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Mendoza Mail: Ecoparque Mendoza Takes Over – and a Safety Update

Things continue to shift in both Brazil and Argentina as a result of Covid restrictions and safety regulations. Our trainers Chrissy and Karissa have returned to their homes in the US. We are grateful for their long-term stay in Argentina, but we know they have lives of their own that are important. Additionally, there was some urgency in arranging their trips out of Argentina. Flights are being frequently canceled; at this time, there are few flights to the US per week – which are often fully booked up to a month and a half in advance. Because we did not know if these flights would continue and we are unable to predict how road and border closures may change, everyone felt it was important that they leave for the moment.

Throughout their stay, our trainers worked with staff at Ecoparque Mendoza and those caregivers and veterinarians feel comfortable moving forward with the rest of Pocha and Guillermina’s quarantine. Both elephants have already completed some of the required testing and treatments. There are still items on the list that must be completed, but our trainers and the ecoparque staff created a solid plan to address what remains to be done.

We continue to be in contact with the ecoparque, getting updates on Pocha and Guillermina and the procedures for moving forward. Once their staff have been able to finish the rest of the requirements for quarantine for Pocha and Guillermina, they can concentrate more on crate training and separation.

All of us knew that preparing such a unique pair of elephants for sanctuary would be an extraordinary and unpredictable challenge. The issue of separation has been and will continue to be addressed in a way that is safe and healthy for both mother and daughter. As much as we want both elephants to see sanctuary, rushing their quarantine and transport could potentially cause more trauma – which is exactly what we want to help them heal from. We know you anticipate their arrival as much as we do, but you also understand that elephant wellness always comes before our own desires – and that is why you support us the way you do.

Pocha and Guillermina are safe and being cared for. The reality is that they will remain in Argentina until we can guarantee that we can get not just people, but also transport crates with the elephants safely into Brazil. We must take heart knowing that they are in the care of individuals who want the best for them and share a common goal: getting both ladies to ESB so they can experience freedom and all the possibilities that come along with that.

Comments(24)

  1. REPLY
    Cintia Abney says
    June 2, 2021 at 2:09 pm

    Hard difficult times for a difficult task.. We do want the best for both, they don’t need more trauma in their life, but I am sure they will feel comfortable when time comes. ❤️❤️?

  2. REPLY
    Nannette Stone says
    June 2, 2021 at 2:11 pm

    Thank you for the update. It’s good to hear Chrissy and Karissa are able to go home to see their families. It would be wonderful if they could leave tomorrow, but with all that is happening, it’s fully understandable it will take time to get the girls home to sanctuary. It’s a big task to get both girls comfortable to travel separately, but their well-being is the most important thing

  3. REPLY
    Carol Mitchell says
    June 2, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    I think we all have had to reevaluate our plans, reset goals and make adjustments during this past year and a half. It would be unreasonable to expect otherwise during a global pandemic. Patience and safety are the highest ideals I strive for nowadays. Take heart, we’re behind you and we know once anything, no matter how large or small a step, can be done to bring them to sanctuary, it will be done! ?♥️

  4. REPLY
    Charlotte Hansen says
    June 2, 2021 at 2:32 pm

    Thank you for this update–I’ll be praying for the safety and well-being for all! I’m guessing that elephants have more patience than humans….

  5. REPLY
    Bonnie says
    June 2, 2021 at 2:52 pm

    You all know what’s best and I am sure they’ll be ok they are cute and they will be so happy at their new home

  6. REPLY
    Kenneth B. Newman says
    June 2, 2021 at 2:54 pm

    Thank you for this BIG update on ALL the details of Pocha and Guillermina’s situation. I think that the coronavirus issues in the USA are being taken of much better than in South America, or South America is having NEW outbreaks of the disease , so it’s VERY understandable that the cross border traffic is slight, governments are very wary of travel, and bringing the elephants to GSE right now would be extremely difficult due to these many factors…..on the other hand, this delay allows GSE to build faster so the various elephant corrals / areas are closer to being finished…….

  7. REPLY
    Brenda says
    June 2, 2021 at 3:02 pm

    Can you tell us a bit about their up coming trip like how many miles is it going to be and how long do you expect the trip to take how many trucks will there be going on this trip, who all is going on the trip tell us stuff like that.

  8. REPLY
    Ginger Lyvere Peck says
    June 2, 2021 at 3:08 pm

    Hello – Regarding training them to be ok with separation: How are you doing that? Also, are they going in the crates yet, so still just investigating the outside of them?

    Thanks for all you do!

    • REPLY
      Kat Blais says
      June 2, 2021 at 9:24 pm

      They have gone all of the way in, but not at length. At this point we are just trying to encourage them to explore different crates at the same time versus both going to the same crate at once.

  9. REPLY
    Katie Howard says
    June 2, 2021 at 3:38 pm

    Much as we would hope for a swift transfer to GSE, this transport is especially difficult – even without factoring in the COVID problems.
    All of us wish you well and applaud your perseverance and sticking to your principles. It will eventually happen and we all want it to happen safely – for the humans and the animals. ❤️??❤️

  10. REPLY
    bo says
    June 2, 2021 at 3:54 pm

    all love and respect for everyone who is helping, has helped, will help and will continue to help the elephants. no matter where, when, …
    helping animals, in this specific case, elephants, are always heroes!

  11. REPLY
    Debbie Sides says
    June 2, 2021 at 5:33 pm

    I trust that all involved are doing what is best for them. Safety is what’s important and certainly don’t want to put them at risk of any trauma. I’m sure they will get to leave when they’re good and ready and not before then. You’re all doing a wonderful job.

  12. REPLY
    Ellen Bollinger says
    June 2, 2021 at 6:16 pm

    As always your best judgment is what matters. Thank you!

  13. REPLY
    Julie says
    June 2, 2021 at 6:16 pm

    I cannot lie, my heart is breaking, but I remain hopeful the ladies will see sanctuary someday soon. Thank you ESB, Ecoparque, and Chrissy and Karissa for all you do!!

  14. REPLY
    SHEILA says
    June 2, 2021 at 7:27 pm

    YES INDEED IM SURE THE SEPARATION WILL BE THE HARDEST PART AS MUMA ?AND HER ?GIRL‼️IM SURE HOPING PERHAPS THE ECO PARK STAFF WILL CONVINCE THE GIRLS THAT THEY ARE GOING TO A LOVELY PLACE SOMEHOW❓NOT SURE HOW THAT WILL HAPPEN BUT PRAYING FOR ALL THE PEOPLE INVOLVED!!! AND THANKYOU TO CHRISSY AND KARISSA FOR THEIR LOVE AND TRAINNG? PRAYING ? THIS COVID NIGHTMARE ENDS SOON AND THE LADIES PROGRESS WELL AND POCHA ?AND GUILLERMINA ?WILL BE IN THEIR CRATES TRUCKING THE LONG JOURNEY. TO ESB PARADISE???????

  15. REPLY
    Anita Janusz-Wong says
    June 2, 2021 at 8:34 pm

    This is a very reassuring post. As long as they are well look after and have more distractions and activities to keep them happy all will be well. Even separation will be achieved soon. Elephants are very curious and they will learn the crates are nothing to be afraid off. The little one will go through some though times regardless the training during transport. She was never in a circus travelling around. But she is young and will get through it. And there will be familiar voices and faces to give her love and care during the trip. I am positive all will be well.

  16. REPLY
    Nancy Shaw says
    June 3, 2021 at 11:37 am

    ONCE AGAIN, LOVE THE NOSE SHOTS EVEN THOUGH IT IS FROM HELL-HOLE !!

  17. REPLY
    margareta Kjellström says
    June 3, 2021 at 2:02 pm

    I am all behind you! Safety first

  18. REPLY
    Sherry says
    June 3, 2021 at 2:03 pm

    To everyone who is involved with setting these elephants FREE; Bless your hearts and souls!

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      June 3, 2021 at 4:20 pm

      And thanks to YOU for your support.

  19. REPLY
    Catey says
    June 3, 2021 at 9:47 pm

    Is any work being done with Tamy? Or with Kenya? I’m glad they managed to get a flight but I guess they will have to self isolate for 2 weeks? Is that expensive?

    • REPLY
      Kat Blais says
      June 4, 2021 at 12:47 am

      Karissa has worked a lot with Kenya. On one of her trips there, she worked to enable the team to treat Kenya’s malformed tusk, so Kenya’s quarantine training should be fairly straightforward. At this point, there isn’t anywhere safe to work with Tamy. That opportunity will only open up after Pocha and Guillermina are relocated.

  20. REPLY
    Patricia says
    June 6, 2021 at 2:07 am

    Yes, my heart is breaking, too. I have a hard time being reasonable. I love them all desperately, but have felt an especial link to Pocha and Guillermina since I first saw their picture. I’m just praying that the pieces fall into place, for the boys, too. Praying hard every day. Love to you all.

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