How long is the trip from the ecoparque in Argentina to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil?

About 2700 km (1677 miles).

Can she lie down during transport?

Elephants do not lie down during their transport journey. They are able to lean on the back gate and side walls of the container during travel to support their weight. There is a camera mounted inside the container that helps us to keep an eye on her comfort level throughout the duration of the trip.

People often express concern for elephants having to stand for an extended period of time during rescues, but it is important to know that many elephants in captivity don’t lay down for years. Some elephants hesitate to lie down, because it puts them in a vulnerable position, either with other elephants or caregivers they may not trust.  An elephant may not be able to stand back up due to a physical ailment, or because their enclosure simply does not allow.  So it is certainly not uncommon for an elephant to stand for a long time in captivity.

Why aren’t you flying Pupy to ESB?

Transporting an elephant by air requires an incredibly large aircraft and the airport located nearest the sanctuary cannot accommodate landing a plane that size, due to weight limits and length of the runway. It is also not an international airport. The closest airport in Brazil where a plane that size could land is Sao Paulo. Because of the length of time it takes for security, loading, and other airport requirements, flying would not expedite the trip.

In addition, the takeoff and landing of an airplane can be stressful for an elephant. Most generally do well on the road, because many of them have been transported this way throughout their lives.

While we can’t fly, we do have the good fortune of a wonderful police escort team who make road travel as easy as possible. They watch over our caravan and ensure our safety and smooth sailing every step of the way. The police provide two cars, sending one ahead of the caravan to handle the red tape of the next border checkpoint. That way, when our team arrives, they barely have to stop.

Will Pupy’s caregivers be going with her?

Yes. Two of Pupy’s caregivers and two of her vets from Buenos Aires will accompany Pupy and the ESB team on the trip. Several ESB team members will also be waiting at the Argentina/Brazil border, just as they were with Mara’s relocation, to provide fresh hay and additional support for the remaining journey home. 

What will the team do along the way?

Our team members will be caring for Pupy by offering her fresh water and food during stops, keeping her hydrated with juicy fruits and veggies and Gatorade, as needed. We are committed to the freshest, highest-quality food for our elephants, often stopping along the way to purchase from local produce sellers or to cut banana leaves and grass.

The transport team also travels with a first aid kit that includes traditional medicines, IV fluids and lines, other injectables, as well as essential oils and flower essences that may comfort them or help with behavior. Elephants are extraordinarily scent-oriented, and we have found that these aromatherapies help to soothe anxiety for many passengers.

A significant part of our responsibility is the same as at sanctuary; we watch for changes in behavior and any small signs of stress, then appropriately make adjustments when necessary. We are their caregivers on the road as well as at the sanctuary.

Unless we detect that an elephant needs to stop unexpectedly, our usual driving schedule includes stops around every three hours to refresh water and food/produce, and clean out waste. During the day, we look for gas stations with adequate sun coverage to keep the elephants nice and cool. At the end of the night, we stop for several hours, depending on the behavior of the elephant, so their bodies can relax from the movement on the road. Some brace their bodies more for curves and hills and need an extended break from travel.

Will Pupy be sedated for travel?

No, we never sedate elephants for transport. Because of their sensitivity and intelligence, we have found they do much better when they are alert and aware of everything going on around them. Scott has transported over 50 non-sedated elephants in his career, and all have gone well. We do bring emergency drugs for sedation with us in case they are needed.

What happens once she arrives at sanctuary?

After unloading, she will stay in the open-air barn by herself for the night. Each elephant has her own unique behaviors, curiosities and uncertainties, so how she will react and what she will do is not easy to predict.

Most elephants arriving at sanctuary will dust with sand first, because they feel dirty from being on the road, followed by a drink or bath, and then a nap. We always have a pile of sand or dirt ready for them when they arrive, and the elephants seem to really love it.

In the morning, she will decide her next steps. Everything functions on elephant time—no expectations, no set schedules.

When will she meet the other elephants?

Since Pupy will be the first African elephant at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, she will have the female African habitat all to herself until Kenya’s relocation later this year.

Once the next big female Asian habitat expansion is complete, a small portion of it will border the African habitat, with a road in between. The girls will have an opportunity to see and communicate with one another if and when they decide to approach the fences between the enclosures. As always, we leave that up to the elephants.

If you have any questions we haven’t answered here, please feel free to contact Sara at Sara@GlobalElephants.org.