Our Medical Care Approach

Elephants who arrive here at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil are rarely in the best of health. After decades of work with elephants, we practice an approach to their medical care that attempts to take every aspect of their well-being into consideration. All of our animal residents (elephants, rescue and release, even dogs and cats) are evaluated using a holistic approach, which means we take into account the whole of the individual and not just any symptoms of illness they display. For instance, if you had a headache everyday, you would likely want your doctor to find out what’s causing your headaches rather than just telling you to take an aspirin. That is how we approach healing. To do that we use traditional medicine and supplement it with other therapies.

All of the veterinarians here have studied and use traditional medicine – and that is the route we generally turn to first to maintain an elephant’s health. We also have an integrative veterinarian and a team of outside vets we consult with. Because of the complexities of elephants, we find that taking advantage of the knowledge and experience of others offers us the best approach. In certain instances it is also beneficial to look at care methods that include alternative medicines or therapies. One of the primary reasons we might consider other therapies is that traditional medicine doesn’t offer the same options for care when it comes to elephants as it does for smaller animals, or even farm animals. There currently are deficient standardized treatment protocols for numerous ailments/diseases and limited commonly accepted dosages for medicines.

Like humans, elephants can have difficulties or complications with some traditional medicines. Of course, if an elephant has an infection, we will turn to antibiotics first, but we know that those also come with risks. In some instances where the desired response isn’t brought about by traditional therapies, we will see positive results from the use of acupuncture, laser therapy, natural remedies like herbs, plant medicines, essential oils, and other homeopathic treatments. If used properly, the side effects of natural medicines are almost none when compared to traditional medicines. The combination of the two approaches gives the elephants the best opportunity for comfort, longevity, and true healing.

We always weigh the pros and cons and the overall impact each approach will have on individuals. Our experience tells us that the way to provide the most comprehensive care for the elephants here is to look at the big picture. That, in combination with their new, natural surroundings and natural diet, has the greatest impact on their quality of life in the long run.

Photo of Rana and Mara

Comments(9)

Susan Flewelling says
June 27, 2021 at 7:17 pm
Totally agree with you. There are benefits to all types of treatments. About 20 years ago I adopted an older dog who eventually had difficulty walking. Vet suggested acupuncture. After only the 2nd treatment she was up and walking. Made a believer out of me!
Vicky says
June 27, 2021 at 7:18 pm
These ladies (and all the others!) could not be in better hands. Thank you for taking such good care of every single on of them–we so appreciate you all!
Anita Janusz-Wong says
June 27, 2021 at 7:31 pm
It is amazing to read that you are so focused on natural remedies to heal all your animals under your care! Majority of our modern treatments did came from the plants and the jungles from around the world! And wild animals will search for the plants themselves to heal their aches and pains. It has been said for example that a common stinging nettle which grows all over Europe in ditches and hedges is such a wonderful cleansing plant and so rich in iron, it has those spikes and prickly stems as protection, as everything alive would eat it to the ground. I am very partial myself to herbs and have full cupboard of different teas to sip throughout the evenings..:-)))
SHEILA says
June 27, 2021 at 10:56 pm
VERY NICE EXPLANATION IN MEDICAL CARE FOR THE LADIES!! YES HOLISTIC FOR 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘ELEPHANTS IS GENERALLY THE EASIEST ON THEIR SYSTEM BUT COMBINED WITH TEMPORARY VETERNARY MEDS FOR SERIOUS ISSUES REALLY HELPS HEAL!MAINTAINING THEIR HEALTH IS REALLY THE MAJOR MOST IMPORTANT👍👍
NICE TO HEAR MARA🐘 GOT OVER HER BLOAT! INTESTINAL ISSUE! HOPE SHE NO LONGER HAS PAIN MEDS, SHE LOOKS 😍SO LOVELY IN THIS PICTURE❗️
Debbie Sides says
June 27, 2021 at 11:12 pm
ESB is paradise and I’m so grateful they can live there for the rest of their life. It’s heaven on earth.
Katie Howard says
June 28, 2021 at 12:27 am
We humans would be fortunate indeed to have our physicians and caregivers take this approach! Kudos 💕
Wim says
June 28, 2021 at 9:45 am
That’s completely the animal way of approaching health issues. Such a clear and intelligent storyline.
🤗🐘❤️
JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
June 28, 2021 at 1:49 pm
Your detailed explanation of the approach to treatment of these girls is very helpful. As a retired nurse, I commend your treatment of the whole body, in whatever works for that particular elephant. So many times, modern medicine for animals and humans alike, treat a symptom of one particular part of the body which plays havoc on other areas. Many times medical treatment is like hitting a moving target. My gratitude to GSE for the additional time you take to explain details, in addition to each days work caring for the girls. It is tremendously helpful. I also understand there is much hidden work involved at GSE.
- REPLY
  Sara says
  June 28, 2021 at 5:52 pm
  Thank you

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