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Lately, we’ve been having deep and continuing conversations with the sanctuary caregivers about the nuances of elephant care and the importance of following the elephants’ lead when building relationships. We’ll be sharing some of their thoughts over time. One of our new caregivers, João is just learning the processes and our philosophies of care, so we asked him to describe what this experience has been like for him so far:

“When I first arrived, I felt like the sanctuary was a place that you could call home. Not only for people but for elephants as well–a safe haven that makes you feel protected against all the negative energies from this controlling, consumerist and narcissistic world that we live in. I noticed that everything is tailored for the elephants’ well-being, and it also amazed me how many small but extremely important details were specifically created to make them feel at peace. For example, the flower essences that we put in their water: their final impact can’t always be measured, but the fact that every minor supplement is provided proves that no corners are cut. 

Right now, I can say without a doubt that this is the perfect place for captive elephants that have spent a whole life being perceived as entertainment and not as a living, thinking, feeling being. Here, they can finally get a taste of how their life was supposed to be experienced. Here, they can rest forever knowing how loving the universe is to them. My best moments here are definitely when I am able to focus and be synchronized with the elephant. It’s a moment where you can physically feel that you and the elephant are on the same frequency, both perceiving each other.”

We’re excited to welcome João to the care team and will be watching closely to see how the elephants react to him and how he can learn to be flexible as he takes in the intricacies of their personalities and what they need from him.

Photo of Maia (left) and Bambi (right) with their trunks almost touching