Scott Catches Up With Sandro

AUDIO in English and Portuguese! Sandro’s explorations are keeping him busy deep into the habitat. He’s found a few favorite spots with tall grass and some other lovely areas to relax in the trees. All of that means that he’s not always in a place where we can immediately see him although we can usually hear him or see the trees moving as he makes his way through the area. Occasionally, we have to go searching–and that’s a promising thing. However, Sandro is a fast gentleman and when he’s ready to go on a walkabout, no one would want to dissuade him, but the care team would have to be quick to keep up with him.

He can usually be found closer to the fence around meal time. He’s getting used to his loose schedule, though we do like to mix things up and feed him in new spots and different times to keep things interesting for him. Scott dropped Sandro’s lunch off for him and finally caught him in a slower mood. Scott points out the areas of Sandro’s body that need to build muscle, and of course we know that Sandro will continue to get stronger and steadier over the next weeks and months.

P.S.: You might notice that Scott speaks to Sandro briefly in Portuguese. He asks Sandro how he is doing and politely requests that Sandro stay at a safe distance. Sandro stops where he is and Scott thanks him. Some of you may wonder if Sandro understands one language more than another, and it’s possible. But, he also responds to whatever language his caregivers speak. We’ve found that elephants respond to tone and intention as much as actual words.

Comments(7)

Ada says
October 2, 2026 at 6:25 pm

He has better food, he has a huge home to explore, to walk, he has caretakers who’ll provide medical treatment he needs. No doubt our handsome boy will get healthier as days, weeks, months go by🥰
Beci says
October 3, 2026 at 1:18 am

He looks happy. It’s so good to hear how much he’s moving around. He’s getting exercise he has needed for so long. He seems very aware that you are kind and I do believe they can pick that up. Thanks for all you do keep sharing please if you ever get a chance, could you bring us up to date on whether you will be getting a male anytime in the next year that you are aware of?
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  October 3, 2026 at 1:36 pm
  
  there are no other Asian male elephants in South America, and since we don’t mix species, Sandro will not have another male to live with. the hope was always that him and Tamy would share space, but Tamy passed away in Mendoza before having a chance at sanctuary. There are a couple of male African elephants, but no immediate plans to bring either to sanctuary.
Terry says
October 3, 2026 at 2:52 am

He will gain muscle since he is now exactly where he needs to be!
Richie Chiger says
October 3, 2026 at 8:31 am

Sandro is an absolutely beautiful elephant. I wonder if there are any other male elephants in or near Brazil that could come to live in the sanctuary and be his companion. Male elephants have friends too. It has been seen over and over.
Alida says
October 3, 2026 at 11:27 pm

Sandro really is a handsome boy, he looks so happy and relaxed, thank you for the update Scott, it is wonderful to see him adjusting so well 🙌❤️🐘❤️✨
Gigi says
October 4, 2026 at 6:11 pm

Today, my *Canadian Geographic* calendar tells me it is World Animal Day. I love the sanctuary and have boundless admiration for your excellent work. But the ones on my mind today are the big cats in the enclosures facing Sandro’s former enclosure. I haven’t set foot in a zoo in ages… yet I’ve seen them pacing back and forth in their small enclosures while watching—in disbelief—videos of people protesting Sandro’s departure.
My heart goes out to those big cats. And to all the other mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles in zoos across the planet.
It is a blessing that organizations like yours exist. Looking at your website brings me immense comfort and reassures me that there are still people fighting for the right causes, for the right reasons.
I love what you do, and I hope Sandro lives for many more years—not just for my own happiness, but also to prove that holding a biology degree and sporting a red tattoo doesn’t mean someone has all the answers. Nothing beats the hands-on experience you have gained over the years, serving all the elephants you care for and love for who they truly are.
I am always happy to hear news about all the living beings at the sanctuary, and I keep those who have passed on in my thoughts—even Tamy, whose loss still saddens me…
Long life to you all ❤️

How To Help

Adopt an Elephant

Donate Today

GSE Merchandise

Elephant Wishlists

Blog