Ask Us Anything with Scott and Kat: Episode 1

January 6, 2025

A while back, we asked our supporters to send in questions they would like to have answered by Scott and Kat. To start the new year off, we thought we’d share video responses to the first set of questions: What is your biggest struggle with running the sanctuary? And what would you be doing if you weren’t doing this? Scott takes a turn in front of the camera, while Kat films.

We’re going to share additional answers to some of your questions in the coming weeks, so look for more videos from Kat and Scott in the near future!

Comments(6)

REPLY
Julie says
January 6, 2025 at 2:42 pm

I wonder if the fact that Scott and Kat are from the U.S., there is more push-back with regards to releasing elephants to sanctuary. Have you all thought of hiring a Brazilian “front team” to negotiate with the Zoos and Ecoparques? I hate that this may be a reality! Thank you for all that you do for the Ellies, ESB Staff!
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  Sara says
  January 6, 2025 at 3:04 pm
  
  The entire Elephant Sanctuary Brazil team is Brazilian. We always want to create a scenario where the people in the country where the sanctuary is located to own that sanctuary. So the ESB organization owns the sanctuary. It’s headed by Brazilians. The facilities we are working with in Argentina are run by Argentinians. It’s part of how GSE is established – to allow the local community to be leaders in the organization.
REPLY
Kenneth B. Newman says
January 6, 2025 at 3:38 pm

In the past I have asked questions that were NEVER answered. I thought maybe it because I wasn’t giving money to GSE. Frankly, due to some family issues/ job losses that were NOT my fault, I have been in some financial difficulty for some time. I do care about the animals at GSE, I wish I had the money to both give to your organization, and to come visit, if you would allow that to happen. Maybe in the future???. I read each and every email that is sent out about the life of the elephants and other animals that have a better life at GSE.
My ONLY complaint is that I think MALE elephants could and should also be given sanctuary at GSE, and it appears that this location is NOT giving any captive male elephants their OWN opportunity for a better life. While maybe? another location in GSE MUST be built in order to accommodate MALE elephants, including extra strong pens to be able to hold them back from FEMALE elephants. On the other hand, due to massive elephant die offs in Africa, ( or Asia), the elephant ‘s ability to survive mankind might include having breeding of elephants taking place in locations such as GSE. So if there are other MALE and FEMALE elephants left in South America to bring to GSE, I would think that goal would be number one for your organization……..
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  Sara says
  January 6, 2025 at 3:53 pm
  
  Support isn’t defined only by financial donations. Sharing our posts and interacting on social media, even talking to others about the harms of captivity are all great ways of helping. We are honored to have any level of support that our supporters are able to give. We do have a male Asian habitat, but are still waiting on a male elephant to be ready to join us. We do not support breeding in captivity, since that simply perpetuates the cycle of elephants being kept in captive environments. Additionally, our accrediting body, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries believes that true sanctuary does not engage in intentional breeding. That is definitely not the goal. The goal is providing a healthy space where these elephants can live out their lives peacefully. You can read more about our philosophy on breeding here: https://globalelephants.org/elefact-friday-reproduction-in-captivity/
REPLY
Patricia says
January 6, 2025 at 4:59 pm

I’m so sorry, but not surprised to hear what Scott has to say. I know of no animal except humans that must always cause trouble and inflict cruelty. Sometimes I think the human race are a bunch of sociopaths who enjoy seeing suffering and try to cause trouble for those who would help others, of any species. It’s infuriating and frustrating. But the animals, the elephants will never let you down or be purposefully perverse or impeding. They are full of a divine love, and to get through the rough times one must live in that love.
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Bonnie says
January 7, 2025 at 6:12 am

Scott I understand your frustration here in the United states we have wildlife that’s in danger of becoming extinct because of Humans but what you all are doing for these Elephants is the way an Elephant’s life should be Free yes thiers always going to be someone or something to try and interfere some how but you all are strong together and my opinion doing the best and right thing for the Elephant’s so you all keep up the good work and Smile

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