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Global Sanctuary For Elephants’ Ninth Anniversary!

It’s a hard concept for us to grasp, but nine years ago today Global Sanctuary For Elephants was founded. When you are living in the moment, you don’t always realize how quickly things evolve and how time passes until it’s already gone. That’s why it’s hard for us to believe that just nine years ago, a team of colleagues and experts joined with us to say: something must be done for elephants in South America. 

Back then there was no physical sanctuary yet. There was an idea, then a plan, and a goal – but no sanctuary location, no funding, no idea exactly how the process would work, and no actual place to live in Brazil. We took the first step, gathering information along the way, in order to make a difference in South America, because there was a need. In the beginning we knew only that the potential was there, but we still had years of work ahead of us to find the perfect land, navigate regulations, obtain licenses, and raise money – all to bring the first residents to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil in 2016: Maia and Guida. Seven more elephants have joined us at the sanctuary since then. But nine years ago it was all just a dream that a small group of us wanted deeply to make into a reality. No matter how long you have supported Global Sanctuary for Elephants, thank you for making a commitment to changing the world for captive elephants. Our existence is possible only because of the efforts of individual people coming together to make it a reality. 

P.S.: This month we are inviting our followers to become Pathfinders – which are recurring donors. Small organizations like GSE rely primarily on funding from supporters around the world, like you. It makes a huge difference for us, knowing that there will be a set dollar amount of income each month. Today, we are launching the “9 for 9” campaign, which invites you to donate at least one dollar per month, per elephant rescued by GSE, to date. All Pathfinders receive a special monthly newsletter with updates from the sanctuary. For those of you who already support us as Pathfinders – THANK YOU. If you are interested in becoming a Pathfinder today, visit the link: globalelephants.org/pathfinders

Photo of Mara

Comments(17)

  1. REPLY
    Pam says
    August 4, 2022 at 2:12 pm

    So grateful for the vision and the work — and the patience! — that went into creating this Elephant Sanctuary, this place of healing and restoration. Truly a mission of the heart. Thank you, thank you, and happy anniversary from this freshman Pathfinder.

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      August 4, 2022 at 2:13 pm

      Thank you for all of your support – financial and otherwise. We appreciate you.

  2. REPLY
    Julie says
    August 4, 2022 at 2:12 pm

    Thank God for you crazy, beautiful elephant lovers! I am struggling with the economy, but I can do $9 a month. I’m in!

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      August 4, 2022 at 2:13 pm

      What a wonderful thing for you to do! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making room for us.

  3. REPLY
    Kayle Luthey says
    August 4, 2022 at 2:14 pm

    Signed up!

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      August 4, 2022 at 2:46 pm

      Wonderful! That means a lot.

  4. REPLY
    Susan says
    August 4, 2022 at 3:19 pm

    Signed up as well! So glad to learn about Pathfinders in your post. Thank you for all you do! So amazing to think it has been 9 years since the dream of GSE. Following along with GSE has brought so much to my life and I am happy that I can give something back. Love and hugs! ❤️🐘❤️

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      August 4, 2022 at 3:32 pm

      We can hardly believe how much time has passed ourselves. Thanks for thinking of us. ❤️

  5. REPLY
    Carol durham says
    August 4, 2022 at 3:21 pm

    Congratulations on this 9th anniversary!! I do remember when the seed of your passion combined with your idea— was sown — and the universe responded. Your journey is a lesson of optimism and hope for all of us. Thank you.

  6. REPLY
    Sunny says
    August 4, 2022 at 3:29 pm

    Congratulations and thanks for the great work you do!

  7. REPLY
    Andy says
    August 4, 2022 at 6:14 pm

    Congratulations. All your hard work has paid. A special congratulations goes to the Elephants who made the difficult transition to life in a Sanctuary whose resilience continues to amaze.

  8. REPLY
    Alana says
    August 4, 2022 at 6:37 pm

    There is no other organization I would rather support more than GSB. I will become a pathfinder. FYI the link provided above doesn’t open. No worries I will find it.

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      August 4, 2022 at 10:16 pm

      If you copy and paste it, it should work. But thank you!

  9. REPLY
    Carey says
    August 6, 2022 at 7:54 am

    the economy is disastrous in the UK and I’m struggling, I dont know what I’ll give up to be able to join GSE Pathfinders but I will do it, at least until inflation and price rises become too much – we all hope they wont!!

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      August 6, 2022 at 10:00 am

      We totally understand that things get tight. Give if it’s financially feasible, but there are other things you can do to help if you can’t afford it. Advocacy is a wonderful example. Even sharing our posts with others makes a difference!

  10. REPLY
    Tammy says
    August 6, 2022 at 2:05 pm

    Happy 9th Anniversary GSE! I have been following since Rambita was finally getting her chance to call this beautiful Sanctuary her forever home even though her time left was short Ramba made it she hung on knowing Scott and Kat would be back they would never leave her behind! In the end she chose that beautiful peaceful spot by the stream to close her eyes one last time i miss her she led me here she touched my heart in so many ways and because of her I’ve been a Pathfinder and will never leave! The need is so great the work yet to be done huge but when we all pull together even a little we can accomplish so much for these beautiful gentle giants that have so much to teach humans if only given that chance so thank you GSE always in our 💞

    • REPLY
      Kat Blais says
      August 6, 2022 at 2:38 pm

      thank you, that’s very sweet ❤️

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Global Sanctuary for Elephants

  • PO Box 2426
  • Brentwood, TN 37024
  • (615) 435-9523

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MISSION: Protecting, rescuing, and providing sanctuary for elephants worldwide.

Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt, public charity status (EIN 46-3564818) and all contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

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