AMAZING NEWS! We received notification that the final CITES transport permits for Pocha and Guillermina have been signed. We’ve said before that it takes a village to move an elephant but, in this case, it took your voices from around the world. Thank you for your support, signing and sharing petitions, and bringing much attention to the plight of Pocha and Guillermina. Without you, this could not have happened.
There is no finalized date for their transport as of today but, rest assured, it will happen soon – once the stars align. We don’t want to wait a moment longer than necessary. Our team is currently working to put together a crew of caregivers for the move, as well as scheduling trucks, drivers, cranes, and the many other tiny things that need to come together quickly to get Pocha and Guillermina on the road and home to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil.
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Cintia Abney says
April 26, 2022 at 11:11 amOmg it brought tears to my eyes… hope it happens soon ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Carol says
April 26, 2022 at 11:12 amOMGGGG!!! What a relief!!! I have been so terribly disturbed and distraught and frustrated by this situation!!!
Cannot wait to meet the girls…and this amazing news comes just in time for MOTHER’S DAY!!! Wouldn’t it be miraculous for them to arrive on that beautiful day…(although whichever day they arrive will be BEAUTIFUL!)
andrea paola simonetti says
April 26, 2022 at 11:14 amuhuuuuuuu!!!!!!!! que maravilhosa noticia!!!!!!!!
Melinda says
April 26, 2022 at 11:15 amOMG, OMG, OMG I am crying for joy! Can’t wait for the video of them FINALLY experiencing Sanctuary!!
Eileen L. says
April 26, 2022 at 11:16 amWhooo hoooo!! So happy to hear this great news!
Kenneth B. Newman says
April 26, 2022 at 11:17 amGreat news, and I hope that Tamy won’t have to wait much longer………plus those African elephants who will find out what some fresh grass is ALL about……..Could be a wonderful summer of NEW elephants at GSE !!!!!!
Nannette Stone says
April 26, 2022 at 11:18 amBest news today! Absolutely wonderful. The girls will be coming home to where they belong. So happy for you all 💓
Andy says
April 26, 2022 at 11:18 amBrilliant. I look forward to seeing them enjoying a happy life together in their new vast space.
Tammy says
April 26, 2022 at 11:23 amYippee we did it guys we pulled together we changed minds and quick too! So very happy mom and daughter will be home real soon! Thank you everyone we are definitely a force to be reckoned with 😘😘🐘🐘💞💞
Nancy HartGold says
April 26, 2022 at 11:26 amGreat news! Thanks for all your hard work can’t wait to see these two at Sanctuary.
Nicole says
April 26, 2022 at 11:27 amThat’s awesome!!! I am so excited to see them at the sanctuary.
Alana says
April 26, 2022 at 11:31 amFor the Love of elephants! Celebrate! Thank you to the staff at GSB for moving so quickly to right this wrong. You guys are just amazing. & Never under estimate the power of petitions.
Marilyn says
April 26, 2022 at 11:33 amYeah!!!!!!!!
Pam Dodd says
April 26, 2022 at 11:35 amBrings tears to my eyes! What a relief. I’m grateful I shared this story with my Facebook friends so they could also sign the petition. And kudos to Scott, Kat, and the rest of the ESB staff for standing strong in the face of enormous disappointment. Love you folks!
Syd says
April 26, 2022 at 11:36 amSo exciting! The only good thing about all this is that by pestering friends and neighbours to sign the petition, it got more people interested in ESB! Such a relief to know P & G are coming out of the hole and into a life of sanctuary.
Thank you so much for all you do every day.
Mara Parker says
April 26, 2022 at 11:39 amThank God!!!! I’m crying over here.
COLLEEN JOHANNSON says
April 26, 2022 at 11:48 amThat’s wonderful news! I’m so excited to see this happen!
Barb says
April 26, 2022 at 11:57 amGlorious news!
Julie says
April 26, 2022 at 11:57 amThank you, God! Prayer answered! I’m in heaven right now!
Suzanne Eaton says
April 26, 2022 at 11:59 amThis is fabulous news!!! Let us know if you need anything – like money to assist in their move.❤️❤️🐘🐘
Sara says
April 26, 2022 at 12:02 pmThat is so generous – thank you! We’ll be having our biggest fundraiser of the year, The Big Payback, very shortly. It’s something we look forward to every year and we welcome everyone to join the fun there.
Susan says
April 26, 2022 at 12:04 pmI am bursting with joy… this is so fantastic… for all involved I say congratulations and much love and thanks. WOW!!!!! This is huge!
Dianna says
April 26, 2022 at 12:13 pmWow what a way to brighten up the day. Happy tears are flowing .
Elizabeth Alter says
April 26, 2022 at 12:16 pmOMG!! I am thrilled by this news. I can’t wait for the transfer process to start and for them to reach the sanctuary.
Tracy says
April 26, 2022 at 12:21 pmSuch GREAT news!!!
I was very sad when I read the post about them being denied their permit.
Happy! Happy! Happy!
Tom DiCarrado says
April 26, 2022 at 12:22 pmFantastic, there are no words, Scott you did a phenomenal job.
Zoi says
April 26, 2022 at 12:24 pmYoo-hoo!!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 This’ll be an unforgettable day!!!! Please hurry up to carry P&G onto the sanctuary. We don’t want stars change. 🙏🙏🙏
Bill says
April 26, 2022 at 12:25 pmThanks to all y’all at GSE for the continuing effort to bring those poor babies to the sanctuary. Without your education of all of us nothing would have happened.
JamesMichael says
April 26, 2022 at 12:27 pmThis made our day…ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC…
Cathe Cracknell says
April 26, 2022 at 12:39 pmThat is the best news ever!!!!!!! So excited for the beginning of their new lives!! ❤❤
June Ross says
April 26, 2022 at 12:47 pmWhat amazing, amazing news! What an amazing group of people that are so loving and kind to the girls at sanctuary and what an amazing, amazing group of committed activists we all are!
I can hardly to wait to see them arrive and take their first steps out of their crates. OMG! Tears flow!!
Polly Weber says
April 26, 2022 at 1:04 pmBeyond Thrilled!
Beji says
April 26, 2022 at 1:11 pmSometimes the stars align and all is right with the world! This is one of those moments…
Ema says
April 26, 2022 at 1:13 pmWhat fantastic news! So excited for the two to come to sanctuary!!!!!!!
Sandra Proceviat says
April 26, 2022 at 1:20 pmSo very happy for them. I cannot wait to see them see there forever home for the first time. Been waiting so long!
Claudia Simpson says
April 26, 2022 at 1:26 pmFantastic news! Thank you GSE for never giving up. ❤️
Lynne Russert says
April 26, 2022 at 1:33 pmAmazing news!!! Can’t wait till they’re finally here!!!
Patricia says
April 26, 2022 at 1:41 pmThey have had my heart for a long time! Thank God! P & G will continue to be in my loving thoughts and prayers. Love to everyone (including the girls and all other animals) at ESB! Thank you!
bo says
April 26, 2022 at 1:43 pmno words can describe so imagine the sound of the elephants trumpeting, something like that, to express our joy!
trunks crossed now all will go smoothly (and fast. patience, we know, we know)
team elephant!!
Rachel says
April 26, 2022 at 1:44 pmI’m in tears too!! So full of happiness and at the same time, more impatient than I have been for a long time. I just can’t wait to hear they are comfortable in the crates and on their way. But I know, I know, I’m holding on – with prayers and a strong belief due to all the actionable efforts by GSE’s staff and loyal supporters. The least I could do was sign the petition and I didn’t hesitate. Thank you all on behalf on these beautiful creatures!! 🙌 🙏💝
Carmen Lucia Souza says
April 26, 2022 at 1:47 pmWow! Great news!!!!
Pocha and Guilhermina we are waiting for you here in Brazil!!!
Zoi says
April 26, 2022 at 1:55 pmYoo-hoo!!!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 This’ll be an unforgettable day!!! Please hurry up to carry P&G onto the sanctuary, it won’t happen that stars change. 🙏🙏🙏
Sara Dollins says
April 26, 2022 at 2:04 pmHow wonderful 💕such fantastic news 💕
People power can and does work 🌺🌸🌺🐘
Merry says
April 26, 2022 at 2:05 pmSomething in my eye!
So grateful!
Tracy H says
April 26, 2022 at 2:58 pmOmg. Fantastic news!!!!! Prayers have been answered. Our Girls are finally coming to paradise. Can wait to see them walk into their new home and meet their new family. Thanks for everything you all doing. We love all these girls so much 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘❤️❤️
Kimmie says
April 26, 2022 at 3:26 pmOMG, I had to reread that!!! That is the most amazing news!!!! Now, I hope the ladies are ready for transport!!!! Sooo very exciting to hear of this news, many continued prayers for the ladies, the crew and the trip back. WOO HOOO
Susana Tejedor says
April 26, 2022 at 3:38 pmEs una noticia maravillosa. No puedo creer que pronto Guillermina va a saber lo que es pisar la tierra y el pasto. Un paso grandioso para madre e hija
Bridget Lemen says
April 26, 2022 at 3:44 pmYou are all wonderful advocates for elephants. It makes me so happy the move will happen soon. I know it’s a long process but zI also know how dedicated you are to giving them a chance at living an enjoyable natural life. THANKS!!
Joyce says
April 26, 2022 at 3:51 pmHappy Day! Was telling the women at church today about Pocha and Guillermina and was feeling sad about the hold up. Now, they are interested what will happen. Can’t wait until they are on their way!
Elizabeth says
April 26, 2022 at 4:00 pmAmazing news!!! Can’t wait for another happy homecoming to ESB and to witness P&G’s first steps into grass, mud, nature etc. etc. and all that sanctuary has to offer them!!!
Debbie Sides says
April 26, 2022 at 4:13 pmAwesome!!! Can’t wait til they arrive!!!!!💚
Lynn Herrick says
April 26, 2022 at 4:29 pmThis is amazing news! Congratulations!!
Sandy Crile says
April 26, 2022 at 4:40 pmWhat wonderful news!!! Our ESB family from around the world was not going to allow Pocha and Guillermina to be left behind, especially after so many people at the Sanctuary and in Argentina put their hearts and such effort into bringing you two home. We’ve got your back girls!
JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
April 26, 2022 at 5:15 pmExcellent! After the delay, I expected a much longer wait for results. It will be so much fun watching these two settle in and explore a paradise like they have never known.🐘🐘♥️
Linda says
April 26, 2022 at 5:16 pmHow amazing it is to think of them feeling grass under their feet… long, lush growth brushing against their legs and bellies – there for the taking if they wish a snack. Trees to nap under or scratch against. It all seems like such small things to many people but will be so wonderful and life changing to Pocha and Guillermina – or any elephant in captivity!
Alice says
April 26, 2022 at 6:19 pmPrayers are answered!!! Hallelujah!
Irene Olson says
April 26, 2022 at 6:36 pmOmg so exciting! So relieved! So happy! Can wait to follow their travels to the most beautiful place for these gorgeous, sensitive ladies! At last freedom is near!😘♥️👍🏻🙌🏻
Holly O'Brien says
April 26, 2022 at 6:38 pmyeahhhhh
So excited and happy for these 2
Carol-Ann says
April 26, 2022 at 6:42 pmHip hip hooray!!!
It’s happening!
Bring them home!!!
xoxoxoxo
Susan says
April 26, 2022 at 6:42 pmThrilling and positive news!!! Looking forward to the continued progress and getting our Girls home to Sanctuary!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️🐘❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sunny says
April 26, 2022 at 8:14 pm👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Charlotte Hansen says
April 26, 2022 at 11:17 pmthis is such good news! Thank you for letting us help!
Terry Feleppa says
April 26, 2022 at 11:39 pmWe Shared and We DID IT!!! Team P+G !!! Totally filled with Love and Light!!!
Pierrette Walraevens says
April 27, 2022 at 2:15 amYes Finally both Mum Pocha and daughter Guillermina are FREE, can’t stop my tears so so Happy for them 👍 it made my day Free to start a new life a Happy Life ❤️ Thank you so much Global Elephant sanctuary Brazil ❤️ Love You Guys ❤️🥰🐘🥰🐘🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sherry says
April 27, 2022 at 6:53 amHappy days are here again!
Richard Chiger says
April 27, 2022 at 9:49 amThis is extremely special because it is an actual case of a mother and daughter who were not separated from each other. Hopefully, their lives at the sanctuary will be one of relaxation and joy. I can’t wait for them to be transported for their sake. Do you start working on the father elephant soon?
Sara says
April 27, 2022 at 10:06 amWe do have to focus on one transport at a time. But, once Pocha and Guillermina have been moved to ESB, Tamy could begin learning some of the necessary behaviors for transfer.
Jeff Westrich says
April 27, 2022 at 12:48 pmWould you please elaborate on why and how the Argentinian Minister of Environment and Sustainability reversed himself so quickly? One petition from ESB had him fold so easily? Also, we’re you able to refute the investigative visit to authorities that mattered? Furthermore, once CITES issues its permit, is that point where you absolutely get custody of an elephant? (Please don’t be brief or shallow with your answers)
Sara says
April 27, 2022 at 2:47 pmWe have no idea what caused the minister to change his mind. There were many things going on behind the scenes other than the petition with attorneys, politicians, and supporters. But we also felt that public pressure might be an extra push to bring attention to the matter and help make a difference in his decision. As for refuting the investigative visit, that was never an issue in Brazil. The Brazilian authorities attended the visit on the same day as the minister’s office and were all good.
CITES permits are just for transport purposes. It’s what will allow us to take the elephants out of Argentina and into Brazil. We have contracts with the zoos, who are the ones who donate the elephants to sanctuary. That’s why the only thing holding up the move at this point was the signed permit from the minister.
Hopefully this answers all of your questions. Unfortunately, our staff must be dedicated to urgent matters regarding the transport at this time.
Janet says
April 27, 2022 at 2:08 pmWhat a relief. I am so happy for the elephants. A beautiful new life for them soon. Thank you so much for this wonderful news.
Jillyp says
April 27, 2022 at 3:44 pmI’m so happy for them
💕🌿🌱🐘🐘💞☀️☀️
Great teamwork everyone, what a huge relief they will soon be on their way. I did not expect this to turn around so quickly. Just can’t wait to hear that the transfer has started, follow their journey and then see them arrive X
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Your ticket for the: BIG NEWS! Pocha and Guillermina’s CITES Permits Approved!
BIG NEWS! Pocha and Guillermina’s CITES Permits Approved!