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Celebrating Another Lucky Elephant: Mara!

Mara

The rumors are true, there is another elephant coming to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, but it’s not who you think. We would like to introduce you to Mara. She will be the next female Asian elephant to come to ESB. She is a little butterball of an elephant who we absolutely adore. Currently, she resides at the Ecoparque Buenos Aires (formerly the Buenos Aires Zoo.) They are another Argentinian facility that is changing their model involving the rehoming exotic species to suitable sanctuaries, including their elephants. It is quite the undertaking, and we are thrilled that their progressive transformation means Mara gets to join our girls at the sanctuary.

We’re sure there will be a ton of questions, most of which we hope to be able to answer. Her transport crate arrived at the Park today, so we wanted to make sure to share the good news now. As most of you know, generally, Scott arrives with the crate, and this means an elephant will be on their way very shortly. This is not the case with Mara. The Park requested that her transport container be delivered sooner. Mara still has to undergo a full 30-day quarantine, which she is already trained and ready for. Her import and export permits are done, but a few more small pieces need to be put into place.

Mara is another grandma, in her mid-50s, and shares her habitat with two African elephants. They do not share a space at the same time, so when Mara is out, they are in, and vice versa. She now has a lovely care staff and a behavioral/training team that have made sure she is ready, taken care of, and loved. There are even some caregivers from Pelusa’s zoo there.  ❤️ Overall she is in good health, with some chronic foot issues. She is vocal and as cute as could be. Before coming to the zoo, she was a circus elephant and has an aggressive history. As you all know by now, her history is not who she really is, some of which we already see glimpses of and more that will emerge in her new sanctuary life.

We will keep you posted as more details are finalized, but you can already begin opening your heart to Mara and letting her know how much love is coming her way. In the meanwhile, we will make sure that Lady is in a good place before bringing another elephant to the sanctuary. Lady’s doing great, but we want to make sure she is a little more confident and comfortable before the herd continues to grow.

For those who are ready to donate to her transfer, hold tight for one minute as the Ecoparque will be paying for Mara’s transport. Part of the tremendous commitment that the city of Buenos Aires made to their transformation of the Ecoparque is to cover the cost to rehome the animals under their care. We will have a few travel expenses with a rental car and airfare for our team but these will be minimal. More to follow, stay tuned and yes, it’s time for another celebration for another lucky elephant!

December 23, 2019

 

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Comments(18)

  1. REPLY
    Susan says

    Amazing!!!!!!!!!! ❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️??????

  2. REPLY
    Maggie says

    Well Mara looks beautiful, can’t wait to hear more about her. She looks quite small too. How fantastic that the Ecoparque will pay transport costs. They must be good people. ??

  3. REPLY
    Kelejan says

    So good that Buenos Aires is paying towards her transport. If every place did the same, we could get most of these elephants homed before they pass away, so that they can all sample the love and care of living in a sanctuary.

    • REPLY
      Gramma Tammy says

      Mara you’re going to love it at the sanctuary and you’ll have many sisters to help you feel welcome and so loved! Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a healthy Happy New Year!

  4. REPLY
    Carey says

    I just love what they are doing in Argentina, and around South America, what an incredible transformation, and paying for her to be rehomed is simply amazing. So Mara will be joining the Asian herd, lucky her. Very much looking forward to seeing her. You have been busy busy busy this year, a lot of new elephants in a short space of time with Rana, Ramba, Lady and now Mara, WOW! Very best Seasonal Greetings to all,

  5. REPLY
    Bobi StaySee says

    Thank you so much for posting Pelusa’s memorial page, re-reading such an incredibly tender loving passing; the photos so beautifully moving, Scott, for her gift of teaching others proper respect for her body. ..your presence…her one last smile. Forever grateful for Suz and the complete commitment to Pelusa’s well-being, to be able to relax enough to let go. Welcome, Mara.

    • REPLY
      Bobbie Stasey says

      Fantastic news “Part of the tremendous commitment that the city of Buenos Aires made to their transformation of the Ecoparque is to cover the cost to rehome the animals under their care. ” So wonderful. THANK YOU ECOPARQUE !

    • REPLY
      Tammy says

      Beautifully said Bobi, it was a very touching moment and one that I will never forget. Scott is such an amazing person with a huge heart and the utmost respect and compassion for these beautiful kind loving Elephants he’s the absolute perfect person for this!

  6. REPLY
    Mai says

    Such a wonderful news. I am looking forward to see Mara at her new home, new life and new friends ???❤️

  7. REPLY
    Nishant Bhajaria says

    Hooray!

  8. REPLY
    Sherry says

    Rock and Roll GSE!!! I am glad to know you.

  9. REPLY
    alana says

    Proof! Good & Kindness create more good & kindness. She to is adorable & yep I’m in Love.

  10. REPLY
    Patricia Hunt says

    My heart can hold a lot of elephants and I wish I could kiss her. ???

  11. REPLY
    Debbie Sides says

    I can’t believe another miracle is about to grace ESB! Mara is a little butterball and I just want to send virtual hugs to her! Soooooo exciting!!

  12. REPLY
    alana says

    How many people do you know that get an elephant for Christmas? Some people have all the Luck!

  13. REPLY
    Julia Eden says

    Wonderful surprise news about the arrival of Mara being imminent ! Bravo Beuenos Aires and bravo Global Sanctuary for Elephants ?❤️?

  14. REPLY
    Julia Eden says

    Wonderful surprise news about the arrival of Mara. ❤️??

  15. REPLY
    DM Spinharney says

    You all are truly amazing, thank you for all the work you are doing for these elephants. It is wonderful that Mara’s transfer will be funded by the zoo. So unbelievable . . . Can’t wait to learn more about her.

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