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
Links:
- Mara’s page is coming soon!
- Pelusa’s Memorial Page →
- Lady’s Page →
Comments(18) 



















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Susan says
December 23, 2019 at 5:01 pmAmazing!!!!!!!!!! ❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️??????
Maggie says
December 23, 2019 at 5:27 pmWell 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. ??
Kelejan says
December 23, 2019 at 5:54 pmSo 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.
Gramma Tammy says
December 24, 2019 at 8:51 amMara 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!
Carey says
December 23, 2019 at 6:12 pmI 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,
Bobi StaySee says
December 23, 2019 at 6:13 pmThank 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.
Bobbie Stasey says
December 23, 2019 at 7:34 pmFantastic 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 !
Tammy says
December 24, 2019 at 9:00 amBeautifully 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!
Mai says
December 23, 2019 at 6:21 pmSuch a wonderful news. I am looking forward to see Mara at her new home, new life and new friends ???❤️
Nishant Bhajaria says
December 23, 2019 at 6:32 pmHooray!
Sherry says
December 23, 2019 at 6:35 pmRock and Roll GSE!!! I am glad to know you.
alana says
December 23, 2019 at 7:13 pmProof! Good & Kindness create more good & kindness. She to is adorable & yep I’m in Love.
Patricia Hunt says
December 23, 2019 at 7:43 pmMy heart can hold a lot of elephants and I wish I could kiss her. ???
Debbie Sides says
December 23, 2019 at 7:58 pmI 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!!
alana says
December 24, 2019 at 11:46 amHow many people do you know that get an elephant for Christmas? Some people have all the Luck!
Julia Eden says
December 24, 2019 at 2:36 pmWonderful surprise news about the arrival of Mara being imminent ! Bravo Beuenos Aires and bravo Global Sanctuary for Elephants ?❤️?
Julia Eden says
December 24, 2019 at 2:37 pmWonderful surprise news about the arrival of Mara. ❤️??
DM Spinharney says
December 24, 2019 at 3:13 pmYou 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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Your ticket for the: Celebrating Another Lucky Elephant: Mara!
Celebrating Another Lucky Elephant: Mara!