The Elephant Sanctuary Brazil team is sad to bring you the news that our resident rescue tapir, Alma, has passed away. Though we are primarily an elephant sanctuary, we have always sought to play a role in the local community by providing rescue and release programs for native animals. That is how Alma came to live with us, and she was at ESB for longer than most of the elephants now in our care – and many of you know her for that reason.
When Alma was brought to us, it was immediately apparent that she wouldn’t be a candidate for release. The issues her prior facility thought to be behavioral were actually neurological. We knew very quickly that she was almost entirely blind and, over the next few weeks, we found that she had seizures as well. So, as part of her care, we made the most natural home for her that we could in the smaller yards near the house. We were initially told that Alma was young because she was so small, but she never grew, and her teeth looked like those of an older animal. As a result, it was difficult to determine how old she was.
For as compromised as her body was, Alma did well for a number of years. Though she had some coordination issues sometimes, we were able to get her seizures under control and they became rare. Our staff decorated her enclosure with many different branches to ensure she had natural foods and smells along with her regular diet. She behaved somewhat wild at first, but Alma learned to trust and love her caregivers with time. She hit a couple of bumps in the road, medically, over the years, with things that probably wouldn’t impact a normally healthy tapir. But her entire body was weakened by years of health struggles, and she reacted differently as a result. Little by little, Alma’s body stopped bouncing back as quickly as it once did, and she became ill a few months ago. We tried several different treatments and medications, continuing her physical therapy, but she couldn’t reach the healthier place she once knew. Alma might rally for a few days, but it never lasted long.
After consulting with a team of veterinarians, her caregivers, and sanctuary staff, we realized that we’d run out of options for Alma’s care, she was no longer comfortable, and everyone was on the same page. The decision was made that the most humane thing to do would be to euthanize her. Alma is buried in a field somewhat near her enclosure, on a hilltop that is frequently visited by other tapirs. You can see beautiful sunsets from that spot. Alma was a big part of our daily routine here at the sanctuary and, in turn, a big part of our lives. At the moment, there’s an Alma-shaped space here and she will be dearly missed.
P.S.: Scott filmed an Instagram live video this morning of Pocha and Guillermina playing in the mud wallow. You can watch it here: https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cd3Yswyl–0/
Comments(35) 
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Katie Howard says
May 22, 2022 at 1:39 pmI am so sorry to hear this. Alma has often brought chuckles and smiles when reading your posts. Your choice of burial spot sounds perfect. I’m sure you’re hurting. The loss of any animal we’ve cared for is hard. ❤️
Pam says
May 22, 2022 at 1:41 pmI’m so sorry to hear this news. I am new to GSE, and only just yesterday read about Alma for the first time. Blessings and peace to her soul, and to all who mourn her passing.
Patricia says
May 22, 2022 at 1:48 pmI am heartbroken to hear of Alma’s passing and send my deepest condolences to all who knew her best. Thank you for your care for all animals.
Susan Flewelling says
May 22, 2022 at 1:52 pmMy deepest sympathies to Alma’s entire family. It has always been a pleasure to get news of her – she seemed a gentle soul and will be missed.
Zoi Flores says
May 22, 2022 at 1:58 pmSo sad for Alma but the decision you took was the best, the time Alma was there was good for her and we all appreciate it and thank you! Rest In Peace little girl in front of the best sunsets.
Deb says
May 22, 2022 at 2:05 pmOh I’m so very sad about dear Alma. But I know she had the very best of care with you.
I’m glad she had a wonderful home & was happy til recently. Ending her suffering was a merciful thing to do & that says how much you loved her.
Sleep in peace Alma. You are dearly loved.💕
Linda says
May 22, 2022 at 2:05 pmBe at peace little one, your struggles are over and you are in a golden place now forever more. Thank you for giving this little girl a chance at life in a safe, loving environment where she still had freedoms and choices but under your watchful umbrella.
Tammy says
May 22, 2022 at 2:15 pmRest in Peace sweet Alma you will be dearly missed by all who knew you especially those at the Sanctuary who became so close to you those who couldnt help but fall in love with you. Thank you to her many care givers who gave her the best life possible she took it all the way as far as she could but sadly was tired now shes at peaceful rest in a beautiful spot where other Tapirs can still visit her🙏💞
Sara says
May 22, 2022 at 2:28 pmThanks to all of you who are sending your regards. It means so much to us.
Janice says
May 22, 2022 at 2:43 pmYour writings about every animal under you care brings teats to my eyes.
Cintia Abney says
May 22, 2022 at 2:46 pmSo sad, Alma, fly free sweetheart ❤️❤️
Tom DiCarrado says
May 22, 2022 at 2:55 pmScott, you and Kat always leave the same footprint in an animal’s life, one of maximum Joy and comfort.
Suzanne Eaton says
May 22, 2022 at 3:17 pmSo sorry for the loss of Sweet Alma. RIP beautiful girl. You have been a joy
to hear about while at sanctuary. Fly free baby girl.
Charlotte Hansen says
May 22, 2022 at 3:27 pmI’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for giving Alma her best life. Rest in peace, Alma!
Cassie Raymond says
May 22, 2022 at 3:54 pmI’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for the good years you gave Alma. She lived the end of her life knowing she was cared for. That is what we all want.
Terry says
May 22, 2022 at 4:48 pmMy very deep, heart felt condolences to everyone who loved, cared and nurtured Alma. Alma will always be an iconic shrine for Sanctuary Brazil! Fly free sweet Alma. You are already greatly missed. Love and Light.💖🙏💖🙏💥💖💫💥🙏
Wim says
May 22, 2022 at 5:32 pmR.I.P. Alma for always in our hearts.
Safe journey into the land of light.
Hopefully the sanctuary years gave you a little bit of heaven on earth. 🕯️💔😢
Audrey says
May 22, 2022 at 5:43 pmR.I.P. Alma 🌈 All your elephant & human friends will miss you. 💔😢
Beji says
May 22, 2022 at 6:18 pmAlma died where she lived and where she was loved. That truly is a life well lived.
Gayle says
May 22, 2022 at 6:29 pmSo sorry to hear that Alma passed away. She was so lucky to have found love and refuge at GSE. Thank you for taking such great care of her for all the years she was with you. She was adorable. RIP, sweet Alma! ❤️
Sue says
May 22, 2022 at 6:54 pmI am so sorry to hear about Alma but know she had the best caregivers and home. She thrived with you for many years and showed her love for life and those who cared for her. It sounds like you found a beautiful resting spot for her and she can watch over everyone from wherever she is now. Sending love and hugs. 🥰🥰🥰
Dianna says
May 22, 2022 at 6:57 pmSo very sorry for the loss of Alma, crying for her but know she is in a better place. You guys did all you could for her and gave her a wonderful home.💔😢
Barb says
May 22, 2022 at 7:04 pmAlma always made me smile. She was lovingly cared for at ESB.
Carole Kramer says
May 22, 2022 at 7:30 pmSo sorry about Alma. It must have been difficult and a sad decision you all had to make. You gave her superb care and love and made her life worth living well beyond what she would have had anywhere else. Not only that, but you’ve given her a special place to rest in peace.
💜🦋🌹☮️
Sandy Crile says
May 22, 2022 at 7:50 pmWe are grateful you were able to give her such a peaceful life for as long as you did. I remember when she came.
You had a naming contest…I lost! She was in pretty rough shape when she came to you, yet you gave her a far healthier, happier life than we imagined. Thank you.
Renee Killian-Zeiger says
May 22, 2022 at 8:04 pmNo matter the animal, when we humans care for and give part of ourselves and our hearts to that beloved creation of God, there will always be a hole. Thank you all for the love and care you gave to Alma! 🙏🏻❤️
jean says
May 22, 2022 at 11:35 pmI am so sorry for your loss. May Alma rest in peace. She had the best home at the Sanctuary. Thank you for your kindness, compassion and caring. Thank you for being how are. Much love!❤❤❤
Debbie Sides says
May 23, 2022 at 3:35 amShe was so cute and is part of the family. Rest in peace sweet girl. We will miss you. Your spirit goes on little one 💚🌈💞
Lynne Russert says
May 23, 2022 at 8:37 amI’m so sorry for your loss of this incredible animal. Now you can run free with no more pain or issues. RIP Sweet Alma 🥰
Polly weber says
May 23, 2022 at 10:35 amSad news indeed. I love how you all embrace other native species and care for them. I will miss Alma stories.
Sherry says
May 23, 2022 at 10:47 amGoodbye to Alma; a beautiful animal soul! Thank you, sanctuary for caring for her.
Lori Hoover says
May 23, 2022 at 12:08 pmOh damn. I’ve only read the heading and part of the first line of the post. I’ve loved hearing about Alma and knowing she was living such a great life with you all, thanks to your kind care and medical treatment. I am so sorry to hear that she has passed, but thankful that I even knew of her existence and for the joy and dignity that you provided for her throughout that life. Thank you so much and I am so sorry for her loss. Thanks for sharing her stories with us.
ps…….I guess I should read the rest of the post, but damn, I love that girl. Isn’t it amazing to love someone you’ve never met.
Lori Hoover says
May 23, 2022 at 12:13 pmOh, double damn. I’ve read the rest of your post. Again, thank you so much for everything you did for Alma, including sharing her with us. I am so sorry for your loss, for all of us. It was so obvious how much joy you did provide for her over the years, her cheesy little smiles in her videos were so apparent sometimes. What a sweetheart.
Jenny says
May 23, 2022 at 12:44 pmI am so sorry for the loss of Alma! My condolences to all. I know you did more to make her life the best it could be and she had better and happier years because of your care. Sanctuary was what she needed and she was blessed to find it.
Carey says
June 6, 2022 at 8:32 amSweet Alma, s always I take comfort that she had GSE people and place to live her last years with. But yes, she has been with you a long time considering she was so physically compromised, and we’ve all learnt a little about Tapirs.
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