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WELCOME HOME, SANDRO!
After years of legal efforts, Sandro, the lone male elephant at the Sorocaba City Zoo, has been granted the opportunity for a better life at Sanctuary. On September 18th, Sandro arrived at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil. Help us welcome him home!
Send A Welcome Gift
Help make Sandro’s first days extra special by gifting him a welcome basket with nourishing treats and special comforts.
Adopt Sandro
By becoming Sandro’s EleGuardian, you can help to provide him with the expert care and nutrition he needs to thrive.
Make a Donation
Every gift helps cover transport, medical care, and daily needs during and after Sandro’s relocation to sanctuary.
Wear Your Support
Get yourself a limited-edition Sanctuary for Sandro shirt and show the world that you were part of this special mission.
SANDRO'S NEW HOME
Sandro will be welcomed into the Male Asian Habit where he will have free rein to explore all three yards once he is comfortable and ready. The male and female habitats are close enough that from Yard 1, Sandro will be able to see into areas in Yards 1 and 5 of the Female Asian Habitat. Click the photos to expand the habitat and expansion maps.
NEVER MISS A MOMENT
Photo Diary
Sandro at Sorocaba City Zoo, Brazil Before Moving Day
Sandro in his enclosure before transport crate arrives
Sandro exploring his transport crate from inside his night enclosure at Sorocaba Zoo
Sandro getting curious and comfortable with his transport crate
September 16, 2026: Sandro Leaves Sorocaba Zoo and Begins His Trip to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil
Sandro looks out of his enclosure on his last day at Sorocaba Zoo
Rescue team prepares Sandro’s crate for transport
Sandro rests in his transport crate before transport begins
Scott Blais gathers food for Sandro’s trip
The crane lifts Sandro’s transport crate out of the zoo
The crane loads Sandro onto the transport truck
September 17, 2026: Day Two on the Road to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil
The rescue caravan prepares for day two on the road with Sandro
Sandro’s new vet, Dr. Mateus, checks on Sandro during a day-two stop
The rescue team documents the preparation of Sandro’s food while on the road
Sandro takes a snack from Dr. Mateus
Sandro looks out from his crate during a mid-day stop
Sandro takes a drink while the team stops on day two
September 18, 2026: Sandro's Arrival at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil
Sandro’s truck approaches the Sanctuary
Sandro’s crate arrives at the sanctuary barn and Dr. Mateus checks in
Sandro takes his first step onto sanctuary ground
The Latest Blog Updates
Sandro Blows Food Into His Mouth
It was time for night feed and one of Sandro’s caregivers met him at the habitat. At first, he was in the section of the yard where he could see the female elephants if they were around, but none of them were there, so he seemed to have no hesitation heading over to the front of the yard by the fence for dinner.
Sandro’s Special Hay
When at the zoo, Sandro ate shredded grass as part of his regular diet. Sandro’s sanctuary veterinarian evaluated the situation and opted to see if he was interested in small amounts of chopped up flakes of regular hay the other girls eat; he’s shown less interest in that than the produce and grain he receives at meal times.
Sandro Tackles a Tree
There are ways that you can tell an elephant is truly relaxing into sanctuary, and when you witness one beginning to “redecorate,” you know they are starting to come out of their shell and embrace their true elephant nature. Sandro, it seems, is really settling in now because he has officially knocked down his first little tree. Even with his reduced weight and weakened muscle tone, he’s still strong enough to topple a tree and really make the space his own. Scott came across this scene and had to take a quick video to show everyone Sandro’s joyous milestone.
Sanctuary for Sandro Fundraising Goal: $53,000
Every donation brings us closer to funding the numerous expenses for Sandro’s safe and successful relocation to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil.
Total Raised
$54,364
Updated on 9/20/2026 at 5:19 PM Eastern
Donations that surpass the goal will be directed toward ongoing care for the elephants.
🧡🧡🧡
$2,500 of the total amount raised has been doubled dollar-for-dollar, courtesy of the matching gift provided by The Rick and Michele Palmer Relief Trust. Thank you to all who gave during the matching gift period!
🧡🧡🧡
SANDRO'S STORY
At approximately 54 years old, Sandro is a geriatric male elephant living at the Sorocaba Zoo in São Paulo, Brazil, where he’s been for about 40 years. His enclosure is, as might be expected, substandard and unsuitable for any elephant, especially an older elephant like Sandro.
We’re beyond excited to bring Sandro home to sanctuary, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that he likely suffers from serious health issues. It is our understanding that he hasn’t had any complete veterinary examinations, skin maintenance, sufficient exercise, blood work, and limited past foot trimming with a previous keeper. Based on the zoo’s observations, it’s been noted that Sandro had past weight loss probably due to dental problems. Through outside observations, his appearance shows that he has aged significantly in the past few years. His changes in body condition, both weight and muscle loss, are more likely linked to digestive issues or something more systemic. There are concerns about the poor condition of his feet, signs of joint issues, and he displays established stereotypic behavior.
Sandro’s new chance at life has been a long time coming, and we are beyond excited to welcome him home.
Above: Sandro at Sorocaba Zoo
HIS TRIP FROM SOROCABA TO MATO GROSSO, BRAZIL
Sandro’s journey from Sorocaba City Zoo to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil is estimated to take two and a half days. But as with every transport, the elephant dictates the pace, determining rest stops and travel times, so the transport timeline is always flexible. His wellbeing and safety are our team’s top priority, ensuring he feels comfortable and secure throughout the trip.
Updated on 9/18/2026 at 1:00 PM Eastern
Above: Sandro at Sorocaba Zoo
WHAT SANDRO'S RELOCATION REQUIRES
Sandro’s relocation requires substantial resources to ensure his crate introduction, transport, and arrival happen safely and comfortably. From the cost to rent the cranes that lift his crate on and off the transport truck, to the travel and fees for the rescue team, we rely on the support of our sanctuary family to fund every aspect of the rescue.
- Transport trucks and van rentals
- New in-crate air conditioning unit to regulate the temperature during transport
- Cranes for loading the crate on and off of the transport truck
- Airfare, transport, lodging, and meals for the rescue team
- Elephant food, emergency medicine, gas, tolls, and more
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How old is Sandro?
Sandro is approximately 54 years old.
How far is the trip from Sorocaba Zoo in São Paulo, Brazil to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil?
Approximately 1,650 km (1,197 miles)
How long will the trip take?
The trip will take approximately 2.5 days, but that will be mostly determined by Sandro and his comfort. The transport team will watch him closely via two in-crate cameras to make sure he’s as relaxed as possible. They’ll make stops so that Sandro can rest, to make sure he has fresh food and water, and to clean out his crate.
Will Sandro be sedated for travel?
No, we don’t sedate elephants for transport. Because of their sensitivity and intelligence, we have found they travel 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 (and medical needs) in case an issue arises.
Can he 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 are two cameras mounted inside the container that help us to keep an eye on Sandro’s 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 lie down for years. Some elephants hesitate to lie down because it puts them in a vulnerable position, either with other elephants or humans they may not trust. So it is unfortunately not unheard of for an elephant to stand for years in captivity.
If you have any questions we haven’t answered here, please feel free to contact Sara at Sara@GlobalElephants.org.
Every donation helps to create the best possible future for Sandro—one where he gets to discover what it truly means to be an elephant.
IN APPRECIATION OF OUR MATCHING GIFT DONOR
The Rick and Michele Palmer Relief Trust
Professionally, Rick & Michele Palmer both had lengthy and esteemed careers in business, government service, and intelligence. Each was recognized as an expert in their respective fields and often lived internationally as a result of their professional endeavors. In addition, they each possessed extensive educational accomplishments, had multiple professional memberships, and were multi-lingual. In 1998, Rick & Michele co-founded Cachet International Inc., an international corporate intelligence and investigations firm located in Arizona.
Personally, Rick & Michele had a lifelong love affair with one another and were married for over four decades. Throughout the course of their married life together, they shared a mutual love of animals, rescuing and adopting many cats and dogs along the way. In addition, they donated to multiple causes over the years in hopes of alleviating animal suffering, both domestic and wild.
In 2024, Rick & Michele both passed away within a short period of time of one another. Their affinity for animals culminated in their posthumous legacy of the Rick & Michele Palmer Relief Trust, whose purpose is to support initiatives with tangible positive outcomes in order to raise awareness and eradicate animal suffering. Their trust is pleased to sponsor the Global Sanctuary for Elephants Spring 2026 campaign.
THANK YOU
Sanctuary is more than a place—it’s a fresh start, a sense of peace, a true home. For the first time, Sandro will have the chance to explore the natural world and live his life on his terms.
Every dollar counts. Every share brings Sandro closer to home. Each of us has the power to change his life—forever. Thank you for being part of his journey.
Scott and Kat Blais
Co-founders Global Sanctuary for Elephants
and Elephant Sanctuary Brazil
