Be a Little Elephant. Live In the Now.

The lovely Ramba continues to do wonderfully. Her relationships with Maia and Rana are going well. Although Rana has always been an explorer, she’s had to up her game and speed a bit to hang out with her new friend. We even saw a little bit of a punk side with Ramba’s foot soaks the other day, which we found quite endearing. When an elephant shows up acting insecure, we love to see that spunk come back, even if not in an ideal way.

This post is about making sure those new to Ramba and even those who already know her, are aware of her pre-existing physical issues. With sanctuary, we have always felt that even if an elephant only has a few days here, it’s still worth the rescue. You have all seen how life-changing it was for Ramba and how different she was immediately after her rescue. For us, that would be enough, although we always wish they had more time at sanctuary.

When we relocated Ramba from the circus 7 years ago, blood work was done shortly after her rescue and showed chronic liver and kidney compromise. Water issues were suspected in the death of her companion from Argentina, and we saw inappropriate feeding when we removed her from the circus grounds. After sharing her results, it was suggested there wasn’t much hope for her, to keep her hydrated and comfortable and see how she did. That, of course, isn’t an acceptable answer, so we talked to numerous vets, did a fair bit of research, and put her on supportive herbal supplements, veterinary grade essential oils, and a restricted/adjusted diet. And although seven years later she is still going, her values have been very slowly climbing, and we know at some point it will most likely be the cause of her passing.

Clearly, Ramba is a strong elephant. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be with us today. We have continued with all of her treatments while looking into some new possibilities. Just so you know, nothing is going on with her, nothing new, nothing wrong, she’s incredible. We just don’t want anyone to be surprised if an issue comes up later on. We strive to be honest and transparent with everything we do, and this is no different.

Along with her liver and kidney issues, she also arrived from the circus with front left foot issues that have bothered her on and off over the years. She had a ‘blowout’ about a year ago, with painful abscessing over the nail, but it resolved with treatment and loving care. Like Lady, this problem lies deep within the foot and will never be fully resolved. It is why she also receives foot soaks and extra thorough foot care. She also usually suffers from minor bouts of colic about 4 times a year and displays signs of arthritis.

But you wouldn’t know any of this watching her embracing her new life and racing around the sanctuary. And no, truly there is nothing going on, but so often you only hear about celebrating every day when those days are gone. So we are informing people of her conditions, but also asking you to be a little elephant- to live in the now, to put her physical issues off to the side, and rejoice in how phenomenal she is, her beautiful journey, what she brings to the existing herd, and what she will bring to those who have yet to arrive. Ramba is nothing short of amazing, and it’s our job to make sure people see everything she has made it through, how strong she really is, and how lucky we are to have her here at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil. We adore her and hope you do too.

November 8, 2019

Ramba’s Page →

Comments(13)

Carol says
November 8, 2019 at 4:15 pm
Prayers going up for our precious Ramba. May she have a miraculous recuperation aided by her increasing happiness and feeling of well being and love. Love does work miracles.
Gramma Tammy says
November 8, 2019 at 4:58 pm
With lots of love and prayers for all the Elephants may they taste the joy of freedom even though for some it’s only a short time it’s what we all desperately want for them to enjoy! Scott, Kat and crew, we will always be so very thankful for your constant devotion and constant selflessness to their well-being in all aspects of these adorable ladies lives! Can’t wait for the new kids to be welcomed with open arms to this new amazing family of Elephants and caring humans at GSE God Bless!
Barb Wilson says
November 8, 2019 at 5:11 pm
Ramba is so easy to love!! She has an endearing quality about her and just seeing her photos makes me smile. From one grandma to grandma Ramba I say, “you go girl” and enjoy every precious moment you have in sanctuary.
Donna Johnson says
November 8, 2019 at 5:15 pm
Love hearing from the Global Sanctuary for Elephants! My heart is filled with joy knowing these beloved beauties are having a wonderful life, with so much love and devotion. Thank you all for making this possible. Prayers for all those elephants still being exploited. May they all relocate to a sanctuary , such as the one in Brazil . We owe it to them.
Liora says
November 8, 2019 at 5:17 pm
This post brings tears to my eyes, and I do hope and pray that she has years to come with the TLC and companionship she is now having. May she remain happy and comfortable. Thank you for taking such good care of her, and for the elephants to come. I am in awe of what you do.
Susan says
November 8, 2019 at 5:55 pm
What an AWESOME photo of Sweet Rambita!! Literally seeing one of famous hay berets being formed ???? Thank you for being up front with us about Ramba’s condition. Hoping and praying that she has joy every day in her Sanctuary Home. I still get overwhelmed whenever I see or learn about animals that have, for whatever reason, been removed from their natural environments and my heart goes out to the unfairness of it. I pray for the day every creature, human and non-human, is able to live their own lives. It makes what you do for these sweet ladies and your other family members ? even more amazing and beautiful Love you all! ❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️?????
CyrAnn says
November 8, 2019 at 6:01 pm
Dear Ramba is a true inspiration to us all. The main thing is that these dear souls ended up at GSE for the remainder of their lives.
They know they are well loved and now they can learn to open up their beautiful souls and not ever be afraid again……………
Bobi StaySee says
November 8, 2019 at 6:23 pm
“Ramba is nothing short of amazing, and it’s our job to make sure people see everything she has made it through, how strong she really is, and how lucky we are to have her here.” We experienced the tremendous power of love, witnessing her journey to sanctuary and breathing in her first steps.
Patricia Hunt says
November 8, 2019 at 7:28 pm
I adore Rambo. Every day I am more amazed and grateful. I thought I knew something about elephants, having supported groups and sanctuaries in Africa (e.g., Sheldrick, Big Life) for a number of years. But I have learned so much. Elephants are even more complex, loving, and intelligent than I thought. I am just crazy about these girls and can’t wait for Lady, Pocha, Guillermina…and Tomy. Thank you all. I send mountains of prayers. Every moment seeing these beautiful beings brings me joy. xoxoxoxoxo
Sheila says
November 8, 2019 at 10:49 pm
OH YES INDEED. I LOVE ❤️RAMBA‼️ SHE IS TRULY AMAZING JUST FROM SEEING HOW SHE ENDURED THE COLD WEATHER OF CHILE! INSPITE OF HER HEALTH ISSUES! I PRAY? GOD DIRECTS THE SANCTUARY VETS AND TEAM TO GETTING RAMBA NEW MEDICATIONS OR THERAPIES TO ENHANCE HER CONDITIONS TO GIVE HER A MANY LONG YEARS AT SANCTUARY WITH THE OTHER LADIES. AND HER UPCOMNG NEW FRIENDS?❤️?????❤️?
Michael MOELLGAARD says
November 9, 2019 at 2:32 am
Thank you for this good, honest, informative and heartfelt text. Ramba’s life is truly one to be celebrated every day. Knowing what’s in the shadows makes it all richer.
Sherry says
November 9, 2019 at 11:32 am
Thank you, sanctuary , for taking such good care with love and devotion to the elephants. Love is a cure all for everything;
that is why Ramba has made it this far at the sanctuary. Caring for God’s creatures is a wonderful thing to do and he will
reward you.
Keep on , keeping on.
Carey says
November 9, 2019 at 7:54 pm
Thank you for this.

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