mud, while Bambi preferred dusting. After Maia wandered off, Bambi stayed to scratch her belly and legs with her trunk. She looked thoroughly satisfied!

Baby has a favorite grass, but she isn’t too picky! Luckily, it grows plentifully in the female habitat, too. As rainy season approaches, taller, greener grass will offer more choices. Unlike slow, delicate grazers, Baby happily grabs big bunches!

Sandro’s care team has been adjusting his diet to suit his preferences and to help him put on weight. Lately they tried a new type of hay that comes pre-cooked and is moistened, and he seems enthusiastic about it! Read more: https://globalelephants.org/sandros-special-hay

Baby makes herself some lovely hay hats. We haven’t seen her wear an entire flake — it’s usually just a dusting.

We can’t believe it’s been 10 years at the sanctuary with Miss Maia. 🎉🥳 Learn more about her on our website here https://globalelephants.org/maia

Happy 10th Re-birthday Maia! In order to honor Maia’s journey, today we are sharing a throwback video of some of the first touches between Maia and then-new arrival Rana. Read more: https://globalelephants.org/happy-10th-re-birthday-maia/

Sandro’s world has gotten so much bigger. 💚 He used to have to duck to fit inside his small shelter at the zoo where he spent most of his time every day. Now he lives in a space that was thoughtfully designed just for him.

Guille and Bambi stop for a dust bath, using their toenails to loosen the packed dirt before tossing it over their backs, heads, and bellies. Dusting helps protect their skin, while digging also helps keep their nails naturally worn. Maia soon leads the way onward!

The caregivers have found the first big tree that Sandro has toppled. It’s a great sign that he’s settling into sanctuary life. Read more: https://globalelephants.org/sandro-tackles-a-tree/

Elephants are keystone species, supporting entire ecosystems. A 15-year study found that areas without elephants had 67% fewer dung beetles. With fewer beetles, decomposition slowed and seed dispersal declined—disrupting an entire ecosystem. https://ow.ly/nwav50ZWrL5

Sandro is exploring nearly every corner of his new habitat! He quickly learned to follow the fence line and now roams on his own, discovering new spaces each day. All that movement is helping him build muscle, strengthen his body, and truly settle into sanctuary life.

Baby reached another milestone: she spent the night sharing a yard with Mara and Rana! Everyone remained relaxed, so the girls were given the choice to stay together overnight. In the morning, all three were still calm and comfortable near each other. https://ow.ly/pCgE50ZW6TB

Sandro has a new hobby: making his own mud! He takes water from the trough, mixes it with dirt, then sprays the mud over his back, belly, and wrists. It helps protect his skin from bugs and the sun—a natural remedy he clearly enjoys. Read more: https://globalelephants.org/sandros-muddy-wrists/

Baby, Guille, Mara, and Rana spent time together today. After some energetic greetings, everyone settled at the mud wallow, alternating between grazing and getting muddy. By dinner, Guille returned to Maia and Bambi, while Baby chose some time alone.

Adopt a sanctuary elephant for yourself or make it a beautiful gift for someone else! Our EleGuardians help cover the costs of nutrition and treatments that help our residents heal. https://globalelephants.org/adopt

Guille has learned how to temper her enthusiasm around the older girls, but Baby is still learning how to reign in her energy to keep everyone comfortable. In this video, Guille gently used her body to slow Baby down. Read more: https://globalelephants.org/slowing-babys-approach/

Sandro still loves exploring Yards 2 and 3, but lately he’s spending more time in Yard 1, where he can see the girls and enjoy the pond. And wherever he goes, he’s delightfully muddy! Here, he dusted himself until he was covered in the pond’s pale dirt. https://ow.ly/2hUk50ZUJZg

Bambi’s contented rumbles are slow, deep, and welcoming. As her rumbles grow louder, Maia begins to squeak. The two friends gently touch and pat each other with their trunks—a beautiful reminder of their undeniable bond.

Baby is making herself at home! She hasn’t settled with one particular group yet, but she’s enjoying time with all five girls. Here, she found a snack stash, picking up tiny bites with her trunk—and tossing a little hay onto her belly to keep bugs away. https://ow.ly/cSUT50ZUcEe

Scott caught up with Sandro, who is exploring deep into his new habitat, finding favorite spots in the tall grass and trees. He’s not always easy to spot, but that’s a good sign! Watch here: https://globalelephants.org/scott-catches-up-with-sandro/

As the team added water to the pond in the female Asian elephant habitat, Guille helped herself to a few sips of the fresh cool water, straight from the tap. https://globalelephants.org/guille-has-a-cool-drink/

Sandro seemed relaxed during last night’s bedtime check. Covered in mud from pools he’s made with water troughs, he’s exploring his new home. Watch here: https://globalelephants.org/a-nighttime-visit-with-sandro/

Baby got a glimpse of a new part of the sanctuary today! She explored Yard 4 for a few minutes, checking out Creeky Alley before heading back toward the barn. For now, she’s happy in the smaller yards, taking her time as she explores and builds bonds. https://ow.ly/HUKz50ZTcOR

On today’s new episode of our podcast, Global Rumblings, Scott, Kat, and Nadia talk about Sandro’s past and the legal battle that slowed his move. Watch a video version on our YouTube channel or listen here: https://globalelephants.org/podcast

Sandro was covered in mud during last night’s check-in! It seems he’d been enjoying the wallow, mixing dirt and water before scooping mud onto himself with his trunk. He clearly likes making mud—and we hope to soon catch him splashing in the pond.

Sandro is a big guy! The fences in the Male Asian Habitat are about 2.75 meters (9 feet) tall, but Sandro stands taller than the highest bar. We estimate he’s close to 3 meters (just under 10 feet) tall. As he builds muscle, he’ll fill out even more.

Do you prefer the sun or the shade on a hot and sunny day? Mara stayed in the shade while Rana napped in the sunshine. Read more: https://globalelephants.org/mara-and-rana-ask-the-sun-or-the-shade/

Sunday Smile! Sandro has submerged himself in the pond. He showed some visible weakness moving around in the water. We look forward to seeing him get stronger at the sanctuary!

While Sandro is not as fast as Baby or Guille, he’s showed us his strong, steady pace as he followed after Scott. Read more: https://globalelephants.org/moving-around-with-sandro/

Happy Re-Birthday Bambi!! We are celebrating with this older video where she meets Maia. Read her full re-birthday post here: https://globalelephants.org/happy-6th-re-birthday-bambi/

It’s Elefact Friday! We’ve had some questions about Sandro and musth, so we are talking about that today. Read it here: https://globalelephants.org/elefact-friday-understanding-musth-in-males/

The gate was opened between Baby, Rana, and Mara and they did great! Read more: https://globalelephants.org/baby-meets-mara-and-rana/

Sandro was covered in mud during last night’s check-in! It seems he’d been enjoying the wallow, mixing dirt and water before scooping mud onto himself with his trunk. He clearly likes making mud—and we hope to soon catch him splashing in the pond.

Sandro has been exploring all over the habitat, playing in the mud, and seems to be well rested this morning. We're doing small experiments to understand his unique food preferences, and monitoring his digestion closely. Watch this morning's live: https://ow.ly/4OEE50ZQIEt