Bambi and the Need for Space

Bambi came to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil back in 2020, after spending 40+ years on the road with a circus, followed by 10 years at two different zoos. As you might expect, her body was not in top shape during her early days here, but things began to change significantly when she got access to what must have seemed like a massive space, compared to what she’d lived with for a half century. We quickly discovered that, when Bambi saw a large yard in front of her, she would take off like lightning, overtaking the speedy Maia, who even today has an impressively fast stride. Once Bambi had space to explore, she moved (and got distracted) almost like a squirrel, interested in every new thing. It might seem simple, but having access to big, open spaces gave Bambi a chance to see the world and all its newness on her own terms.

By the time Bambi finally made it to sanctuary, she was a shell of the elephant we first met a few years prior. Her frame was unhealthily thin, and she was almost 1,000 pounds underweight. She also had weak muscles, since she hadn’t had the opportunity to really use them in ages. At a zoo, feeding schedules are often determined by human time clocks, so an elephant might have her last meal of the day early in the afternoon and must wait more than half a day for the next morning’s breakfast. That kind of situation can create food insecurity, which Bambi certainly seemed to feel. But, very quickly she realized that her food was everywhere around her. Some of the pastures have different grasses, and she loved exploring to find new flavors. The more she moved, the more she grazed–and she moved a lot. As she climbed and wandered, her muscles slowly began to strengthen.

Most afternoons during those first few months, Bambi could be found almost bounding across the yards; we compared her to a puppy because her energy seemed endless and her desire to see what was over the horizon was uninhibited. Slowly, as she began to graze for hours upon hours, her body built up some bulk; as her friendships strengthened, the other elephants encouraged her to walk with them to new places. We could see her muscle tone improve, and her legs and hips became visibly stronger and more powerful. She was once awkward and less than graceful, but now she moves with much more ease and physical strength.

This is what space does for elephants. It gives them power over their own physical bodies. It allows them to reclaim their futures on their own terms. This throwback video is an example of how well elephants can climb and descend hills and valleys. In fact, the hills at ESB were probably the first she’d encountered since she was a child. You can see the muscles in all four of her legs are fully engaged and she never wavers from her fast pace. There is simply no substitute for that.

As the year comes to a close, we are excited to build on the momentum of our expansion fundraising with another very generous supporter match, brought to you by the same circle of matching gift donors who previously supported our GivingTuesday goal. From now until the end of the year, every dollar you donate up to a total of $75,000 will continue to be doubled, as we move toward what we know is an ambitious goal. But each dollar brings us closer to the day when Bambi and her friends (and new elephants to come) can set their sights on yet another faraway hill, with the assuredness that they can conquer more beautiful, healthy challenges. Please give today.

Comments(15)

Kenneth B. Newman says
December 11, 2025 at 2:28 pm

Its NICE to hear that some NEW elephants will be coming to GSE/ESB……4 months, 6 months, later? whats the time line look like?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  December 11, 2025 at 2:37 pm
  
  We don’t have anything firm to announce. We’re always working behind the scenes to bring more elephants to sanctuary, but it’s a long process and often requires legal intervention. At this point, there’s nothing to announce and no timeline. The expansion will allow for more elephants, but there currently isn’t an elephant who is 100% cleared by the courts to come to sanctuary.
  - Meghana says
    December 14, 2025 at 10:13 am
    
    Thank you so much for changing Bambi’s life forever and making it so beautiful and happy
Wim says
December 11, 2025 at 2:35 pm

Bambi you’re an amazing survivor, gifted with a glorious stride. 👏🐘🫶
Elu says
December 11, 2025 at 3:00 pm

Thank you for giving her what she always should have had.

I still remember how blazing fast she was. She now walks with a bounce in her step. So nice to see!
Diane Kastel says
December 11, 2025 at 9:24 pm

I did not know at all, that elephants vocalize by themselves, on their own. I thought that they used vocalizations to communicate with other elephants.
Diane Kastel says
December 11, 2025 at 9:28 pm

I have assumed that elephants only vocalize to communicate with other elephants.,, did not realize that thy vocalize while alone.
- REPLY
  Sara says
  December 11, 2025 at 9:31 pm
  
  In this video, Bambi was vocalizing with Mara, who you can hear squeaking.
Terry says
December 11, 2025 at 11:07 pm

Love, love, love this powerhouse we know as Bambi. Her eyesight might be a challenge but she knows who she can count on!!!!!
Alida says
December 12, 2025 at 1:45 am

I love to listen to the different bird sounds in the background, what a glorious place for these beautiful girls, and then I hear the girls squeaking and trumpeting, so soothing! Bambi, you’re so lovely 🥰 the way you walk, you look so happy and free, you’re a cute nugget! ❤️🐘❤️
- REPLY
  Meghana says
  December 14, 2025 at 10:14 am
  
  Thank you so much for changing Bambi’s life forever and making it so beautiful and happy
Carey says
December 12, 2025 at 10:23 am

I remember Bambi when she first arrived at GSE with great tenderness. I have donated to the More Space fundraiser
- REPLY
  Sara says
  December 12, 2025 at 11:42 am
  
  Thank you, Carey! That means a lot.
JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
December 12, 2025 at 2:55 pm

I remember Bambi. The image of her standing in the dark shed at the zoo afraid to come out. Her skin dehydrated and peeling off her. I will always remember that image of her alone in the darkened shed.
To see her today, roaming, foraging, healthy weight and with friends is testament to the needs of elephants. They NEVER belong in captivity. It is my fervent hope that Bambi continues to have enough sight to navigate the GSE sanctuary by her self. ❤️🐘
Hyepets says
December 15, 2025 at 5:53 am

This is such an important reminder about giving animals the space they need. Bambi’s story really highlights how respecting their natural behaviors and boundaries helps them feel safe and thrive. Thanks for sharing!

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