Help take extra special care of an elephant that is close to your heart. 
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we must announce that Tamy, the male Asian elephant that lived at Ecoparque Mendoza, passed away last night. Tamy was over 50 years old and had been dealing with some of the physical difficulties that come with age and extreme confinement. His body had been slowly facing more and more challenges, so though this is a shocking development, it’s also a sad representation of what captivity can do to an individual, especially over the course of decades. We don’t yet know the cause of death, but a necropsy will be performed soon that will hopefully provide more details.
Tamy was a former circus elephant who had lived at the ecoparque for over 30 years. His past in the circus meant that most, if not all, of his training was dominance based, so he had a deep distrust of humans. Over the past three months, our team of caregivers had been working to build a relationship with him, and he was beginning to respond positively to the time they were spending with him. While his path to sanctuary would not have been a simple one, we were committed to making sure he had the chance at a life of autonomy that it provides.
We know that all of you were invested in Tamy’s journey and that you gave generously toward the preparations needed for his relocation. We thank you for your commitment to Tamy and to the other captive elephants around the world. Tamy will be remembered for the sweet disposition that would sometimes shine through the rougher exterior in moments he felt safe enough to let his guard down. While his passing speaks to the legacy of captivity, his life was more than his situation and surroundings. He was a sweet boy who was trying to trust in himself and those around him and start his emotional journey to freedom before taking the steps in his physical one. We will cherish the little glimpses he shared of the version of him that he hid deep inside decades ago, but that we all knew was the beautiful true him.
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Fatima zeevat says
June 24, 2025 at 2:19 pmI find this terrible sad! And also remember that a gear (died at the same day that should be save) and another elephant that also died just before should be saved. Is a terrible coincidence?!?!
Sara says
June 24, 2025 at 2:22 pmIt’s terribly sad. And yes, Kuky the African elephant who lived with Pupy died just as we were getting her permits for travel approved. Captivity and bureaucracy combined for a sad ending.
Wanda Trotta says
June 24, 2025 at 2:19 pmHe is whole and happy now and among friends after such solitude.
Sara Dollins says
June 24, 2025 at 2:22 pmSo very sad ! RIP sweet Tamy… May you run free for eternity ❤️
Kenneth B. Newman says
June 24, 2025 at 2:25 pmIf GSE staff had worked harder and quicker, to bring Tamy to GSE a couple of years ago, he might have lived longer……Please search out which elephants, who still live in captivity in Latin America and that can be brought to GSE, and get it done NOW!!!
Sara says
June 24, 2025 at 2:57 pmHi Kenneth, Everything we do, every single day, is to help captive elephants, and no one understands the urgency of sanctuary more than we do. The truth is, we did all we could to bring Tamy home. From the outside, it may appear simple, but each relocation comes with a unique level of complexity that we have to overcome, and in many situations, we have to navigate these challenges with no legal decision-making authority. Unfortunately, it’s not as black and white as it looks. We’ll continue, as we have, to make every effort to bring elephants home to sanctuary. Thank you for your care for elephants everywhere.
Lori Hoover says
June 24, 2025 at 4:31 pmWOW!! Considering I cannot imagine anyone feeling his loss more than everyone at GSE ESB, I am sorry that such comments show up. I thank you for all you have done, for those that make it to Sanctuary, for those still waiting, and those that for various reasons do not make it. I’ve seen such comments here before, and I doubt I am the only one that would like to say something in response. I will follow the example you all have always set and just say: Thank you for all you do and for sharing it with us, the good, the bad, and the ugly timing and more. As much as the Sanctuary shares the info on the work, I’m also sure we still cannot imagine how hard it is. I just wanted you to know I see that, many others do, too. I am sorry for YOUR LOSS of Tamy. For the loss all of us are feeling. I am glad to know his daughter lives with you and we can share in her journey because of you.
Sara says
June 24, 2025 at 4:42 pmThank you. It’s a sad day for all of us and we can only recommit ourselves to the mission of saving captive elephants. We have to keep hope in our hearts that we can make a difference.
Lili says
June 24, 2025 at 7:31 pmSara! En Mendoza sabemos perfectamente la dedicación, el amor y los cuidados que reciben los grandotes en el Santuario! Nadie se imagina lo complicado que es cumplir con las trabas burocráticas, las exigencias de salubridad, el adiestramiento minucioso que exige el traslado de los animales a miles de kilómetros desde su origen hasta su destino. Es fácil comentar sin saber! Los admiro por su hermosa tarea!!!!! Algún día los visitaré para ver a Guillermina!
Sara says
June 24, 2025 at 7:33 pmThank you ❤️
Andrea says
June 24, 2025 at 11:03 pmwhat a hurtful and unfair remark. shame kenneth
Barbara L Smith says
June 24, 2025 at 2:25 pmR.I.P. Tamy, you are finally free from the cruelty of man. So sorry you did not make it to freedom at GSE.🙏🏽🐘🌹
Jo Alex SG says
June 24, 2025 at 2:27 pmBlessed be you all for giving him all the loving care in his remaining days on this Earth. Devastating news but your work is a balm to our souls and hope for so many other elephants like Tamy who still need to be helped out of the horror of exploitation.
Jeanine says
June 24, 2025 at 2:28 pmI’m so sorry to hear this. I was looking forward to watching him have a few years at the sanctuary to live like an elephant should live. My condolences to Scott and the gang.🌈🐘💔
Sarah Bedford says
June 24, 2025 at 2:32 pmOh no! That’s such terribly sad news. Poor Tamy, thank you all for trying so hard to get him confident enough to travel to the sanctuary. My deepest condolences and gratitude to you all. RIP beautiful boy 💔😪🐘🌈
Heidi says
June 24, 2025 at 2:34 pmI’m heartbroken that he didn’t make it to sanctuary. You worked so hard for this and he deserved to experience wide open space, green grass and trees, and the freedom of sanctuary. Thank you for giving him love and kindness these last three months – this must be deeply difficult for all the caregivers involved in his journey.
Susan says
June 24, 2025 at 2:38 pmThat is devastating news. Poor boy was getting so close – totally heartbreaking.
Lori Hoover says
June 24, 2025 at 2:38 pmI am so sorry to hear this. I hope he knew his spirit was seen shining through, and I hope he had an inkling of what so many wanted to do for him. I really, really felt for him, especially the more I learned about his difficulties after Guille and Pocha were relocated. I remember reading of the changes the Ecoparque itself was working on to help Tamy progress to relocation, surely he knew something was up for him. He obviously was too tired for all of that now, and I do hope he is resting in peace.
Finn Jørgensen Lock says
June 24, 2025 at 2:40 pmSo sad.. so sad..😔
Patricia Bamford says
June 24, 2025 at 2:40 pmOh no poor Tamy, so close to freedom. It’s heartbreaking to see these beautiful creatures suffer decades of cruelty and confinement, when oh when are cruel people going to learn they should never be captured, they have the right to live in freedom. RIP darling Tamy we were waiting for your arrival with so much anticipation and now we must grieve for another beloved soul who missed out on a life of joy and love. So very sad 😔
Wim says
June 24, 2025 at 2:40 pmRest in Peace, dear Tamy. All we wished for your future will only happen in our minds and hearts.
Safe journey, may there be much light on your celestial voyage. 🕯💔 😭
Patricia Bamford says
June 24, 2025 at 2:42 pmOh no poor Tamy, so close to freedom. It’s heartbreaking to see these beautiful creatures suffer decades of cruelty and confinement, when oh when are cruel people going to learn they should never be captured, they have the right to live in freedom. RIP darling Tamy we were waiting for your arrival with so much anticipation and now we must grieve for another beloved soul who missed out on a life of joy and love. Scott and Kat will be devastated as they expended so much effort to bring him home. So sad.
Nicole P says
June 24, 2025 at 2:45 pmHeartbreaking reading this about Tamy. He deserved sanctuary. I know he will find his peace now. Let him soar high with much love and freedom.
Bonnie says
June 25, 2025 at 1:28 amSara I hope everyone at Ecoparque Mendoza, are ok as well as everyone at Sanctuary Brazil
Marilyn says
June 24, 2025 at 2:51 pmThis just breaks my heart. But I admit that I feared he would not survive long enough to make it to Sanctuary. 🙁
Jennifer says
June 24, 2025 at 3:04 pmI’m so heartbroken. I was praying Tamy would live to see freedom at the Sanctuary. I think if he had made it there, he would have lived at least a few years longer. Sending prayers and peace for all those suffering from this great loss 💔🙏🏻😢🐘
Susan Hunt says
June 24, 2025 at 3:05 pmDevastating…bless his heart…
Shelley says
June 25, 2025 at 5:03 amWhat devastating news about dear Tamy dying. A sad shock for for all . He was so close to his Nirvana. 💔
Fatima zeevat says
June 24, 2025 at 3:12 pmI like to comment to Marylin: i had the same feeling special after I heard that it was a problem elephant and they will need to change the whole place because of the move. I always had this bad feeling!!
Eileen L. says
June 24, 2025 at 3:31 pmI am so sorry he never made it to GSE. Thank you for trying so hard to make that happen.
Sue says
June 24, 2025 at 3:31 pmDear Tami, I am so very sorry that you weren’t able to make it to Sanctuary. I know that we would have seen an amazing transformation in you and I am sad we won’t get to see you experience some joy and peace. I hope you are at peace now with family and friends who I am sure were waiting for you. Run free sweet boy! I hope you can forgive us for the life you were forced to endure here on earth. Praying you are pain free and at peace now, wherever you are. ❤️❤️❤️
Pamela Dodd says
June 24, 2025 at 3:35 pmI’m crestfallen that Tamy has passed. GSE did as much as possible to rescue him. I’m glad his caregivers were the last humans to show him love, care, and respect. What a challenging job elephant rescue is, in so many rewarding and disappointing ways. Bless you all, and dear Tamy.
Sal Drab says
June 24, 2025 at 3:40 pmSo so sorry to hear this.
Sandy says
June 24, 2025 at 3:49 pmNooooooo! So poor Tamy died while captive in a concrete pit…we have no more words b/c we are heartbroken.
Bill Simpson says
June 24, 2025 at 3:56 pmHis passing is a sad commentary on how humans treat non-human animals. And, the importance of timing. It is especially sad that he will never be able to experience the freedom of the sanctuary.
Patricia says
June 24, 2025 at 4:10 pmI’m sure you are all feeling as heartbroken as I do. Seeing him all those years alone in that barren enclosure—I can’t express how anguished I feel. I know all of you understand. Sending love and condolences.
Hernan Perucca says
June 24, 2025 at 4:11 pmMy deepest condolences to all the team at the Sanctuary. Receiving this very sad news, just leaves us with the feeling of not having done enough to save poor Tamy. We as humans should learn from this and allow ourselves to reconcile with nature.
I am heartbroken just to know another poor imprisoned elephant couldn’t make it again to the Sanctuary. Our memories also for poor Kuky, where bureaucracy and carelessness (of the authorities) didn’t help her either.
I would like to thank all the SEB team, caregivers at the Mendoza zoo and all the people involved at some point during this process. It hasn’t been easy. And the unfortunate news comes at a moment we were all expecting to hear that Tamy had finally felt at ease in the transport crate. And could make his way to Brazil. He will finally take the road to elephants heaven. May he now rest in peace after all he has gone through.
Caroline Gamma says
June 24, 2025 at 4:12 pmThis breaks my heart. If only he could have been with you at your beautiful elephant paradise in Brazil. Bless you for trying to get him there and for all the other elephants you save. Thank you.
Claudia says
June 24, 2025 at 4:16 pm💔💔💔😢
Bonnie says
June 25, 2025 at 1:19 amTamy you are at peace
Doe Fowler says
June 24, 2025 at 4:20 pmTears! Eternal rest grant unto Tamy, God, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he have the life he deserved to live on Earth, in Heaven. I hope we get to meet one another in spirit one day, Tamy. Love, light, endless plains, and overflowing water wallows Friend. 🐘❤️☀️💦🌈✝️
Nelson Courser says
June 24, 2025 at 5:06 pmI am saddened at our loss – at least his life tasted of freedom despite treatment of the uncaring souls that thought of money! Bless Tamy and now may he find peace.
EA says
June 24, 2025 at 6:11 pmTamy was slowly tortured to death because of human greed, selfishness, and cruelty.
Robin says
June 24, 2025 at 6:20 pmThis makes me so incredibly sad. I wanted so badly for him to have one little chance at a life of freedom. Thank you for trying to bring him to sanctuary. 💔💔💔
Charlotte says
June 24, 2025 at 6:26 pmI’m so sorry for this tragic loss.
elaine richard says
June 24, 2025 at 6:38 pmWe can all rejoice, however sad we feel at Tamy’s death, that at least the last part of his life was spent in freedom and in the loving care of GSE.
elaine richard says
June 24, 2025 at 8:13 pmThought Tamy had in fact made it to GSE. Sorry for the misunderstanding and certainly for the tragedy of his dying before being rescued.
Carmen says
June 24, 2025 at 8:33 pmThat pit wasn’t freedom. It was pure isolation and torcher. The only thing to rejoice about is that Tamy got to feel a connection and trust with a few humans who took the time to be gentle and kindness to him and show him that his life mattered. He is out of pain and misery
Susan says
June 24, 2025 at 6:40 pmIm saddened by this news. I would have loved for Tamy to be given the chance to truly be himself. Rest in peace dear one.
Julie says
June 24, 2025 at 7:00 pmDevastated! No words right now. Poor Tamy.
Julie says
June 24, 2025 at 7:22 pmI will be much relieved when Kenya arrives. I read Kenya’s story a few years ago and became aware of GSE’s attempts to bring her to sanctuary. That is the beginning of my relationship with GSE. It will mean a ton for me to see her rehomed to sanctuary. I am so sorry about Tamy. I know that God will embrace him and Tamy will know his pain is over.
Tammy says
June 24, 2025 at 7:22 pmI’m so so sorry to hear of the passing of Tamy this never gets any easier especially for those so closely involved! Those of us who have never been lucky enough to spend time with Tamy are so very heartbroken and really hoping he would’ve been able to call G.S.E. his new home but now he’s got a special forever home in the Sanctuary of Heaven with the Lord Rest in Peace Tamy 🙏💞🦋
Lili says
June 24, 2025 at 7:25 pmTamy ya se reencontró con Pocha, su compañera de vida en el ex zoológico de Mendoza. Juntos fueron los padres de Guillermina, que gracias a Dios y a muchas gestiones burocráticas inevitables, vive feliz disfrutando de su ansiada libertad en el Santuario.
Hermoso Tamy! Hubiéramos querido que en tus últimos años hubieras conocido la dignidad de una vida en libertad pero la lentitud de la burocracia lo impidió. Ya sufriste la explotación infame de un circo y la esclavitud y exposición indigna de un zoo. Merecías otra cosa! Perdón, te fallamos! Tu hija Guille lo logró!
Carmen says
June 24, 2025 at 9:22 pmI’m so sorry GSE. You did everything you could to bring Tamy out of that nightmare. I am heartbroken over his death. Just so terribly saddened. His life mattered so very much and to see him isolated in a high walled pit was such torcher for him and gut wrenching to see,. This would have been Guille’s fate had she been there longer. And Pocha had at least some months to taste what freedom was and she had heal happiness with her daughter by her side. RIP sweetTamy. I will never forget you!
Terry says
June 24, 2025 at 10:25 pmI needed to articulate my thoughts more thoroughly before expressing them. GSE is committed to continuously strive to transform the fate of captive elephants, consistently for over 10 years in Brazil. The process of releasing just one elephant takes significantly longer than any of us would prefer. We must hold humanity accountable for all of this, as we have created it. The red tape, permits, politics, is exhausting just to read about! We are all grieving The loss of Tamy. I can only imagine the grief GSE staff must feel right now. I have, and always will, honor the work you do every second of every day. My gratitude is immense.
I look forward to the day when humans take inventory for their actions and all captive elephants and animals are free, as Tamy is now. Tamy will be with Kenya in spirit. Sanctuary Brazil will illuminate even brighter and the energy will be alive with Tamy’s spirit.❤️❤️❤️
Andrea says
June 24, 2025 at 11:14 pmOh Tamy, I’m so sorry for all you were denied. I’m ashamed of the terrible things humanity did to you. You were so close… I have to believe there is something greater out there and that this earthly journey is forgotten by you now. I pray you are now fully who you were always meant to be, joyous, free and held tight in the embrace of all elephant souls. I love you. Thank you GSE for your devotion to Tamy. I love you too.
Judy Ann says
June 25, 2025 at 10:47 amSweetheart rest easy you are loved by everyone. Thank you for giving Tamy love and standing by him all the way. Love you precious 😘
Beci Bostwick says
June 25, 2025 at 1:24 pm😭 i’m sitting here crying because it’s so very sad. He was so close to having freedom and getting to know what it was like. Personally, I believe in God. I don’t know what the reasons are, but maybe he was just suffering too much to even make the journey. The money that I donated it to help his journey or the gift baskets I’m not even sure I remember which I gave to I would of course like it to go towards Kenya‘s. Or whatever else you guys feel the most need is. If I’m feeling like this, you have to really be hurting so my sympathies go out to you and big hugs. So so sorry for the loss. 💓💞💞💞
Sara says
June 25, 2025 at 1:35 pmThank you for your gifts. We will complete the transport crate, since we will need it for any other African or male elephant transfers. But the remainder of the funds will go toward Kenya’s relocation preparation costs.
Carey says
June 26, 2025 at 9:18 amAbsolutely gutting, he didn’t deserve to die, alone, anymore than he deserved the cruel life he had to bare. After Pocha and Guillermina left 3 YEARS ago, he must have felt so lonely. Way too many obstructions of one type or another, I mean how long does it take to alter that horrific pit so that the necessary can be done to get him out of there? Just one example. I know for sure that underneath Tamy’s logical fear and distrust of humans a beautiful animal lived who would have come in to himself living a sanctuary life. Like Kaavan has. it must be excruciating for you all, sending love to Kat
Ginette says
June 29, 2025 at 2:30 pmThe days go by and I still can’t watch Tamy’s latest video without crying. And I listened again to the moment when Scott is happy to tell us during Trunk and Treasures that Tamy made his first rumble… He so deserved to go to the sanctuary. ..Could you please plant a jambo as you once did for Pelusa. Maybe near Lady…So that at least his memory is present in the males’ enclosure where he should have been able to live a more peaceful life. Rest in peace, Tamy. We love you.
Thank you to SEB to exist. There are so many others who need you..
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