Abundant Gratitude in 2025

Female African elephant Kenya stands facing right. Ths sky is dark, which makes Kenya's skin look a little red. The stars in the sky are bright.

Many of our followers in the US are taking today to give thanks for what the past year has brought. As the Global Sanctuary for Elephants team looks back on what 2025 meant to us, there’s been some heartbreak, but also so many powerful moments. Not only were we able to bring African elephant Pupy to sanctuary, we were grateful to welcome Kenya as well. The two of them were the first African elephants to call Elephant Sanctuary Brazil home and, as each crossed over the border into Brazil, they ended the long history of captive elephants in Argentina.

The Asian elephants continue to make the most of their time at ESB, and they reinforce every day that healing is possible, even when things seem insurmountable. They give us constant reminders to listen and to clearly communicate. The fact that they’ve welcomed us into their lives after all that humans have done to them is beautiful, and we are always thankful that they are willing to put their trust in us.

It’s easy to find joy in the obvious blessings we see every day, but to really be thankful, you have to see beauty in the hard things, too. Reflecting on Pupy, she may not have had the years at sanctuary that we hoped for, but over the past few decades we’ve come to realize that every moment a captive elephant can have at sanctuary is valuable and healing. Those of you who remember Ramba may know that, even when there’s no doubt that an elephant’s time is limited, it’s worth every dollar, every mile traveled, and every sleepless night, to give that individual the respect and the chance at a healthy, natural life they deserve–even if it’s for an abbreviated time.

There are so many of you who have walked with us, seen the healing that sanctuary can bring, and committed yourselves to helping end the abuse and neglect that often comes with captive life. Surrounding yourself with others with open hearts, who share your convictions, is not only comforting, but creates its own sort of family. Our sanctuary family sustains us and helps provide a healthy life for every animal here. We couldn’t do this without you and we thank you for your enthusiasm, your gifts, your messages, and your advocacy for elephants.

Photo of Kenya under a blanked of sanctuary stars

Comments(11)

Eileen L. says
November 27, 2025 at 2:52 pm

♥
elaine richard says
November 27, 2025 at 2:52 pm

Wishing all you good people at Sanctuary a very Happy Thanksgiving. Much to be thankful for! Much for us to thank you guys for.
Wim says
November 27, 2025 at 2:57 pm

Happy Thanksgiving to our GSE-family. Love this beautiful reflection on the magical life at the Sanctuary, can only confess it truly is healing at a distance. Sending strength and recovery to all residents at the Sanctuary. 🙏🫶💚
Samantha Giffin says
November 27, 2025 at 3:20 pm

Happy Thanksgiving! I’m grateful for GSE and the family of supporters. xoxoxo
Rae says
November 27, 2025 at 3:55 pm

God bless every life at Sanctuary. Thankful for everything you do to bring joy and comfort and peace to all the beautiful elephants and all other lives there. Love.
J Johnson @jmjinsincity 🇺🇸 says
November 27, 2025 at 4:07 pm

I am honored to count myself as a virtual member of the GSE/ESB family. I am happy to donate, promote & advocate not only for elephants but on behalf of the other world’s animals & add my voice for their well being.

Here’s to remembering Guida, Ramba, Pocha, Lady & Pupy. Here’s to celebrating every day of freedom for Kenya, Mara, Rana, Maia, Bambi & Gullie. And, hopefully, here’s to many future elephants who will find their forever home in Mato Grosso, Brazil @ ESB.

Many thanks to Scott & Kat as well as all the others who are an integral part of making Sanctuary a success.

To all around the world ~ “Let our lives be full of both thanks & giving.”
Ada says
November 27, 2025 at 5:43 pm

No matter the heartbreak losing them without getting the chance to live in freedom for years, but the thought of having experienced it make it all worthwhile. I still grieve for Pupy as she was my first ele. The reason I follow you, why I donate, became one of her eleguardian…all because of her. I watched her training to get comfortable inside the crate, spent hours waiting for her to come out when she made it home. I’ll continue to be here and donate…all because of Pupy. Thank you for continuing to fight for them, for saving them. You are heroes!!!🥰
Zoi Flores says
November 27, 2025 at 6:19 pm

My enormous gratitude to the sanctuary family for everything you do for the girls, those little beings who stay for a while or permanently, and all the future lovely beings.
Juan says
November 27, 2025 at 6:33 pm

Thank you for all you do
Barbara L Smith says
November 27, 2025 at 9:27 pm

God Bless you all for your work of rescuing and caring for these magnificent elephants. 🙏🏽❤️
Bonnie says
November 28, 2025 at 12:52 am

Hope you all at the Sanctuary had a good day like I have saided before we really need more People like you all in this World who care and help Animal’s Thank you all

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