Sanctuary Memories: Moments of Light

As part of our monthly Sanctuary Memory Series, we are sharing some thoughts from Scott about the feeling that elephants communicate – knowingly or unknowingly – when they arrive at sanctuary. Scott and Kat believe that they are the lucky residents of Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, because they get to witness true growth and healing as the elephants learn and understand the freedom that their new permanent home provides.

After the arrival of Maia and Guida, there was a sense that the air around the two was evolving rapidly. At one point, Scott spent some time with them and had an ethereal feeling of: You ladies are just radiant.

Both girls were always beautiful, but in that particular moment, they seemed stunning. There is a presence that comes out of elephants once they are at sanctuary for a while; once they start recovering, they reach a point when they start to truly shine. On that day, he spoke to Kat about the sensation he was feeling and she agreed that she felt the same way. Maia and Guida were just glowing.

Scott said, “We get to live this every day, but there are some times when you get that overwhelming reminder that this is what sanctuary is; this is what it gives them, and you don’t always realize sometimes how much they are evolving. But you have that moment when you just feel this presence, which is that core element of self that has been diminished within them for so long. When that finally comes out, it is just radiant.”

When a captive animal experiences physical and emotional healing, you can see the light in their eyes. But Scott says he feels other changes that might be intangible or vibrational, but undeniable. “These sorts of changes helped define for us what sanctuary could be… there is some core element that is sucked out of [the elephants] when they live in such deprived spaces. Sometimes you experience amazing and unanticipated moments that leave you speechless and in awe of the true majesty of who elephants are.”

The relationship between Maia and Guida was a beautiful example of how emotional damage can heal and sanctuary can build friendships between beings who have shared traumas. Guida left an indelible mark on all of us who knew her and Maia continues her journey here, at her own pace and with the freedom to make choices. There are moments when the light surrounding each of our girls is undeniable. The most subtle and transcendent moments can sometimes be the most impactful.

Photo of Guida and Maia

Comments(19)

Bobi StaySee says
July 1, 2021 at 4:28 pm
” …changes that might be intangible or vibrational, but undeniable…” Beautifully written and felt, such good writing to instill this. Thank you for sharing such an intimate experiences of trust and gratitude.
Carol says
July 1, 2021 at 4:37 pm
Breathtaking description brings tears to our eyes. Bless the girls and bless you humans…both so special.
Happy 4th.
Nancy HartGold says
July 1, 2021 at 4:48 pm
Beautiful post, thanks Scott, Kat and the rest of the team for all you do for this magnificent ladies.
Julie says
July 1, 2021 at 5:08 pm
Thank you so much for this!
Ellen Bollinger says
July 1, 2021 at 5:25 pm
That’s beautiful
Wim says
July 1, 2021 at 5:27 pm
This statement has many layers precisely sketching the beauty of elephants.
They shine like no other living sentient being on earth. 🙏🐘❤️
Bill says
July 1, 2021 at 5:38 pm
This brings tears to my eyes. They must suffer from PTSD and fear the return of their pain. The loss of that fear is a slow process.
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  Sara says
  July 1, 2021 at 7:04 pm
  Some elephants do. We can only hope to be a part of their healing.
Katie Howard says
July 1, 2021 at 6:18 pm
I knew it was Maia & Guida as soon as I saw the photo. 🤗 I hope Maia can have another best friend, someday.
It is wonderful that all the girls seem to be thriving right now! ❤️🐘❤️
Anita Janusz-Wong says
July 1, 2021 at 7:37 pm
That made me cry. Such beautiful summary of what you witness and experience with the rescued ellies. This is what life is all about. Those beautiful, feel good moments. I often wonder, when they first arrive, and look around and experience the peace, the freedom, good food, kindness and your love, are they warry and do they think that will not last? That it is only temporary? And only with time they realise it is for real and forever? I believe that is the case every time! Thank you for this beautiful blog…sniff sniff….
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  Sara says
  July 1, 2021 at 11:26 pm
  There is no way to know. But you do get a sense that they understand the different feeling that comes with sanctuary. They definitely appear to relax and know they are safe and that this is there home, over time. It takes longer for some than others.
SHEILA says
July 1, 2021 at 7:45 pm
AMEN🙏VERY BEAUTIFUL ANALYSIS BY SCOTT!! YES EACH LADY HAS BEEN RESCUED BY SCOTT! AND I BELIEVE THEY FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM AND KATS KINDNESS TOO!! YES I TOTALLY AGREE! I SAW 🐘 RANA!🛑 LADY AND 🐘BAMBI TRULY CHANGE VISUALLY ONCE THEY REALIZED SANCTUARY WAS THEIR HOME AND NEVER WOULD THEY HAVE BRUTALITY! STARVATION! STRESS! YES ABSOLUTELY ELEPHANTS ARE BEAUTIFUL UNIQUE CREATURES GOD CREATED👍❤️🙏
Sue says
July 1, 2021 at 7:48 pm
Thank you for the beautiful post ❤️
John says
July 1, 2021 at 8:34 pm
I often sit at home thinking, “Well, their posts couldn’t possibly get any better or more interesting…… and then you do it to me again!”
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  Sara says
  July 1, 2021 at 11:23 pm
  Thank you so much.
Carey says
July 2, 2021 at 6:46 am
It must be very very special to witness and be a part of. It’s special to me also. I’m also watching Kaavan changing which even in his temporary enclosure he is, who knows who he will become in his new space and ongoing dedicated care… it’s like you know, from what you witness at sanctuaries like Global Elephant Sanctuary, and then you actually witness it in an elephant you know well and it’s breath taking . You described Guida and Maia’s relationship and transformation so intimately at the time it was a privilege to witness. Vividly remember Scott’s phrase “Elephants are rock stars” LOL!
Debbie Sides says
July 2, 2021 at 7:33 am
To actually witness this light must be breathtaking. Lovely beings may they shine forever.
Beji says
July 2, 2021 at 8:15 am
I challenge anyone to convince me that these majestic elephants don’t have a soul. And that those pure souls don’t shine through. Astonishing!
JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
July 5, 2021 at 6:47 pm
Thank you once again for sharing your observations, experiences and insight about these beautiful souls. It is always amazing they can suffer untold misery and trauma at the hands of humans, then trust humans again. It is testament to your tremendous love and care that they survive and thrive at GSE. The love story of Guida and Maia always makes me sad, and I am hoping Maia makes another best friend.

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