National Justice For Animals Week 2022

As we all know, elephants are sentient beings who are intelligent, thoughtful, and smarter than most would imagine. They are capable of great love, great forgiveness, and great healing. Of course, they are also subject to mistreatment around the world, and often treated as attractions to be exploited or hunted for profit.

One of the reasons Global Sanctuary for Elephants chose to establish our first sanctuary – Elephant Sanctuary Brazil – in South America is because many countries are passing progressive laws regarding animal welfare. Progress generally moves slowly, but it is happening, and in dark times, that can be something to remember.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund sponsors this annual week to raise awareness of crimes committed against all animals. Education is essential to change, and each of us play a role in bringing attention to the cruelty we see, and advance the idea that animals should be protected and given legal rights. There have been instances when GSE has employed the legal system to protect the elephants who now call the sanctuary home, and that may very well be the case with future elephants. It is worth the effort if the results impact a single animal in the future.

There are many things that supporters like you can do to help to raise awareness about animal rights. You can familiarize yourself with local, state, federal, or international laws about animal protection. Identify the agencies in your areas that respond to incidents of animal cruelty, and know how to file a report with them if you witness a crime. Write letters to organizations and officials to make them aware of your concerns. And, of course, you can support organizations that provide care for animals in need. Each time you share your knowledge, repost us on social media, or donate toward fundraisers, you are making a difference in the lives of mistreated elephants. Don’t discount the power you have to protect vulnerable animals. Thank you for supporting Global Sanctuary for Elephants and Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, and we hope you will continue to spread the message about animal rights and protections – this week, and always.

Photo of Maia, a true survivor

Comments(12)

Pam Knaggs says
February 21, 2022 at 2:08 pm
Thank you all for everything you do to protect all of God’s creatures.
Sunny says
February 21, 2022 at 2:13 pm
When I understood why I didn’t like zoos, I believed that the world would continue without any change. Luckily, I was wrong. Thank you for accepting all the elephants from Argentina. 🐘
Kenneth B. Newman says
February 21, 2022 at 2:24 pm
I hope that when GSE sends its trucks with the traveling group of sanctuary people to pick up Guillermina and Pocha, that you bring a cage for Tamy to explore, try out, eat in, and get used to for his eventual trip to GSE.
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  Sara says
  February 21, 2022 at 2:29 pm
  Tamy has a great deal of training to do before he even gets to the stage where we start introducing the transport crates. Plus, the crates might be needed for transports that may happen before he is ready. Crates are very expensive to build and we only have two, so there would be no extra to spare.
Carey says
February 21, 2022 at 3:51 pm
Great decisions have been made bravely by the judicial system in various countries to protect animals and even to judge that these animals have the right to live in healthy species specific environs. Under much existing law however we are unable to protect them, we have proved ourselves lacking and we need to change and I will be supporting National Justice for Animals Week.
Angie Gibson says
February 21, 2022 at 4:35 pm
It’s truly a marvel to slow down long enough to just take in the busy lives of the creatures all around us. They are so busy— busy building homes, busy getting food, busy taking care of the babies , busy protecting their territories for safety, busy making repairs—so very busy with a purpose to be fulfilled here, just like us humans—except they are pure. Humans have dominion over these precious nonhumans to protect and respect them and learn from them— not to harm them in any way. We can each cut to the kindness and operate daily with the core awareness that , “ It’s not just about me” and compassionately do what it takes to bring the change to give all animals the rights that are already theirs. If you look into their eyes, you know undeniably that they are worthy to live the good lives as they were created to live.
Bonnie says
February 21, 2022 at 8:32 pm
So when will Tamy be ready any idea and is Tamy going to be all alone now if so that’s very very sad
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  Sara says
  February 21, 2022 at 10:11 pm
  Tamy has not been trained in any of the necessary behaviors required for transport, he has not been quarantined, and his enclosure at sanctuary is not complete. He cannot begin any of his training until Pocha and Guillermina leave for Brazil, as his current enclosure is not appropriate. He will be able to communicate with Kenya and smell her, though they are not next to one another. It may seem sad, but the alternative is that no elephants go to sanctuary. He will be at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil as soon as absolutely possible. Patience is part of the process.
Anita J says
February 22, 2022 at 6:24 am
This is very important and powerful post. Thank you for raising the issues of animal welfare and what we, as individuals can do to help. When reading or seeing on media all the cruelty and loss of animal lives around the globe fills me with utmost despair. Said that, seeing all the progress and good done by so many people and organisations around the globe gives me hope and an urge to do more. Our beautiful sanctuary in Brazil is such an amazing, positive place. I always check your daily posts and can’t wait to see our happy, healthy girls in all that greenery. Your fight for their freedom and your hard, relentless work is so worth it. THANK YOU!…:-)
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  Sara says
  February 22, 2022 at 10:39 am
  What a lovely way to approach the issue. Thanks so much for spreading the word and sending support.
Rachel says
February 26, 2022 at 4:05 pm
Loved your post Angie Gibson – resonated deeply within me. And thanks for the post Sara – it’s a good reminder to do what we can where we are to help and defend all creatures in need. Now that I have more time (no longer working after decades in healthcare) – I’ll be signing up to volunteer at a wildlife rehab center near me next month when it opens their doors to volunteers again during the busy spring and summer months. I can’t wait to delve into something I’ve grown so passionate about over the years, and it’s all because of the various excellent care combined with compassionate endeavors such as GSE provides. I’ll continue to financially support GSE and other animal advocates out there doing some incredibly hard work. My deepest gratitude for all you do. 💝
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  Kat Blais says
  February 27, 2022 at 8:25 am
  that’s great. facilities like that could always use the help. and it’s also good to feed your soul.

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