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Pocha and Guillermina’s First Morning at Sanctuary

After a long night, the girls met the day with LOTS of vocalizations – chirps, trumpets, and some little raspberries. Both elephants look more rested than on the night before and could see the sun rise over the horizon early this morning.

For those who were unable to join us last night on Facebook or Instagram – or who had to go to bed because it was so late – Pocha decided to stay in her crate for several hours before finally exiting. That was totally fine, as we let each elephant make their own decisions about what to do and when. She had a great deal of fun during a brief rainstorm, when she was able to make a miniature mud wallow (and break a drainage pipe, which was okay), and enjoyed dusting herself for a nice long while.

After her mother exited, Guillermina’s crate was moved into place and she, too, took a bit of time to exit into the barn. It is impossible to imagine what each of the girls were thinking and feeling during those moments – though one can guess there were many emotions. By late evening, a very sleepy mother and daughter joined one another in the barn. After a night of rest, Pocha and Guillermina seemingly woke with a bit of energy and had lots to communicate – as you can see and hear.

P.S.: You can watch the videos from last night by clicking visiting our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Comments(31)

  1. REPLY
    Greg says

    Welcome to your new home and life girls. May you have many, many years of happiness and good health with the other elephants. I look forward to following your journey!

  2. REPLY
    Alejandra Enquin says

    Que felices y emocionadas estan๐Ÿ™โค๏ธ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜contactar la tierra y empolvarse y mojarse embarrarse volver a la vida๐Ÿ™๐Ÿ™๐ŸŒŽ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜โค๏ธโค๏ธGracias Santuario! Gracias Scott GRACIASโค๏ธ๐Ÿ˜โค๏ธ

  3. REPLY
    Shari says

    They are very beautiful and this is so wonderful! Thank-you Scott and Kat and everyone! There is so much love and compassion at the Global Sanctuary for Elephants!!!

  4. REPLY
    Julie says

    No words to describe how beautiful this is; thank you! Also, you all probably already have this on your long list of things to do, but I just noticed Pocha and Guillermina are still listed under Elephants Waiting and not Happy Residents yet.

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      It’s definitely on our list – but taking care of the elephants is number one today. Thanks for the reminder!

  5. REPLY
    JamesMichael says

    Bless you, Pocha & Guillermina…may you savor and enjoy life now to the best that you can – and deserve. And to all at Sanctuary, support staff, drivers – just everyone who took into their hearts the time, hard work and perseverance needed to make this happen to 2 beautiful souls – and the beautiful girls who have come before – Thank You…a million Thank Yous.

  6. REPLY
    Deb says

    I am so happy there are people like you who do such wonderfully amazing things!
    Thank you for giving this precious mom & her daughter a new life!
    Hugs & kisses to EVERYONE ๐Ÿ’

  7. REPLY
    Linda says

    I bet they will chase the birds once out in the yard lol. When are they expected to have access outside the barn? This is all beyond wonderful… all the time waiting then things seem to happen with lightning speed and here they are. Blessings to everyone everywhere who helped them get here and especially to Scott, Kat and all those who will continue to care for and love them. Lots of happy tears!!

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      The doors have been opened up for them, so it’s now totally up to Pocha and Guillermina as to when they feel comfortable stepping out. As we’ve seen, it is possible they may be hesitant, which is understandable. So it will happen on their own time. Thanks for the support!

  8. REPLY
    Elizabeth says

    I wouldn’t call those “little raspberries”, more like giant raspberries. I was glued to the live feed on Facebook yesterday and couldn’t wait to see how they were doing this morning. My heart is so happy for them and thankful for all the wonderful people that helped bring this about. I am looking forward to seeing their continued adventures.

  9. REPLY
    Rachel says

    Ditto what everyone said. I, like so many others I’m sure, checked my email and the website every so often yesterday, excited with anticipation for their safe delivery to GSE-Brazil. I finally went to sleep but checked again first thing in the morning. Elated to watch all the videos, softly touching mom and daughter via the computer screen. I’ll continue to check in regularly for the subsequent videos and posts as I can’t wait to see them explore their new world: touch, scratch, eat, play, hear and smell all the experiences they were deprived. And of course, the eventual introduction to the other eles when the time is right. What a celebration!! Deep, deep thanks to every single body involved in their rescue. Sooo grateful to be a tiny part of this wonderful nonprofit. ๐Ÿ’

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      Thank you for the lovely words.

  10. REPLY
    Zoi Flores says

    Oops! I almost forget today itโ€™s my Maraโ€™s 2nd rescueversary. Iโ€™ve been stuck to the screen watching the most fabulous rescue and crying tons of happy tears. There are no enough words to say thank you to Scott and each of one of the awesome beings in the team. P&G did as a pro considering the long years in that pit, and they look so happy this morning. Iโ€™m sending right now a gift basket to my beloved Mara. Cheers!!!

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      Thank you so much!

  11. REPLY
    Suzanne Eaton says

    It is heartwarming to see these beautiful girls in their new home full of excitement and wonder. Thank you to all their supporters around the world for making this happen especially Scott, Kat and team at GSE.โค๏ธ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜

  12. REPLY
    Audrey says

    Hello beautiful girls. Youโ€™re looking & sounding very happy today. Iโ€™m sure you will love your new home. Free from noise and everything else you endured during your time in captivity.
    Be free lovely ladies, enjoy love.
    โค๏ธ

  13. REPLY
    Patricia says

    I love you girls so much! I bet you are overwhelmed! Thanks to everyone at ESB! You are really smart big angels! ๐Ÿ˜˜๐Ÿ˜˜๐Ÿ˜˜

  14. REPLY
    John says

    How amazing to be part of this journey for these two elephants. It has touched my soul.

  15. REPLY
    silvia says

    I m Silvia from Argentina.!!!!! I have accompaned these two girls to their nwe home there in Brazil, and I feel happy to see them enjoying their freedom!!!!!! thanks Thanks to everyone!!!!!

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      We are happy that our supporters from Argentina have been so gracious. Thank you so much.

  16. REPLY
    Katherine says

    Wonderful ! Amazing how talkative the two girls are and how mobile they appear to be. Congratulations on your efforts.

  17. REPLY
    Zoi Flores says

    Welcome home Pocha and Guillermina, May you enjoy a happy long life in that paradise. Many blessings to Scott, Kat, and all the people involved in this rescue and move.

  18. REPLY
    Katie Howard says

    My gut has been in a knot for a week and now I just want to sleep and watch happy elephants! I bet you are all going to need two weeks for recovery – but youโ€™ll be busy. ๐Ÿ˜
    When I heard about Rambaโ€™s planned air rescue, I thought you were nuts. When I heard about the plan to move these two – together – on a multi-day 2,000+ mile journey, I knew you were certifiable! ๐Ÿ˜‰. I am so thrilled this is the case! It takes slightly crazy people in this world to effect real change and Iโ€™m delighted that elephants are your focus.
    Thank you all. Thank you so much! Looking so forward to see how each of their stories unfold and to watch the integration with the other girls at GSE! Much love. โค๏ธ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜โค๏ธ

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      Thanks for supporting us, even during moments when we seem a little nuts. It’s worth every second of effort when you see each elephant in true sanctuary.

  19. REPLY
    C Farber says

    I sincerely hope there is more space for them than was visible in the video?!

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      The gate into Yard 1 has been opened for them, but so far they seem to prefer staying in the barn. That’s understandable considering what great changes they have been through.

  20. REPLY
    Debbie Sides says

    Oh my heart I cannot contain my excitement! I am bursting and so very happy for these beautiful girls! I can only imagine what they are thinking of their paradise on earth. Welcome home ladies. The other ladies are probably wanting to see the new residents. Oh so happy for them all!

  21. REPLY
    Sue Montgomery says

    I thank you all for keeping us so close to this life changing event!! How you do all that you do and keep us in the loop is amazing. Thank you for caring for the elephants like you do.

  22. REPLY
    June Ross says

    Thank you/thank you/thank you Scott and Kat and the entire team for all that you have done and that you do daily. You are amazing and even more amazing are our two new girls! What a joy to watch them sing and trumpet and all of the other sounds they made this morning. I can hardly wait to see them step out into Yard 1.They must be so overwhelmed with joy…as we all are! Thank you again for bringing these two home!

  23. REPLY
    Janine Proctor says

    Absolutely beautiful to see the mummy and daughter together, tears of joy! The team have been amazing making that happen and thanks from the bottom of everyoneโ€™s hearts for this team, working so hard to achieve changing theses magnificent elephants livesโค๏ธ

  24. REPLY
    JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says

    Heartfelt thank you to the entire GSE team. Even though we know it takes hundreds to make this amazing event possible, it would not be probable without Scott and Kat It is a priviledge to watch this dedication and rescue. I cannot wait to watch them adjust to their freedom, and their new sisters.

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